Itinerary: Winter Weekend of Adventure in Grand County

A group of people standing next to a horse drawn carriage in the snow.

Looking to conquer every Rocky Mountain adventure out there? In just one long weekend, Grand County can help you knock a few big ones off your bucket list. Here’s our ideal way to spend a long weekend on a Rocky Mountain adventure:

Day 1: Get Outdoors

9:00 a.m. Since Grand County is only 67 miles from Denver, it’s easy to get up here nice and early to start your long weekend off right. Head straight to Winter Park, Colorado to fuel up for an adventurous day at Carver’s Bakery Café. Grab a hearty breakfast burrito and some freshly squeezed orange juice to start your weekend off right.

10:30 a.m. No one is a true Rocky Mountain adventurer without having experienced fat biking, or mountain biking with snow tires. Head to one of the many locations in the area for a variety of trails and experiences throughout the county.

Some of our favorite places to ride? Experience Mountain Bike Capital USA™ in the wintertime at Winter Park Resort, or find a variety of family-friendly trails at Granby Ranch or at Snow Mountain Ranch. Want to find trails to explore on your own? Find rental opportunities to create your own adventure.

1:00 p.m. After a morning of exploring Grand County’s trails on two wheels, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Head back into the town of Winter Park to grab a sandwich and a cup of soup or chili at Rudi’s Deli.

2:00 p.m. Mid-afternoon is the perfect time to embark on a backcountry hut or yurt trek. There’s no better way to take in the quintessential Rocky Mountain beauty than hiking out to a cabin, home or yurt only accessible from backcountry trails. Don’t forget to stop by a grocery store or grab some takeout for dinner to take with you — you’ll be out in the wilderness for the night! 

Day 2: Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

9:00 a.m. Get a late start and hike back out from your accommodations from the night before. You might need some snowshoes for some locations, and you’ll want to hold onto those for the day!

10:30 a.m. Head toward Grand Lake, the Western Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. On the way, stop for breakfast in Granby at Mid Town Café. They have a full breakfast menu, but don’t miss their signature cinnamon rolls!

11:30 a.m. Keep heading toward Rocky Mountain National Park. Pick up lunch for a picnic in the park. Cy's Deli in Grand Lake is a great place to stop on the way to grab some sandwiches to go.

12:00 p.m. Just inside the park, stop by the Kawuneeche Visitor Center to get trail information and warm up a bit with some hot cocoa before heading into the park for an afternoon of snowshoeing the park’s trails. View and download park maps here.

4:00 p.m. Head back into Grand Lake, check into your accommodations for the night and warm up in your lodge, hotel, or condo. Choose an option with a hot tub for a great winter warm-up opportunity!

6:00 p.m. When you’re ready for dinner, the best way to repair those muscles from snowshoeing the park is to get plenty of protein. Stop by Sagebrush BBQ & Grill for the best barbecue this side of Mt. Baldy! Grab a sampler that includes brisket, hot sausage, pulled pork and ribs to get a taste of everything. Celebrating? Try Backstreet Steakhouse for a juicy steak to end your day.

7:30 p.m. After dinner, you might be ready to turn in for the night, but if you’re still looking for something to do, head to The World’s End Brewpub and Inn for some Colorado craft beers or a hot drink. A hot buttered rum or Irish coffee will keep you warm all night long. And if you’re still hungry, snack on some of their classic pub foods including cheese curds and jalapeño poppers.

Day 3: Experience the Snowmobile Capital of Colorado™

9:00 a.m. Stop by Blue Water Bakery on the Grand Lake boardwalk to grab a full breakfast or simple, sweet pastries and a cup of hot coffee to start your day off right.

10:00 a.m. A can’t-miss Grand County adventure? Snowmobiling. Grand Lake is known as the Snowmobile Capital of Colorado,™ so you’d be missing out on a lot if you didn’t try it yourself when you were in town.

Rent a snowmobille from an outfitter and explore on your own, or book a tour to experience how Grand County explores the Rocky Mountain backcountry. Learn more.

1:00 p.m. After your morning adventure, grab some lunch and warm up indoors. We recommend Squeaky B's in the town of Grand Lake. Try a bowl of hot chili, the Impossible burger or a farm fresh salad. Squeaky B’s also serves homestyle ice cream with rotating flavors such as salted caramel apple pie!

2:00 p.m. In the afternoon after a long weekend, you either have to leave early or stay late to avoid traffic. If you have the extra time, spend the afternoon perusing art in Kremmling, Colorado, shopping in the town of Winter Park, or even pampering yourself at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort before heading home, traffic-free!