Fraser, Colorado | Grand County

Situated in a beautiful alpine valley, Fraser is a good choice for relaxation year-round. The town usually gets lumped together with Winter Park, as it’s only minutes from its neighbor. It is made up of a few blocks of businesses spread out along Highway 40.

Fraser had about 1,400 permanent residents as of 2020. Located in Grand County, the Arapaho National Forest surrounds the town which sits at 8,574 feet. With outdoor recreation in nearly all directions, there’s fun to be had year-round in the Fraser River Valley.

History

old building in fraser, CO — Old building in Fraser, CO. Photo by: Matthew Trump

Fraser, originally spelled Frazier, had humble beginnings as a large sawmill. Eventually, the population grew around it, and it was incorporated on June 15, 1953. Throughout the years, it has supported an opera house and a large weather station and served as a vacation fishing spot for President Eisenhower.

Main Attractions

Fraser CO California Zephyr Amtrak Train — California Zephyr train at Fraser Station. Photo: Loco Steve

Amtrak Train – The winter “ski train” from Denver’s Union Station delivers passengers looking to ski Winter Park’s famous slopes to Fraser Station. You can board the California Zephyr train in either direction, east to Denver or west to Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction (or onto California).

Cozens Ranch Museum – A great way to take a look into Fraser’s history, this homestead museum is inside the first ranch settled in Fraser Valley.

Fraser Tubing Hill – A family-friendly, wide, and broad tubing hill that even has a lift. It has been family-owned and operated since 1971, and you can even bring a picnic to enjoy after a day of fun.

Recreation

Fraser River Valley Grand County Colorado Winter Frost — Frosty morning in the Fraser River Valley, Grand County, Colo. Photo by: Tom Wilberding

Biking –

There are two national forest access roads in Fraser, County Road 72 and 73, near the Alco and across the street from Safeway. Co Rd 72 takes you to Elk Creek, and Co Rd takes you to St Louis Creek. Once you get back to the Arapaho National Rec Area, numerous side mountain roads connect the two, all open to biking.
Trestle Bike Park is located at Winter Park Resort. Rentals are offered for this downhill mountain course. Granby Ranch is also a bike park.

Camping –

There are two national forest campgrounds, St Louis Creek and Byers Creek, both close to town on County Road 73.
Dispersed camping can be found on County Road 72/Elk Creek Road within a few minutes of downtown.
Another option for free dispersed camping is just north of town on Co Rd 50. Take a left on Co Rd 5 then a quick left on CR 50. Follow for a few miles to the national forest.
Read about the camping near Winter Park and Fraser.

Fraser River near Granby CO — Fraser River north of town near Granby, Colo. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

Fishing –

There are a couple of local ponds in Fraser, but the best fishing exists up north between Granby and Grand Lake in one of the many great lakes.
The Fraser River passes north through town on its way to the Colorado River. Both offer excellent places to trout fish.

Hiking –

Fraser River Trail is a well-maintained walking trail around Lilly Lake. It’s not very strenuous and very family-friendly if you want to get into nature for a little while.
There are lots of trails in the national forest; just look for access points.

Accommodations

image of wild horse inn — Winter at Wild Horse Inn. Photo by: Wild Horse Inn Facebook

Holiday Inn Express Suites – A great affordable option for anyone looking to adventure in Fraser or Winter Park. It has prime proximity to golf courses, skiing, and restaurants.

Wild Horse Inn – Closed in 2022 for renovations. Nestled in the heart of the mountains is a cozy inn that has all of the essentials for a weekend getaway.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa – With over 6,500 acres to explore and relax on, this is the premier ranch resort in Colorado.

Read about the best hotels in Fraser.