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Travel Guide

Arapaho Valley Ranch is located in one of the best places on Earth. There's never a shortage of exciting excursions to experience no matter what time you book with us. Take a look below for all the info you need.

VISITING LAKE GRANBY

This beautiful lake allows for a remote and fun day of water sports, soothing waters, and fun memories for you and your family. With so many things to do, you'll have a blast no matter what you choose! Let’s dive into all the major things to do in Lake Granby so you can be prepared right when you arrive.


fishing-on-lake-granby
three-glamping-tents

GLAMPING IN COLORADO


What if amenities you’ve come to expect in a hotel room could be found in the great outdoors? This idea took off nearly two decades ago, and has since grown into a bucket list item for many people around the world, and it’s no wonder why!  Take a look at some of the reasons glamping makes for the perfect vacation.

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.


MORE TO DO IN GRAND COUNTY >


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.


MORE TO DO IN GRAND COUNTY >


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!


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! AVR has several paddle boards you can rent, to be used on the Southfork of the Colorado River, which has access into Granby Lake. In addition, Granby Lake has two marinas where you can rent pontoons and speed boats. 


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!


MORE BOATING INFORMATION >


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!


MORE INFORMATION >



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.


LEARN MORE >


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.


Some other great trails near the Ranch:


Doe Creek Trail - trailhead is three miles from the Ranch on Arapaho Bay Road (CR6) (7.3 miles round trip)

Strawberry Lake Trail - trailhead is 1 mile from the Ranch on Arapaho Bay Road (CR6) (3.7 miles round trip)

Roaring Fork Trail - trailhead is 1/2 a mile down Hwy 637 across from the Ranch


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!


LEARN MORE >


camp-fire

Summer Activities


Summer activities at the ranch include fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, wildlife watching, live music, yard games and camp fires. On weekends we will often have activities for kids and live music at the lodge where you can roast marshmallows over the fire, play pool in the lodge and enjoy a drink at the Red Dog Saloon. Check out our Events Calendar or use the link below to discover more.


MORE THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER >


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!


LEARN MORE >


SURROUNDING AREAS


Grand Lake >
AVR is about 20 minutes away from the gorgeous town of Grand Lake, which is the most adorable town in the summer months. There are all sorts of summer activities, from boating and paddle boarding to eating ice cream and walk the galleries and stores on the main street. There are restaurants, shops and lots of friendly people!


Granby >
AVR is about 30 minutes away from the town of Granby, which is the perfect place to go grocery shopping on your way to our ranch. City Market is just on the outskirts of town and has everything you would need and more! Granby is also the home of the closest emergency department known as Middle Park Medical Center.


Hot Sulfur Springs >
About 35 minutes away from AVR is the town of Hot Sulfur Springs. Its a tiny little town but has one of the most famous hot springs in America! 23 pools and a lot of amazing history, the hot springs welcomes adults and children! It's also home to a couple of restaurants and a stellar candy shop called The Candy Store. This little town is definitely on our must do list!


Rocky Mountain National Park >

Rocky Mountain National Park is approximately 35 minutes from the west entrance down Highway 34. Rocky Mountain Park encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to towering mountain peaks. There are 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. There is a timed entry fee required to enter the park. Please visit National Park Services at https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm.


Winter Park >
This ski resort town is always popping in the winter, but everyone is surprised how many fun activities and events there are throughout the summer. If you are itching for some really fun adventure activities, live music.
Click here for more details >


SURROUNDING AREAS


Grand Lake >
AVR is about 15 minutes away from the gorgeous town of Grand Lake, which is the most adorable town in the summer months. There are all sorts of summer activities, from boating and paddle boarding to eating ice cream and walk the galleries and stores on the main street. There are restaurants, shops and lots of friendly people!


Granby >
AVR is about 15 minutes away from the town of Granby, which is the perfect place to go grocery shopping on your way to our ranch. City Market is just on the outskirts of town and has everything you would need and more! Granby is also the home of the closest emergency department known as Middle Park Medical Center.


Hot Sulfur Springs >
About 35 minutes away from AVR is the town of Hot Sulfur Springs. Its a tiny little town but has one of the most famous hot springs in America! 23 pools and a lot of amazing history, the hot springs welcomes adults and children! It's also home to a couple of restaurants and a stellar candy shop called The Candy Store. This little town is definitely on our must do list!


Winter Park >
This ski resort town is always popping in the winter, but everyone is surprised how many fun activities and events there are throughout the summer. If you are itching for some really fun adventure activities, and live music, click here for more details!


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