Everything You Need to Know about Lake Granby
All About Lake Granby
Arapaho Valley Ranch lies on the southern banks of Lake Granby, the largest manmade lake in Colorado. This beautiful lake allows for a remote and fun day of water sports, soothing waters, and fun memories for you and your family.
On top of its fun factor, Lake Granby is an incredibly affordable place to spend your time, as it costs roughly $5 per day (this is the Arapaho Valley National Forest entrance fee.) Let’s dive into all the major things to do in Lake Granby so you can be prepared right when you arrive.
WINTER ACTIVITIES
Some Winter activities at the ranch include snowshoeing, sledding/tubing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. On weekend nights roast marshmallows over a bonfire while enjoying the stars before you stop by The Red Dog Saloon for a nightcap.
The ranch is a 45-minute drive to Winter Park Ski Resort and a 30 min drive to Granby Ranch Ski Resort.
Fishing
Lake Granby has a depth of 221 feet and is 7000 acres, making it an ideal fishing experience for the guests who stay in Arapaho Valley Ranch. Its impressive depth makes for a surprisingly diverse pool of fish to hook—at least for a freshwater lake. Lake Granby is an excellent ice fishing location for those visiting The Arapaho National Forest in the wintertime.
What fish will I catch here?
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Lake Trout
- Kokanee Salmon
- Mackinaw
- Cutthroat Trout
What should I bring for a fishing trip to Lake Granby?
You need to come prepared with a Colorado Fishing License and (if you’re planning to pilot a pontoon) a Colorado Boating License. These are necessary to make sure everyone understands the general fishing regulations for The Centennial State. If you just plan to fish at Arapaho Valley Ranch in our fishing pond, you don’t need a fishing license!
You should also plan on bringing any fishing equipment you have. Tackle boxes, fishing rods, and spare line are always essentials. If you don’t own any for yourself, you can pick some up at Granby’s Bait and Tackle in town.
Address: 383 E Agate Ave, Granby, CO
Phone: 970-557-3023
Ice Fishing
For guests who want to carve their way through some ice and fish in the Colorado cold, Lake Granby may be the perfect place to visit. Ice Fishing is incredibly popular here, and experts are clamoring to take tourists they meet at the local marinas.
What equipment do I need for ice fishing?
You’ll want to bring a cozy chair, fishing equipment like jigs, bait, and lures, needle-nose pliers, hand warmers, warm clothes, and cleats.
Fishing with Experts
While there are some public fishing charters that you can work with at the multiple marinas around the lake, Fishing with Bernie offers a quieter yet fulfilling experience. You’ll have the fishing experience of your life, guided by true fishing experts.
Phone: 303-956-3804
WILDLIFE
Let’s talk Wildlife!
We commonly see Moose, Elk, and the occasional Fox and Coyote. There are birds galore and we have regular hawk visitors flying overhead. Every once and awhile, a lucky camper or glamper will get to see one of the few Bald Eagles that live near our land.
Also, we have the adorable “Whistle Pig” or Yellow-bellied Marmot…….think of a beaver without a tail. Sometimes these animals seem to wander onto our land almost on a queue at just the right moment.
While some of the wildlife may seem to not be bothered by us, getting too close can be dangerous to you and them – so please enjoy AVR wildlife at a distance!
BOATING
AVR has its very own canoes that are free for our guests to use. We provide life vests, but please use caution especially with children near our water features!
You are more than welcome to bring your own paddle boards to use in our Little Indian Lake.
Since we are so close to Lake Granby, we have many fisherman and boating guests who camp with us and bring their boat to dock in Lake Granby during their stay. Please let us know if this is something you’d like to do and we can help you make it happen!
Watercraft Rentals
The best way to experience Lake Granby is by sailing the water and riding the waves yourself. The many Lake Granby Marinas are excellent places to visit if you’re looking to store your boat for the week or if you’re looking to rent for a day. The major Lake Granby Marinas are:
Pontoons and jet skis are usually the only rentable watercraft at the marinas. However, guests who stay in Arapaho Valley Ranch have access to free canoes so you can explore the water without needing to spend the extra dough. We also offer life vests to all of our guests, and we ask that you remain cautious when you’re out in the water.
We don’t have paddleboards, kayaks, or jet skis on our property, so if you want to try these activities bring some of your own.
FISHING
Lake Granby is about 1/8 of a mile in front of our land and is Colorado’s largest man-made lake. Monarch Lake is about 1/8 of a mile behind our land. The South Fork of the Colorado River runs right through the Ranch, so you have private access to some of the best fishing Colorado has to offer.
A Colorado state fishing license is required and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE
Have Kids? Very first time fishing? Unable to hike to the lake or river?
We have our own private trout pond where you’re sure to catch a whopper! There is no license required to fish in our private pond!
In the Lakes and Streams adjacent to the ranch, you’ll find the browns, the rainbows, the Kokanee salmon, and the gigantic mackinaw. (Mackinaw fishing is great in June). The trails that lead up into the hi-country lakes and streams will take you to the age-old habitat of the native or cutthroat trout.
HIKING
Our Ranch is nestled in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in Colorado.
Directly behind the Ranch is the Monarch Lake Trailhead, entrance to the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
This trailhead gives you access to the following trails:
Cascade Falls (9.2 miles round trip)
Crater Lake and Mirror Lake (14.8 miles round trip)
Gourd Lake (16.6 miles round trip)
The Monarch Lake trail leads to the old town of Monarch and its steam engine, which is a 3.9 mile loop.
Don’t forget about some of the breathtaking peaks that are over 12,000 ft such as Arapaho Peak and Mount Achonee.
On the other side of the Ranch is the entrance to Knights Ridge and Hell’s Canyon, nestled above Lake Granby.
For an amateur hike and one that is great for small children, we have our own private hiking trail that winds along the Southfork of the Colorado River and leads up to a wooden swing overlooking the Valley. Perfect for a kiss at sunset!
Some guests may not be a huge fan of the water, but absolutely love the beach. The closest “beachy” area available on Lake Granby is the Arapaho National Recreation Area on the northern side of the lake. It’s the perfect place to lounge about during a sunny day, picnicking and laughing with your family.
Arapaho National Recreation Area
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