A Guide to Grand County in Every Season

Discover Year-Round Adventure in Colorado’s Scenic Playground

High in the Colorado Rockies, in the tranquil mountain basin of Middle Park, lies Grand County, a natural paradise that beckons to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure. No matter when you visit, Grand County offers year-round alpine activities to enjoy. As your local experts, SkyRun is here to be your guide in every season, providing recommendations on what to do and where to visit. Plus, our vacation rentals allow you to live the local lifestyle, giving you a true mountain experience. Our team has compiled a year-round guide to the charming communities of Grand County, so read on, and get ready for an exciting adventure in the Rockies!

Summer in Grand County: High-Alpine Trails & Days on the Lake

As the temperatures rise in the summer, so does the number of mountain activities you can experience in Grand County. When all the snow finally melts, it reveals a scenic outdoor playground waiting to be explored. Whether you’re craving the excitement of an alpine adventure, like hiking or paddleboarding, or a more leisurely experience, like exploring a small town, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. We suggest all of these activities to make the most of your summer vacation:

• Explore Nearby Hiking Trails: You won’t be far from miles of hiking trails. The Kawuneeche Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park is just a few miles north of Grand Lake, and you’ll find plenty to explore once inside the gates. In addition, you can also try conquering Byers Peak to see the world from 12,799 feet or venture into the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests or the Pawnee National Grassland.
• Visit Grand Lake or Lake Granby: If you’re looking to get on the water while surrounded by stunning peaks, you can visit either of these lakes in the area. Both lakes offer boating, paddle boarding, and kayaking. And Grand Lake offers a special experience, as it is the deepest and largest natural lake in the state. 
• Find a Festival to Attend: Our mountain communities may be small, but they still know how to host a stellar event. Enjoy live music at the Winter Park Jazz Festival each July, see roping cowboys at the Granby Rodeo each Saturday in the summer, or catch the July 4th fireworks over Grand Lake.
• Book a Guided Excursion: If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the outdoors, we suggest planning a guided tour. Imagine riding horseback through stunning mountain scenery or ripping up on the trails on an ATV. Whichever option is more your speed, there are many local companies that offer both options.

Our Best Summer Getaways

• Rentals near Grand Lake – rentals good for families for summer vacationers
• Highlight proximity to lakes and trailheads from your rentals

Grand Chalet at Grand Lake

4 Bedrooms |  3 full, 1 half Baths  | 16 Guests

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Ski Shores: The Lodge

3 Bedrooms  | 2 full, 1 half Baths  | 9 Guests

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Fall in Grand County: Golden Views & Crisp Mountain Air

As the days get shorter, and the temps get cooler, the views in the mountains get even better. Starting in mid-September, the area’s iconic Aspen trees will begin shifting to their vibrant yellow hue, ushering in the official start of fall. The days will still be warm enough for hikes, but you’ll also feel the crisp cooler air beginning to arrive, especially in the morning and evenings. This means prepare to dress in layers when you venture out to explore, so you can stay comfortable all day long. Fall is one of our favorite times of the year, and brings tons of opportunities for mountain fun:

• Leaf Peeping Hikes: Immerse yourself in the most colorful season of the year. In the autumn, you can enjoy hikes through tunnels of golden Aspens. One of the best hikes for leaf-peeping is Monarch Lake Loop, where you can see the vibrant fall colors reflected on the lake for a truly magical experience.
• Scenic Drives: If you prefer to see the sights from the comfort of the car, you can plan a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road or Cottonwood Pass. The mountainsides along these routes light up with fall colors, making for a peaceful winding drive. We suggest heading out early and making a day of it– you can stop for lunch in a small town along the way or find a place to picnic along your route.
• Great Photo Ops: The beautiful colors and soft golden lighting of the fall make for some of the most beautiful conditions to capture photographs. Whether you want to get shots of the scenery or plan to get a family selfie, Grand County is sure to provide the best backdrop for your images. Shadow Mountain Lake is a great spot to take in the sights with your own eyes or through the lens of your camera.

Our Favorite Fall Escapes

You may even be able to catch a few flurries during your fall visit, as the first flakes often appear in late September or early October. This can provide an even more unique experience – imagine fall colors dusted with snow. 

