GRANBY, CO

Things to Do in Granby

Whether you're drawn to hiking, biking and fishing, or prefer visits to local shops, museums and restaurants, Granby has something for every taste and time of year. Trek pine-lined trails, celebrate at seasonal events or relax and unwind in town. Start at the Granby Information Center to get even more trip tips and inspiration.

Outdoor Activities

When summer comes around, things start heating up in Granby. Hike the Monarch Lake Loop, camp right by Lake Granby or tee up for world-class golfing at the Grand Elk Golf Course. Boat on the glistening water at Lake Granby or book a guided rafting trip with a local outfitter to whoosh along the Colorado River headwaters. Home to some of the state's finest fishing, Granby’s portion of the Colorado River is designated as Gold Medal Waters.

As fall blankets Granby in honey-colored leaves, challenge yourself on a rollercoaster of rugged mountain-biking paths at Granby Ranch or on the Fraser to Granby Trail. Equestrians can opt for a serene horseback ride amid the colorful autumn scenery along the Bill Miller Trail or with a guide at a local ranch.

During winter, Granby transforms into a snowy paradise. Catch a lift up the mountains to ski or snowboard at Granby Ranch ski resort. Traverse frosty trails on sleigh rides, dog-sledding trips and snowmobile adventures offered at Snow Mountain Ranch - YMCA of the Rockies, or drop a line at ice fishing spots on Lake Granby.

In brisk Granby spring, outdoors enthusiasts find plenty to enjoy. Visit neighboring Rocky Mountain National Park, where wildlife begins to stir amid lingering snow, and trails unveil frosty pine trees throughout the Kawuneeche Valley. In late spring, golfers can tackle courses framed by snowcapped peaks, while anglers embrace the challenge of cold-water fishing.

Events

A summer trip to Granby is not complete without a ticket to the rootin’ tootin’ Granby Rodeo at the Flying Heels Arena. Bring the kids and cheer for cowpokes as they wow with bull riding and roping, barrel racing and mutton bustin’. If you’re looking for some live music, Granby Ranch hosts a Summer Nights Concert Series throughout the season, where folky bands perform on the stage by the base of the bike-park hill.

In June, the Granby Grubfest, the town’s restaurant week, highlights the town’s top culinary destinations with exclusive specials and discounts. And of course, you can’t miss the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display that takes place every Independence Day weekend, alongside a celebratory family bike parade and 5K fun run.

In winter, root for your favorite anglers at the Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest, the longest running ice-fishing tournament West of the Mississippi. Taking place on beautiful Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake, contestants vie for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes for reeling in the best catch. Or, for some holiday cheer, visit for the annual tree lighting, where the community gathers to see a massive pine light up in a rainbow of colors for the season.

Shopping

Granby is home to so many boutiques, gear stores and specialty shops where you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir. Delve into the arts scene by visiting local galleries and shops like The Bowerbird's Den. Admire colorful paintings that depict the region or pick up some handcrafted ceramics, stationary and more. Step into the Information Center to see Queen Bee Gardens to explore all-things honey, including rich caramels, chocolates, bee pollen and of course, big jars of the sweet stuff. You can also pick up pure beeswax candles and balms.

Want some gear for your Grand County camping trip, snowy hike or fishing excursion? Head to Two Pines Supply for camp rentals, ski poles, snowshoes and anything else you need for an outdoor expedition. Anglers will want to spend some time at Granby Bait N Tackle, where you can find equipment, baits, fishing tackle and tips on the best places to drop a line nearby.

And when it’s time to pick out the perfect gift to bring home, go to Grand Mountain Trading Company. From Western apparel (check out their cowboy-boot collection) to handmade jewelry to trinkets like mugs, wood-carved kitchenware and knives, you'll be sure to find something to take home after browsing. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to do some mountain-town thrift shopping, treasure hunt at Main Street Thrift to find cute clothes, homegoods and tons of other trinkets.

Dining

Start your day right with a big cup of coffee and a Western-style breakfast at one of the cafes in Granby. Grab a cafe latte from Java Lava and order up Mama’s Breakfast Burrito with scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns and pork green chili, a Colorado classic. At Midtown Cafe, snag some fresh-brewed joe and warm hot cocoa. Pair it with sweet pastries or a big plate of steak and eggs. Wake up and wander over to Fat Cat Cafe to take a seat in their charming dining room, sip coffee and munch on fluffy buttermilk biscuits smothered in peppery sausage gravy.

For dinner, discover restaurants in Granby like the Granby Garage Roadhouse; you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the massive mural with moose antlers. Drink a Colorado-brewed beer and snack on spicy chicken wings and Baja-style fish tacos. And for some of the best margaritas and Mexican cuisine in Grand County, visit Grand Azteca Mexican Restaurant, where you can dig into gooey cheese enchiladas and spicy chorizo burritos. When you’re in the mood for a big slice of pizza, go to Lina’s Pizza for their delicious white pies with toppings like fresh basil and balsamic vinegar.

You have to wrap up your day with something sweet. One of the best places to get your fix is Mary’s Mountain Cookies, for fresh cookies with gooey chocolate chips, Snickers, s’mores and M&Ms. And you can’t go wrong with adding a big scoop of ice cream and making it a sandwich.  At Showboat’s Drive By Pie, you can try a slice (or a whole pie) filled with juicy blueberries and cherries or sweet pecans and pumpkin. Or, for a sweet, creamy milkshake, cruise over to Debbie’s Drive In to pick from 15 different flavors, including white chocolate, birthday cake and peach (best sipped alongside one of their juicy smash burgers).

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