Things To Do
Hiking from Monarch Trailhead on Monarch Lake or to Strawberry Lake
Whether you're an avid hiker or a social outdoor walker, there is something here for you.
Water Activities Onsite & Offsite
We are planning to spend Saturday afternoon enjoying the scenery, public beach, and marina rentals (paddleboards, kayaks, etc.) at Grand Lake (35 min drive, pictured above). This is an open-invite, unofficial weekend "field trip" and the only planned offsite event. If you arrive by Saturday afternoon and want to join us, please do!! It's so cool. Also, Arapaho Valley Ranch offers canoeing onsite.
Offsite & Onsite Fishing
AVR offers accessible ponds and streams for fishing onsite. They have spinners, otherwise it's BYO-equipment. Fishing offsite is available on each of the lakes and on public land along creeks and rivers within the area. Lake Granby is known for its kokanee salmon and trophy lake trout. Shadow Mountain Reservoir is stocked with brown and other trout species. Fly fishing opportunities are available along the Colorado River and other nearby creeks. Fishing licenses are required per State of Colorado regulations and seasonal regulations exist on the Colorado River below Shadow Mountain Reservoir Dam.
Osprey Viewing Site
No seriously. This is an interpretive site for viewing ospreys and bald eagles that inhabit the Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Colorado River area. Facilities include parking for 10 vehicles, interpretive signs and telescopes for viewing wildlife. This is 30 minutes from AVR and requires entry into ANRA for a $5 fee.