Outdoors

Grand County: The Source of Your Wild

Presented by Grand County

Wildsam

Updated

13 May 2025

Reading Time

12 Minutes

Every journey has a source. Start yours here.

Spring quiet, off-road thrills, starlit soaks and rodeo warmups—this is the Rockies, your way.

Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Grand County is where every outdoor story begins. Here, adventure meets affordability, offering a rugged-yet-welcoming escape from the expected. From starlit nights at dude ranches to serene moments on alpine trails, this is a place where nature’s beauty and local charm create an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or slowing down to soak it all in, Grand County is the source of your wild-a destination as authentic and awe-inspiring as the landscapes that define it.

Wildsam
Solitude, Springs, and Serene Moments

The Spring Season Experience

Spring in Grand County is a secret worth keeping. While other mountain towns are caught between seasons, this is when the wild truly opens up. Trails are quieter. Lakes begin to stir. And the slower pace invites you to lean in and let go.

Trek through peaceful forests at Bowen Gulch or Berthoud Pass. Cast a line into Grand Lake or Lake Granby as the ice melts away. Trout are biting, and the banks are uncrowded.

For deep relaxation, soak in the mineral-rich waters of Hot Sulphur Springs, open year-round and always in season. Or spend a slow afternoon exploring Grand County’s story at local museums like Cozens Ranch, the Kauffman House, or Pioneer Village-where the region’s roots come to life without the rush.

Wildsam
Wide Open Spaces, Western Hospitality, Unforgettable Views

The Dude Ranch Experience

Dude ranch season kicks off in spring, welcoming guests to experience the spirit of the West in Grand County. From horseback rides across alpine meadows to campfire dinners under starry skies, it's a place where rustic charm meets real adventure.

Near Granby and Grand Lake, guest ranches offer all-inclusive stays with horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, and classic Western cookouts. Latigo Ranch combines elevated hospitality with epic mountain views, while places like Drowsy Water Ranch deliver fun for the whole family with trail rides, roping lessons, and cozy cabins.

Most ranches open for the season in late May or early June, with bookings filling fast. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning for the tradition, Grand County’s dude ranches promise a true Colorado escape.

Wildsam
Tradition Begins in Late Spring

The Rodeo Experience

The rhythm of rodeo season returns each June, bringing boots, broncs, and a whole lot of western flair to Grand County.

At the Flying Heels Arena in Granby, rodeo kicks off with weekend events in June and July, including Junior Rodeo in the afternoon and open competition after dark. Fraser’s High Country Stampede adds themed Saturdays all summer long, and the Middle Park Fair and Rodeo wraps the season with over 100 years of cowboy culture on display.

Whether you're watching from the stands or joining in on the community fun, rodeo is where Grand County’s frontier spirit comes alive.

Wildsam
Big Adventure, Small Crowds, True Colorado

The Source of Summer

Summer is on the horizon, and now’s the time to plan. In June, hiking trails fully open, marinas welcome boaters, and dude ranches begin another season of horseback rides, cookouts, and high-country hospitality.

From scenic drives to lakeside cabins, Grand County offers all the iconic Colorado experiences-without the lines or the fuss.

Ready to find your wild? Tap into the source of your next great vacation at grandcounty.com.

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