Nestled in the breathtaking Grand County of Colorado, surrounded by the majestic Arapaho National Forest and the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Arapaho Valley Ranch (AVR) offers a quintessential mountain escape. While the property does have its own small lake, the ranch is strategically located near the larger and well-known Lake Granby, making it a fantastic base for exploring this stunning part of the Rocky Mountains.
A family-owned guest ranch with nearly 80 years of history, AVR focuses on providing an authentic retreat into nature with a touch of rustic charm and modern comforts. It’s a seasonal operation, typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Arapaho Valley Ranch provides an idyllic escape into the heart of the Colorado Rockies, promising an unforgettable experience for families, couples, and solo adventurers seeking to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories.
Arapaho Valley Ranch Activities: Embrace the Outdoors
Arapaho Valley Ranch is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of activities right on site and in the surrounding wilderness. During my visit, I loved staying on the property as much as possible, thanks to the many things to do.
Hiking – The ranch boasts its own private hiking trail leading to a scenic “kissing swing” overlooking the headwaters of the Colorado River Valley. Beyond the ranch, the Arapaho National Forest and Indian Peaks Wilderness offer countless miles of trails, from easy strolls to challenging climbs, with opportunities to discover waterfalls and explore the natural beauty.
Water Activities – Being near Lake Granby opens up a world of water-based fun. While the ranch itself has a pond where you can canoe and kayak free of charge, you can easily venture to Lake Granby for:
– Boating: Rent a pontoon, fishing boat, or speedboat.
– Paddleboarding and Kayaking: Explore the calm waters of the lake.
– Fishing: Lake Granby is renowned for its excellent fishing, and the ranch is close to portions of the Colorado River designated as Gold Medal Waters. Keep in mind that you will need a fishing license.
Mountain Biking – The area around Granby offers a variety of mountain biking trails, from beginner-friendly paths to more rugged terrain.
Wildlife Viewing – The serene, natural setting of the ranch means abundant opportunities to spot local wildlife, including the occasional moose that are known to frequent the property. During my stay, there were a couple of moose spotted around the small lake as well as a bear!
On-site Amenities – The ranch provides a playground for children, use of mountain bicycles, barbecue grills, and fire pits (where permitted) for evening gatherings. There’s also a communal area, free WiFi (the best place to use it is in the main lodge area), hot showers, and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables and ping-pong. Remember, all of these are complimentary when you stay onsite.
Lodging Options: From Rustic to Luxurious
Arapaho Valley Ranch prides itself on offering a diverse range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget, allowing you to tailor your wilderness experience. If that wasn’t enough to sway your opinion to visit, Arapaho Valley Ranch is completely off the electrical grid. Using both solar panels and a generator that kicks in when the solar power isn’t enough, it provides for all of the brick-and-mortar buildings as well as outdoor lights.
Cabins – Several new cabins offer rustic charm with modern conveniences. Many feature kitchenettes, separate living areas, and mountain views. They vary in size, accommodating couples to larger families. For my stay, I had a one-bedroom cabin with a loft and futon-style couch that would easily sleep six. It also had a full bathroom, including a shower and toilet (the cabins are the only indoor-plumbing options on the property. All other sleeping accommodations share a bathroom and shower building.
Glamping Tents – For those who want to experience camping with a touch of luxury, glamping tents offer comfortable beds and a unique outdoor experience without sacrificing comfort.
Tipis – If you want to immerse yourself in a truly unique stay, check out the traditional tipis, providing an unforgettable connection to the landscape.
Yurts – Another unique glamping option, yurts offer a cozy and circular space, often with skylights for stargazing.
RV Sites – The ranch offers large, shaded primitive RV sites (some with future plans for hookups), allowing guests to bring their own mobile homes.
Campsites – For the true outdoor enthusiast, traditional campsites are available, allowing for tent camping under the Colorado sky.
The Gold Residence – For a more luxurious and spacious experience, the Gold Residence is a custom mountain home on the property, perfect for larger groups or families seeking upscale amenities.
Food: Dining Out or Self-Catering
While Arapaho Valley Ranch provides a common space for guests to prepare light meals, there are also dining options in the nearby towns. Bringing your own groceries is highly recommended, especially given the ranch’s secluded setting. City Market in Granby is a large grocery store where you can stock up on everything you need if you don’t want to pick up supplies before you head out.
As for nearby restaurants, Grand County offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual eateries to more upscale options. You’ll find restaurants in the closest towns (see below) offering American cuisine and local fare. Consider places in Granby or Grand Lake for a meal out.
Closest Cities & Towns: Gateway to Your Mountain Adventure
Arapaho Valley Ranch is strategically located in Grand County, offering convenient access to several charming mountain towns, each with its own unique character and amenities:
Granby (approx. 30 minutes drive) – This is the most practical town for stocking up on groceries (City Market) and accessing basic services like an emergency department (Middle Park Medical Center). Granby also has a few dining options and is home to the Granby Rodeo at the Flying Heels Arena in the summer.
Grand Lake (approx. 15-20 minutes drive) – Known as the “most adorable town in the summer,” Grand Lake sits on the shores of the largest natural lake in Colorado. It’s perfect for ice cream, Browse art galleries and shops on the main street, and accessing boating and paddleboarding rentals on the lake. Grand Lake also serves as a western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Hot Sulfur Springs (approx. 35 minutes drive) – A tiny but historic town famous for its natural hot springs. It’s a great spot for a relaxing soak with 23 pools to choose from, and it also has a couple of local restaurants and a candy shop.
Winter Park (approx. 50-60 minutes drive) – While primarily a ski resort town, Winter Park offers a surprising array of activities and events in the summer, including adventure activities and live music.