Things To Do
Arapaho Valley Ranch
There's tons to do onsite at the Ranch itself. Here's a list of all the options: -Fishing: You will need a CO fishing license but enjoy fishing on property at the south fork of the Colorado River, or walk over to Granby Lake/Monarch Lake for more fishing options! The pond onsite is fishable without a license and is stocked for catch-and-release. -Canoe/Stand-Up Paddle Boards: Paddle on the pond on property in either a canoe or paddle board! -Hiking: Explore the trails right from the property. Monarch Lake Trailhead gives access to a range of trails (see the hiking option on this page for more details). -Volleyball: There is a volleyball court behind the lodge that is open for play! Get together a group of people and see who comes out as champion.
Visit the Town of Grand Lake
The town of Grand Lake is a cute mountain town about 30 minutes from Arapaho Valley Ranch. There are cute restaurants, shops, and access to Rocky Mountain National Park! Grand Lake is the largest and deepest natural lake in Colorado - there are outfitters in town that you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes from. There is also a marina if you want to truly get out on the water.
Visit Winter Park
Visit the ski town of Winter Park! There are shops, restaurants, and a cute walking trail through town. A wonderful day trip option that is only 40 minutes away from the venue!
Hot Sulphur Springs
Located 35 minutes away from the ranch, this would be a great relaxing day trip option! The springs offer day pass options for $30 a person. Mineral hot springs offer a variety of benefits and is a wonderful wellness option.
Take a Guided ATV Tour of the Continental Divide
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Go off-roading with a guide + rental taken care of and explore the continental divide!
Rocky Mountain National Park
There are so many trails in the area from easy loops with limited elevation gain to more challenging climbs up summits. Take a look at the website for a great list of options. If you are not an experienced hiker, layers and lots of water will be required! The altitude is no joke.
Indian Peaks Wilderness - Hiking in the Area
Directly behind the Ranch is the Monarch Lake Trailhead, entrance to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This trailhead gives you access to the following trails: Cascade Falls (9.2 miles round trip) Crater Lake and Mirror Lake (14.8 miles round trip) Gourd Lake (16.6 miles round trip) The Monarch Lake trail leads to the old town of Monarch and its steam engine, which is a 3.9 mile loop. Some other great trails near the Ranch: Doe Creek Trail - trailhead is three miles from the Ranch on Arapaho Bay Road (CR6) (7.3 miles round trip) Strawberry Lake Trail - trailhead is 1 mile from the Ranch on Arapaho Bay Road (CR6) (3.7 miles round trip) Roaring Fork Trail - trailhead is 1/2 a mile down Hwy 637 across from the Ranch Don’t forget about some of the breathtaking peaks that are over 12,000 ft such as Arapaho Peak and Mount Achonee. On the other side of the Ranch is the entrance to Knights Ridge and Hell’s Canyon, nestled above Lake Granby.