Rocky Mountain National Park and Granby Ranch From Casa Vista Granby

  • Posted on

Winter aerial view of the valley around Casa Vista Granby

Most visitors enter Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park on the east side, along with most of the traffic. Granby is on the other side. From Casa Vista Granby you reach the west entrance near Grand Lake, where the park is quieter and the moose are easier to find.

Rocky Mountain National Park, west side

  • The west entrance is north of Granby, past Lake Granby and Grand Lake
  • The Kawuneeche Valley is the best place in the park to see moose, usually early or late in the day
  • Easy walks for mixed groups include Adams Falls and the Coyote Valley Trail
  • Trail Ridge Road crosses the park above 12,000 feet to Estes Park. It is open from about late May to mid October, depending on snow
  • In winter the road is plowed only partway in, and the valley becomes snowshoe and cross country ski terrain
  • In summer the park uses timed entry reservations for some hours, so check the park website before you go

The lakes

Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Lake and Grand Lake sit between the house and the park. In summer groups rent pontoon boats, paddle boards and kayaks. The town of Grand Lake has a boardwalk main street that makes an easy afternoon.

Winter view from the covered deck at Casa Vista Granby

Granby Ranch

Granby Ranch is the local ski hill, a short drive from the house. It is smaller, cheaper and far less crowded than the big resorts, which makes it a good choice for beginners, kids and anyone who would rather ski than stand in a lift line. In summer it runs lift served mountain biking and has a golf course.

Winter Park Resort

For bigger terrain, Winter Park Resort is about 20 to 25 minutes away. Many groups split up, with the strong skiers at Winter Park and the beginners at Granby Ranch, and meet back at the hot tubs.

Other things groups do from Granby

  • Soak at Hot Sulphur Springs
  • Snowmobile tours in winter
  • Fishing on the Colorado and Fraser rivers
  • Rafting and horseback riding in summer

Coming in winter

If you are driving a rental car, read Winter Driving to Granby and Winter Park Without Snow Tires before you leave Denver.

For dates and group size, call or text Will at (303) 506 4914.