Tucked in the heart of the Rockies, Granby, CO, is an off-the-radar travel destination offering big nature and small-town charm. If you’re staying in one of our vacation rental homes in nearby Winter Park, start planning for Granby’s gorgeous scenery, outdoor activities, and local shopping. Here are the 18 best things to do in Granby, CO.
1. Hit the Slopes at Granby Ranch
Granby Ranch is a low-key ski resort with family-friendly slopes. The mix of well-groomed runs and backcountry trails make it perfect for all skill levels. Also, renting your skiing and snowboarding gear in Granby gives you a chance to avoid the crowds of Colorado’s busier resorts.
2. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
Outdoor lovers will find Granby an ideal base, with the Grand Lake entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park just a short 20-minute drive away. This proximity unlocks access to over 350 miles of trails, offering opportunities for scenic drives, challenging hikes, and even horseback riding, ensuring a wealth of activities to immerse yourself in the park’s renowned natural beauty. Be sure to research the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park and plan accordingly.
Outdoor lovers will be glad to know that the Grand Lake entrance to the park is only a 20-minute drive from Granby. Whether you opt for a scenic drive, challenging hike, or horseback riding, plenty of activities help you enjoy this famous nature.
3. Relax at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
These hot springs are a natural way to relax during your Colorado vacation! You can unwind in over 16 hot springs at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort, just minutes from the town of Granby. If you really want to indulge, you can book a massage treatment as well!
4. Fish the Gold Medal Waters of the Colorado River
Trout fishers rejoice! Colorado’s rich river ecosystems have given it a reputation for having Gold Medal Waters. Whether you’re fly fishing from shore or casting from a boat, get ready for some world-class fishing. Learn more about fishing access and conservation efforts on their website!
5. Take a Scenic Drive
Granby’s enviable location near Rocky Mountain National Park means an abundance of stunning natural beauty, often too vast to explore on foot. However, a scenic drive offers the perfect solution, revealing breathtaking vistas from forested paths to dramatic cliffside highways.
You’ll find no shortage of picturesque routes, with popular choices including the iconic Trail Ridge Road, the historic Ute Pass, and the captivating Cottonwood Pass, each promising unforgettable views and a deeper appreciation for the surrounding landscape.
6. Hike Monarch Lake Trail
The Monarch Lake Trail offers an ideal, easy day hike for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, particularly during warmer months. This favorite 4.2-mile loop trail, with its minimal elevation gain, gracefully encircles Monarch Lake, providing serene views of both the tranquil water and the surrounding forest. Hikers, including those with leashed dogs, can enjoy this scenic path while also keeping an eye out for fascinating antique logging machinery scattered along the route.
7. Go Boating or Paddleboarding on Lake Granby
- Boat rentals available at local marinas
- Fishing and angling opportunities in the winter
Lake Granby is one of Colorado’s largest lakes, so there are plenty of recreational opportunities out on the water. Rent a boat, paddleboard, or kayak to explore Granby’s scenery from a different perspective. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the shoreline afterward!
8. Try Nordic Skiing in Granby
- Trails for all skill levels
- Rentals available at local businesses
Come wintertime, Nordic skiing lovers are quite happy in Granby! Miles of Nordic skiing trails surround the town, setting you up for a peaceful winter adventure. If cross-country skiing isn’t your thing, you can break out the snowshoes instead!
9. Find Unique Souvenirs at Grand Mountain Trading Company
You can’t leave your Colorado adventure behind without picking up a souvenir! The Grand Mountain Trading Company has been providing thoughtful gifts since 1947. Aside from high-quality men’s and women’s apparel (especially cowboy boots!), you can also find local treats and outdoor gear at this downtown shop.
10. Indulge in Fresh-Baked Goodies at Mary’s Mountain Cookies
A Colorado institution so beloved that it’s spread across the country, Mary’s Mountain Cookies will help you satisfy your sweet tooth when you explore the Granby area. Stock up on these drool-worthy, soft-baked treats. Pick between their classic and fluffy oversized cookies, their filled gourmet cookies, or even their ice-cream filled cookies!
11. Explore the Moffat Road Railroad Museum
- Restored train cars and exhibits
- The largest Christmas train display in the U.S.
Don’t miss the chance to learn about Granby’s significant railway history at the Moffat Road Railroad Museum. Train enthusiasts and history buffs will love browsing the model railroad layouts and interactive exhibits. It’s time to go caboose spotting!
12. Sing and Shop at the Music & Market
If you visit Granby in the summer, this is a great way to spice up the end of your week. The Music & Market hosts toe-tapping live music at the farmer’s market every Thursday from late June to mid-August. Sing along as you browse the goods from local vendors!
13. Enjoy a Show at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Just a brief 20-minute drive away, the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre in Grand Lake is your chance to take in the local arts and culture scene. Around since the 1960s, the theatre has been much-loved in the community and puts on a robust program of off-Broadway favorites each season!
14. Watch the Summer Granby Rodeo at Flying Heels Arena
- Every Saturday in June and July
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Embrace Granby’s cowboy culture at the Granby Rodeo, held at Flying Heels Arena during the summer months. Catch bull riding, barrel racing, trick riding, and more at the longest running rodeo show in the country!
15. Attend Granby Grubfest in June
Granby Grubfest is a celebration of the town’s food scene, designed to bring people together and support local restaurants. Food enthusiasts traveling to Granby in June will love the town’s take on Restaurant Week, which offers a delightful opportunity to sample the diverse and delicious offerings of the town’s restaurants and eateries, making it a must-attend event for any foodie exploring the area.
16. Enter the Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest (Winter)
- Takes place on Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Lake, and Grand Lake
- Longest running ice-fishing contest West of the Mississippi
If you’re visiting Granby in the winter, be sure to catch this annual local competition! Ice fishers come from all over to compete for tens of thousands of dollars of cash prizes. All proceeds from the competition go to a community organization that supports the Granby community!
17. Shop at The Bowerbird’s Den
As Granby’s only art gallery, the Bowerbird’s Den always has something interesting to look at with its inventory of locally made arts and crafts. Go to browse art and original prints, home decor, upcycled furnishings, and other things that would make a perfect souvenir!
18. Indulge in Sweet Treats at Queen Bee Gardens
Unsurprisingly, Queen Bee Gardens is all about the honey! They’re most popular for their sweet treats like whipped honey, honey caramels, and honey-infused chocolates. However, you can also pick up a locally-sourced souvenir to take home, from candles to bee pollen to muscle massage balm!
Plan Your Winter Park Getaway Today
When you stay with us in Winter Park near Granby, CO, you can build a vacation fit for outdoor lovers, small-town shoppers, or anything in between! Try biking, fishing, or cross-country skiing; go for a hike or scenic drive, shop for local souvenirs, or learn about local history at a museum.
Book your stay at one of our vacation rentals in Winter Park to unlock your Rocky Mountian adventure today!