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Fraser Colorado
Downtown Fraser.

Fraser, Colorado

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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 1,532 permanent residents as of 2019. Located in Grand County, the Arapaho National Forest surrounds the town that 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, 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 of 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 in 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

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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.

Dining

Bars and Restaurants Downtown Fraser CO
Shops, bars and restaurants line Highway 40 in downtown Fraser.

Fraser is a happening place year-round, so there are plenty of places to eat to cater to the crowds. From its own breweries, distillery, and winery, to an array of food types, you’ll never go hungry in Fraser, unless it’s after 8-9pm or so.

Colorado Corndog Company – More than just their freshly dipped corndogs, this spot also amazing tacos and empanadas.

Solstice Winter Bistro – An intimate, gourmet tapas restaurant with great cocktails.

Sharkey’s Eatery – The perfect relaxed cafe for pancakes, burgers, and any other thing you’re looking to eat during the day.

Read about the best bars in Fraser.

Special Events

High Country Stampede Rodeo Fraser Colorado Cowboy
Bull riding at the High Country Stampede. Photo by: High Country Stampede

Jun – Fraser Picnic in the Park – Held every Tuesday in Old School Park, join the community for a picnic.

Jul/Aug – High Country Stampede Rodeo – Every Saturday from early June to mid-August, Fraser hosts a wild evening of western rodeo performances.

Jul – Fraser Mountain Mural Festival – Local artists come together to paint 8ft x 8ft murals in front of a live audience.

Crooked Creek Saloon is the locals bar.
Downtown Fraser is fairly spread out.
Ditch Roadside Grill is across from the saloon.
A pond in Fraser provides nearby fishing.

Activities near Fraser

Amusement:

  • Winter Park Alpine Slide (6mi)
  • Village Cabriolet (6mi)
  • Winter Park Scenic Gondola (6mi)

Biking:

  • Granby Ranch Bike Park (15mi)
  • Trestle Bike Park (6mi)

Cross Country Skiing:

  • Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa (6mi)
  • Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center (9mi)

Dog Sledding: 

  • Dog Sledding at Snow Mountain Ranch (9mi)

Federal Lands:

  • Arapaho National Forest
  • Arapaho National Rec Area
  • Bryers Peak Wilderness
  • Devil’s Thumb Lake (Indian Peaks Wilderness)
  • Indian Peaks Wilderness
  • Rocky Mountain National Park (33mi)
  • Saint Louis Creek

Ghost Towns:

  • Corona (15mi)

Hot Air Balloons:

  • Grand Adventure Balloon Tours

Hot Springs:

  • Hot Sulphur Springs Resort (25mi)

Ice Skating:

  • Fraser Valley Sports Complex
  • Winter Park Village (6mi)

Museums:

  • Cozens Ranch Museum

Ski Areas:

  • Granby Ranch Resort (15mi)
  • Winter Park Ski Resort (6mi)

Sleigh Rides: 

  • Dashing Thru the Snow Sleigh Rides

Snow Tubing:

  • Colorado Adventure Park
  • Fraser Tubing Hill

Snowmobiling:

  • Grand Adventures

Towns:

  • Granby (15mi)
  • Grand Lake (31mi)
  • Hot Sulphur Springs (25mi)
  • Kremmling (42mi)
  • Tabernash (4mi)
  • Winter Park (5mi)

Transportation: 

  • Amtrak Fraser Stop
  • Denver International Airport (90mi)
  • Grand Mountain Rides (to Grand County/from Denver Airport)

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