Granby, CO – Activities and Events

Granby has been called a “huntsman’s paradise” by locals. It sits in a wide, scenic valley with stunning landscapes in every direction. There’s national forest access in most directions and also excellent fishing, thanks to Lake Granby to the north.

Cozy shelter, delicious cuisine, and wonderful shopping areas make it a convenient place to stay while exploring the Grand County region. The town has a motto: “The heart of something grand.” Granby resides less than two hours drive from Denver.

Granby Colorado Winter Aerial View — Winter aerial of Granby, Colo. Photo: Chris parkes photo

In 2010 the town boasted a population of 1,864. Granby resides at 7,935 feet of elevation. It was incorporated on December 11, 1905. The town is a gateway to Lake Granby and the other “great lakes of Colorado”, located north of town. Granby also boasts its own ski area and year round resort, Granby Ranch.

Granby lies on the route of the Amtrak train with its own station in town. You can catch this train going west from Denver’s Union Station to Fraser or Granby stations, or continue west to Glenwood Springs or Grand Junction.

Granby Colorado Union Pacific Railroad — Union Pacific locomotive in Granby, Colo. Photo: carfull…from Wyoming

The nearby town of Hot Sulphur Springs offers a relaxing, hot springs resort retreat only ten miles down Highway 40. You can follow the Colorado River west of town to Hot Sulphur Springs and onto Kremmling, fishing the whole route.

Main Attractions

Granby Ranch – Provides skiing in the winter, and golfing and biking in the summer. The resort is situated a few miles from downtown.

Lake Granby – It’s the second largest body of water in Colorado. Lake Granby offers water sports of all types, including boating, fishing and swimming. It’s one of five lakes within the Arapaho National Recreation Area.

Recreation

Colorado River Fall Colors Granby CO — The Colorado River near Granby, Colorado. Photo: Simon Morris

Biking:

Arapaho National Forest is full of scenic trails for exceptional mountain biking.
Granby Ranch has an awesome bike park, with lift access.

Camping:

Arapaho National Forest offers many access points between Grand Lake and Winter Park, especially near Granby. Look for signs for national forest access and drive the couple miles back. Most offer great car camping opportunities.
Arapaho National Recreation Area has a number of campsites with breathtaking views of Lake Granby. Head north on Highway 34 from town and you’ll reach the lake. Stillwater and Arapaho Bay are some of the most stunning campgrounds.

Read about the Camping near Granby and Grand Lake.

Fishing:

Lake Granby lies about 8 miles to the north on Highway 34. Much of it is part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area, so there would be a $5 charge for vehicles to enter.

Lake Granby and Continental Divide Colorado — Continental Divide and calm waters on Lake Granby. Photo: Don Graham

Hiking:

Arapaho National Forest offers many trails around Granby. Look for access points marked by signs along Highway 34 to the north near Grand Lake and also heading south on Highway 40 towards Winter Park.