Collbran, Colorado | Mesa County

Collbran is secluded in a beautiful alpine valley on Colorado’s western slope. There are a few stores in town and a handful of places to eat. Collbran’s motto is “Preserving The Past, Conserving The Future”.

The town resides at an elevation of 5,984 feet in Mesa County. Its population was 369 in 2020. It’s surrounded by the Grand Mesa National Forest, providing a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Collbran was incorporated on July 22nd, 1908.

Main Attractions

Vega Reservoir Colorado — Private cabins dot the hillsides surrounding Vega Reservoir, Collbran.

Vega State Park – This large and remote state park is a hidden gem surrounded by majestic mountains and sprawling meadows in western Colorado. With activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and camping, Vega State Park is an ideal spot for families and friends to reconnect with nature and create unforgettable memories.

Grand Mesa – Grand Mesa was formed millions of years ago through volcanic activity and glacial movement, resulting in a unique and breathtaking flattop mountain. Its towering cliffs, scenic overlooks, and diverse flora and fauna offer a perfect setting for outdoor activities and scenic drives, making it a must-visit destination.

Recreation

View of Crag Crest Trail. The pictured section is a rocky trail following a ridge with green trees on either side and blue skies — Crag Crest Trail, a scenic 11-mile loop. Photo by: mlhradio

Camping –

The closest campgrounds are at Vega State Park, with over 100 sites, 5 cabins, and hookup options for RVs. Each site features a picnic table, fire pit, and views of the mountains or lake to enjoy.
Colorado River State Park can be accessed along parts of I-70. Take CO-330 for 22 miles from town to I-70W and shortly on the right will be the Island Acres Section featuring a campground and picnic area.
Read about the camping near Cedaredge and Collbran, around Grand Mesa.

Fishing – Vega Reservoir is a massive lake with a lot of room to fish and boat. The lake is stocked with cutthroat and rainbow trout and guests can cast their line from either the shore or any type of watercraft. However, if you’re looking to get on the water, each boat must pass inspection before launching.

Hiking –

Explore the stunning Crag Crest Trail, an 11-mile loop hike located on the Grand Mesa, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding terrain. This moderate-level trail takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete.
Experience the natural beauty of the Vega Reservoir Trail, a 5.5-mile hike through lush forests and along the picturesque Vega Reservoir. With an easy to moderate difficulty level, this trail takes about 3-4 hours to finish.

Fresh snow powder with ski marks and footprints among snow-dusted evergreen trees at Powerhorn Mountain Resort — Fresh powder at Powderhorn Mountain Resort. Photo by: james michael thomas

Snowsports – Surprisingly, there is a ski resort about 30 minutes southwest of town in Mesa. Powderhorn Mountain Resort is a picturesque winter wonderland. With over 1,600 skiable acres of skiable, a terrain park, and a unique free learn-to-ski program each winter, Powderhorn has a little bit of everything for all types of riders.

Accommodations

Guest room at The Alpine Motel in Collbran with two queen beds and a small nightstand in between. Navy blue accent wall behind the beds and white and blue linens on each bed — Room 28 at The Alpine Motel in downtown Collbran. Photo by: instagram.com/thealpinemotelco

The Alpine Motel – This motel is a 14-unit, 2-story accommodation conveniently situated downtown and within walking distance of the main strip. The motel was recently updated to provide guests with a rustic yet modern experience and currently offers self-check-in and keyless entry. Pet-friendly rooms are also available upon request.

Vega Lodge – Vega offers 11 cabins sleeping up to 6 guests that offer flushing toilets and linens, but no wi-fi or cell phone service for an authentic retreat experience at the state park. Each cabin has a unique view of the lake and accommodates pets for a fee per night. A minimum of 2 nights is required for all cabin rentals.

Read about the best hotels in nearby Palisade, about thirty miles west of Collbran.

Special Events

Main Street of Collbran with a few white tents and plastic tables set up for the Oktoberfest event — Oktoberfest on Main Street Collbran. Photo by: facebook.com/townofcollbran

Jul – Plateau Valley Heritage Days – A July 4th celebration featuring a parade down Main Street, games, merchants and food vendors, a horseshoe tournament, and a CPRA rodeo.

Sep – Oktoberfest – Celebrate the community of Collbran at this free event including a complimentary dinner and beer, live music, games, and even a raffle drawing. Everyone is welcome and the organizers encourage guests to bring a dessert to share with others.

Oct – Trunk-or-treat – Get in the spooky spirit at this family-friendly event held annually on Main Street. Grab candy from one of the many decorated cars and trailers, participate in the pumpkin carving contest, and enjoy the holiday surrounded by your friends!

Dec – Cowboy Christmas – It wouldn’t be the holiday season in a western small town without a cowboy Christmas celebration. Festivities include a craft fair, photo booth, parade of lights, community dinner with Santa, and a Cowboy dance to round off the night.