• Great for romantic getaways
• Suggest cabins with fireplaces or hot tubs for ultimate fall coziness

Stagecoach Cabin

 5 Bedrooms  | 4 full Baths |  14 Guests

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Park Cabin

3 Bedrooms | 2 full, 1 half Baths | 8 Guests

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Winter in Grand County: Ski Slopes & Snowy Adventures

Visiting Grand County in the winter is like stepping straight into your favorite holiday film – the snow covers everything in a sparkling blanket of white, fireplaces crackle in the evening, and hot chocolate becomes the drink of choice. Not to mention, this season brings prime conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and plenty of other outdoor adventures. Whether you prefer to be out enjoying the fresh powder or would rather watch the snowflakes drift by the window with a hot beverage in hand, Grand County provides the perfect place to do it all. Here’s some of the best places to visit in the winter:

• Winter Park: Winter Park Resort offers tons of outdoor fun in the winter. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you can hit the slopes on skis or a snowboard to explore over 3,000 acres of terrain. For those who prefer to stay off the slopes, there are scenic gondola rides, snowshoe tours, snow tubing, and plenty of other options to enjoy.
• Grand Lake: Known as the “Snowmobiling Capital of Colorado,” Grand Lake offers plenty of opportunities to traverse snowy terrain at high speeds. You can bring your own or rent a sled from a local shop in town and explore more than 100 miles of trails in the area.
• YMCA of the Rockies: If you’d like to fully immerse yourself in the stunning winter landscapes, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing allows you to do just that. The Nordic Center at YMCA of the Rockies offers equipment rentals and day passes, giving you access to miles of world-class terrain in a winter wonderland.
• Hot Sulphur Springs: Experience history and relaxation by taking a day trip to Hot Sulphur Springs for a soak in the natural hot springs. Used for centuries as a natural remedy, the seven hot springs are rich in minerals and naturally heated by the earth 35,000 feet below the surface. These springs feed the facility’s 18 man-made pools, but the water used is 100% natural (no chemicals added), and the flow into the pools is completely gravity fed.

Plan Ahead for a Winter Ski Trip

• Cozy evenings by the fireplace or in your private hot tub
• Book rentals early for ski season
• Recommend 4WD vehicles for easier access during snow season

Downtown Flat

2 Bedrooms | 2 full Baths | 7 Guests

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Chill 402

2 Bedrooms | 1 full, 1 3/4 Baths | 5 Guest

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Spring in Grand County: Spring Skiing & Scenic Drives

Spring in the mountains can differ greatly depending on when you visit. If you join us in the early spring (March and April), you can get your final fill of skiing and après-ski fun. On the other hand, visiting in late spring (May & June) provides you with the opportunity to see the snow fade into green meadows and colorful wildflowers, and gives you the first chance to hit the hiking trails early. Here’s what makes a spring visit to Grand County a special experience:

• Late-Season Skiing: In the early spring, there will still be plenty of snow on the runs, plus the warm Colorado sun and stunning blue skies creates the perfect conditions for a day on the mountain. 
• Less Crowded Hikes & Bike Rides: In the late spring, you can begin to hit the trails as soon as they open up for the season, which means there will be fewer people out and about. This means you can enjoy the peace and solitude of Mother Nature without interruption.
• Waterfall Views: As the snow melts in the spring, it feeds nearby creeks and rivers, creating waterfalls that elevate your hiking experience. We suggest visiting Adams Falls via the East Inlet Trailhead for a short, easy hike – pack a snack and enjoy it next to the sounds of a rushing waterfall.

Score Our Best Rentals for Less in the Spring

• Ideal for guests who want fewer crowds and lower rates
• Highlight shoulder-season discounts at vacation rentals

Mountain Willow at Grand Park

4 Bedrooms | 4 full, 1 half Baths | 12 Guests

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Fraser Crossing

1 Bedrooms | 1 full Baths | 4 Guests

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Choose Your Favorite Season & Plan a Grand County Getaway

Every season is a good season to visit Grand County, but the choice is up to you. Are you craving an adventurous alpine summer, a crisp, golden fall, a cozy fireside winter, or a sunny, colorful spring? (Hint: There’s no wrong answer.) No matter what you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable trip with your family or friends – and our stunning vacation homes will only add to the experience. Take your pick of any season, and start planning now for an epic mountain getaway!