GRAND COUNTY’S SCENIC BYWAYS, SUMMER AND WINTER   The State of Colorado has recognized a number of highways for their scenic and historic importance, and Grand County is fortunate enough to have two such drives: the Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway and the Colorado Headwaters Scenic and Historic Byway.  Winter and summer, these end-to-end drives offer glimpses into Colorado history as well as amazing views of quintessential Colorado mountain scenery.    No matter the time of year, there’s a good reason to take a Grand County byway.  Here’s what you can expect:   SUMMER Byway Landmark WINTER Sweeping vistas of the Colorado Rockies, mountain goats, marmots, elk, moose.  Many trailheads are easily accessible from the highway.  The Never Summer Ranch, an historic guest ranch, is open to visitors.  During the summer, Trail Ridge Road is open to Estes Park.   Trail Ridge Road within Rocky Mountain National Park (US Highway 34) from Milner Pass south to Grand Lake. Although closed at the higher passes during the winter, there is access for several miles up into the Kawuneeche Valley– expect to see dazzling white vistas, deep pine forests, and signs of winter wildlife.  Many trails are accessible for nordic skiing and snowshoes. Explore the town’s many shops and restaurants that line the boardwalk, or enjoy a boat ride on Colorado’s largest natural lake. The professional Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater runs nightly through September. Village of Grand Lake (Trail Ridge Road ends, Colorado Headwaters Byway begins)   The village becomes “Snowmobile Central” during the winter; many town streets are open to snowmobiles.  The New Year’s fireworks over the lake are famous. The Grand Lake Golf Course serves as a nordic touring center. The Tri-Lakes Area (with Grand Lake) is one of Colorado’s most popular boating and fishing destinations.   The area boasts rainbow, mackinaw, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout as well as kokanee salmon. Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Lake Granby The frozen lakes offer excellent snowmobiling and ice fishing.   Local businesses sponsor popular ice fishing contests throughout the season. Small-town hospitality with convenient services for travelers: lodging, banks, shops, library, supermarket, gas stations, and post office. During the summer, Granby is the jumping-off point for side trips to the popular hiking and mountain biking destinations of the Fraser Valley and Winter Park. The rest stop at Windy Gap Reservoir, just west of Granby, includes a short self-guided walk through a waterfowl sanctuary. Town of Granby   From here, the alpine and nordic ski destinations of Sol Vista Basin, Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Snow Mountain Ranch, Winter Park Resort, Mary Jane, and Berthoud Pass are only a short drive to the east. Not only home to the county courthouse and history museum complex, the town is the site of a  hot springs resort that  has been a destination for well over 100 years.  West of town, the Colorado River enters Byers’ Canyon, a popular fishing spot. Town of Hot Sulphur Springs The hot springs and history museum remain open all winter. The 20-mile stretch of the Colorado River from its confluence with the Fraser River near Granby to Troublesome Creek near Kremmling is officially designated as “Gold Medal” waters for its wealth of brown and rainbow trout. Parshall Several stretches of prime fishing near Parshall remain easily accessible from the highway during the winter.  The town is bounded by three national forest areas, so summer activities feature outstanding fishing on the Colorado River, Wolford Mountain Reservoir, Green Mountain Reservoir and Williams Fork Reservoir. The area is also a popular autumn  destination for open range hunting of elk and deer.  The area’s ranching history is showcased at Kremmling’s museum, and can be experienced in person at the Grand County Fair in late August. Kremmling Winter attractions in and around Kremmling include uncrowded cross country skiing and snowshoe trails,  or ice fishing on Wolford Mountain Reservoir, Green Mountain Reservoir and Williams Fork Reservoir.  The Steamboat Springs ski resort lies over Rabbit Ears Pass to the west. The byway continues along a stretch of the Colorado river popular for its excellent rafting and kayaking, and ends with spectacular views of the rugged Upper Gore Canyon.  Gore Canyon to State Bridge The byway ends at State Bridge; continue on from State Bridge to Wolcott for access to I-70 and the Vail Valley.     For more information about Grand County’s scenic drives, destinations, activities, special events or lodging deals, visit the website at www.grand-county.com, or call toll-free (800) 729-5821.