Parshall, Colorado

Parshall is a tiny town tucked between Hot Sulphur Springs and Kremmling on US Highway 40. The small village consists of an array of homes, a church, a post office, and evidence of a fire in part of the town.

There’s one bar and restaurant serving up locals and visitors alike, known as The Parshall Inn. The town sits at an elevation of 7,575 and as of 2020, there were 42 residents.

The Henderson Mill provides most of the jobs in the Grand County community, producing molybdenum from the Henderson Mine. Cattle ranching is also an important economic sector.

Main Attractions

The Parshall Inn Parshall CO — The Parshall Inn in Parshall, Colo. Photo by: Peter

Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch – Built in 1912, this dude ranch offers overnight stays, horseback riding, fly fishing, ziplining, trap shooting, mountain biking, hiking, swimming, and dining throughout the summer season. Each stay includes three freshly cooked meals per day to keep you fueled for endless outdoor fun.

Williams Fork Reservoir – The 1,860-acre reservoir is a year-round playground for boating and fishing. Located just south of town, the area also makes for a great free camping getaway near the Arapaho National Forest.

The Parshall Inn – Dubbed “a great place to be in the middle of nowhere.” This longtime Grand County locals’ favourite serves up fresh, flavorful food and ice-cold beers.

Recreation

Lake with hills around — Sunny day at Williams Fork Reservoir in Parshall, CO. Photo by: Jeffrey Beall

Camping –

Williams Fork Reservoir campground has several free sites for tent camping and RVs. There are vault toilets, fire rings, and two boat ramps for launching watercraft.
Hot Sulphur Springs campground is open May-October and has 14 campsites that are suitable for rigs up to about 20 feet. The campground is located inside the 80-acre Pioneer Park and is pet-friendly.
Hot Sulphur State Wildlife Area has several primitive campsites throughout the 22-acre property, split between the Lone Buck and Joe Gerrans campgrounds.
Read about the camping near Kremmling, Parshall and Hot Sulphur Springs.

Fishing –

The Colorado River is pretty slow-flowing around town but still offers great public fly fishing. Rainbow trout have been stocked in the area twice, and fishermen will also find bass and walleye.
Williams Fork Reservoir allows fishing from hand-powered watercraft or vessels small enough to fit on a car rooftop. Most motorized craft types are also allowed. Common fish species found in the lake are northern pike, kokanee salmon, and trout.
Hot Sulphur SWA requires a valid fishing license to cast a line in the Colorado River or one of the several creeks that flow from it. It is a popular place to catch a variety of trout species.

Hiking – Radium Hot Springs is about 40 minutes to the west, and is a great opportunity to visit a primitive hot spring! Located in Kremmling, a 1.4 mile roundtrip hike will take you to this natural hot spring pool on the banks of the Colorado. It’s better to visit when the water level of the river is low so the cold water doesn’t dilute the hot spring water too much.

Accommodations

Sunset over a guest ranch — Sunset over the Bar Lazy J Ranch in Parshall, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/barlazyj

Booking.com

Bar J Lazy Guest Ranch – Choose between a private riverside cabin or a room in the lodge during your stay at Bar J. Rooms come with king or queen beds, plush linens, and rustic western furnishings. Three hearty, homecooked meals are included for each guest throughout their stay as well, so you can fully relax and enjoy the array of activities.

Parshall Place – This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house is tucked away in town and sleeps up to 6 guests. There is a full kitchen and a large deck with views of the Colorado River. All the small personal touches make this house the perfect spot for your next weekend getaway.

Check out more hotel options in nearby Hot Sulphur Springs.