GRANBY, COLORADO

Elev. 7935 Ft.
Pop.  1525

History

Granby was established at the beginning of the last century to serve as a railhead for the recently constructed Moffat Railroad; by the 1920s, the town was a thriving commercial and service center for local farmers and ranchers.  Today, the town is the county’s commercial hub, home to many service and retail businesses, including a supermarket, medical clinic, laundromat, and library, as well as several banks, schools, restaurants and motels.  

What to Do

Its central location makes Granby a perfect base for exploring the area at any time of the year. Nearby Granby Ranch and Grand Elk Ranch and Club offer 2 golf courses, a ski area, hiking, mountain biking and flyfishing.  The Arapaho National Recreation Area and National Forest are just up Highway 34, and encompasses five lakes and reservoirs as well as thousands of acres of forest lands open for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and camping. Also within a 20-mile radius of Granby are Winter Park Resort, Grand Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Hot Sulphur Springs.  

Lodging

Several bed-and-breakfast inns and inexpensive motels are located in the area, and the National Forest Service district office has information on nearby campsites.  The Inn at Silver Creek offers both hotel and condo-style rooms with amenities that include swimming pool, health club, game room, restaurant and convention center.  Visitors to the YMCA of the Rockies/Snow Mountain Ranch, just east of Granby, can choose from tent sites, RV sites, lodge rooms, and cabins sleeping up to 32 people.  Granby is also known as the “Dude Ranch Capital of the USA” for its concentration of dude and guest ranches featuring everything from rugged lodges with hands-on activities to posh resort accommodations.

Events

Jan. 30-Feb1: Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest

April 11: Granby Easter Egg Hunt

June 5-Oct. 2: Every Friday Granby Farmer’s Market

June 5: Friday Frenzy

July 11-12: Granby Fly-fishing Festival

July 4: Independence Day Parade and BBQ in the Park

July 4: Granby Fireworks

July 3, Aug. 14 & Sept. 4: Friday Frenzy

December 3: Parade of Lights and Chili Supper

December: Holiday Gala and Silent Auction

Fun Fact

Early settlers in Granby discovered that the climate and soil were perfect for growing lettuce; thanks to the proximity of the railroad, the area soon became a major supplier of lettuce to restaurants as far east as Chicago and New York.  


Grand County, Colorado is the perfect year-round destination with activities ranging from a family ski adventure to a real Western trail ride. For additional information on Grand County and an online Trip Planner check out www.grand-county.com or call 800-729-5821.