THE FAMILY VACATION DECISION SIMPLIFIED: GRAND COUNTY

With its convenient location, distance of less than 70 miles from Denver, outstanding mountain scenery, and all-season recreational weather, Grand County makes for an easy family vacation decision. No matter if mom wants to soak up some sun and history, dad is looking for adventure on a snowmobile, your teenage son is anxious for snowboard lessons, and your daughter prefers horseback riding…You’ll find it in Grand County.

• Snowmobile – During the winter, the Village of Grand Lake becomes Colorado’s snowmobile capital. Bring your own or rent them here, and take one of the trails leading up into the spectacular backcountry near Rocky Mountain National Park, or scoot out onto the lakes for prime icefishing.

• Explore America’s western heritage – Each summer, the traditional cowboy skills of roping, barrel racing, and bull riding come alive at Fraser's High-Country Stampede Rodeo and Granby's Flying Heels Arena.  The little ones can even participate in “mutton-busting”!

• Take a ride – One of the best ways to get an up-close-and-personal western experience is on the back of a horse. Several local outfitters specialize in equestrian adventures ranging from one-hour trail rides through nearby meadows to overnight pack trips into the rugged wilderness.

• Ski (and more) – One of Colorado’s favorite ski destinations for 70 years, Winter Park Resort boasts 3,000 acres of prime Rocky Mountain skiing and boarding. During the summer, the slopes become a family playground that includes miniature golf, mazes, mountain biking, chairlift rides, and a giant alpine slide.

• Visit a national park – Just a short drive from the town of Grand Lake, enter Rocky Mountain National Park at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center for an unforgettable drive through pine meadows, up rugged slopes, and out into open alpine highlands. Along the way, you'll find hiking trails, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, and plenty of wildlife.

• Skate, tube – For some old-fashioned family winter fun, try the lighted snow-tubing hill in Fraser. Ride up the hill and zip back down on a giant inner tube. Or check out the outdoor skating rinks in Winter Park, Fraser, and Grand Lake.

• Camp (inside or out) – The YMCA of the Rockies operates Camp Chief Ouray, one of Colorado’s oldest summer camps, at Snow Mountain Ranch near Granby. Families can put together their own “summer camp” experience that includes hiking, swimming, craft activities, trail rides, and campfire sessions. During the winter, the fun includes Nordic skiing, ice skating, and snow tubing.

• Fish – Fishing is a great family activity, summer or winter, and Grand County offers plenty of excellent flatwater and ice fishing. Favorite destinations in the central part of the county include Grand Lake, Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Meadow Creek Reservoir, and Willow Creek Reservoir.  To the west, there’s the Williams Fork Reservoir near the town of Parshall and Wolford Mountain Reservoir just outside Kremmling. Throughout both seasons, you’ll find plenty of competitive events for anglers of all ages.

For additional information on Grand County, and an online trip planner, contact the Grand County Tourism Board at www.grand-county.com or 800-729-5821.