Grant, Colorado

Grant is a Platte Canyon town that lies at the eastern start of Kenosha Pass on Highway 285 within Platte Canyon. It’s connected to Georgetown and I-70 via Guanella Pass and is only a short 50-minute drive from Denver. If you’re looking for a secluded, serene getaway, add Grant to your list.

There’s a small eclectic gift shop, a dispensary, and a lodge that make up the Park County town. It is situated at an elevation of 8,606 feet along the banks of the North Fork of the South Platte River, with great access to outdoor recreation.

Main Attractions

Highway heading toward mountains on a clear day — Kenosha Pass, near Grant, CO. Photo by: Alan Levine

Guanella Pass – Grant serves as the ending point of this stunning national scenic byway. Connecting I-70 and Georgetown to Grant and Highway 285, Guanella is known for its sweeping scenery, hiking trails, and plentiful campgrounds. It is also very popular in the fall when the foliage bursts into color.

Kenosha Pass – Grant lies 6 miles east of Kenosha Pass, which offers two popular recreation areas on either side of the highway at the top. There’s a campground and numerous trails to explore for bikers and hikers.

Webster Ghost Town – Although none of the original buildings remain, it’s still worth checking out the former townsite of this mining town. To get there from Grant, head west on Highway 285 for 2 miles to Kenosha Gulch. The townsite is at the highway’s intersection with County Rd 60.

Recreation

Scenic highway with mountains and forests — Views from the scenic Guanella Pass. Photo by: Tom Wilberding

Camping –

Both Guanella Pass and Kenosha Pass hold a number of campgrounds close to town. Grant lies at the junction of Forest Service Road 381 and US-285 at the end of Guanella Pass. There are plenty of dispersed camping spots on both sides of the pass if you keep an eye out as you drive. Note that the pass is closed in the winter months.
Al’s RV Park sits right off US-285 and offers a few quiet creekside campsites for RVs and tent setups.
Read about the camping near Grant and Guanella Pass.

Fishing – The North Fork of the South Platte River runs right past town and is a great spot for some peaceful trout fishing.

Hiking –

The Abyss trailhead is a few miles up the forest road and eventually leads you to Helms Lake, and is a very popular trek for leaf-peeping in the autumn months. Most visitors don’t complete the entire 12.5 miles roundtrip, but no matter how far up the trail you go you’re sure to be rewarded with beautiful views.
Three Mile Creek trailhead is a small, creekside trail that has a slight elevation gain. Hike under the canopy of thick trees as you make your way up to Mt. Logan for sweeping views of the surrounding area.

Accommodations

Large wooden and stone lodge in the forest — The lodge at Tumbling River Ranch in Grant, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/tumblingriver

Tumbling River Ranch – This charming dude ranch is only 4 miles from town and offers suites and even a private 7-bedroom house to rent. 3 meals a day are included with your stay, and the property also includes a pool and two hot tubs. Access to outdoor recreation is unmatched and they can arrange a variety of exciting activities for the whole family.

Kenosha Lodge – Visitors love this little unassuming lodge for a quick weekend getaway. There are only 5 rooms that sit along the river and massive Aspen forest. The rooms are cozy with WiFi, smart TVs, kitchenettes, and full bathrooms.

Booking.com

Read about the best hotels in Bailey, Pine and Grant.