For my husband’s fall birthday, we escaped to a part of Colorado we’d never seen—Grand County. We wanted something quiet, something wild, some new place to discover. We indeed found a treasure just waiting to be explored. Driving along scenic byways lined with golden aspens, I felt as if we were in a painting. Our world slowed down as we took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp mountain air. It was the perfect place to unplug, refresh, and reboot.

We arrived at Grand Lake Lodge, tucked high above the lakes, where the view stretched wide and the silence wrapped around us like a blanket. Our cabin smelled of pine and gave me a little pep in my step. This is what we desired. That first night, we dipped in the lodge’s outdoor hot tub that overlooks the twinkling lights of the town of Grand Lake below. Outside, elk bugled in the distance—a haunting, beautiful sound that made me feel small and blessed to hear these raw mating rituals in nature. Then we curled up by the large crackling fire in the lovely rustic lobby and sipped on hot chocolate.

One of my favorite things about Grand Lake Lodge is the vintage cabins. Combining over a century of history with modern comfort, these cabins were originally ordered from the Sears & Roebuck catalog and delivered by train back in the 1920s. Today, they are a living piece of Americana, nestled in the heart of Colorado’s mountain beauty. Staying in one of these cabins is more than just a night’s rest—it’s a chance to stay in a National Historic Landmark and experience a piece of Colorado’s history, surrounded by alpine beauty and the timeless charm of Grand Lake.

Exploring the quaint town of Grand Lake was delightful. Nicknamed the “Soul of the Rockies,” Grand Lake sits at the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and has Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake. Its historic wooden boardwalks are lined with boutiques, cafes, and galleries. There are excellent live theatres, lakefront recreation, and easy access to the national park’s epic Trail Ridge Road.

Driving through the western gate of Rocky Mountain National Park felt like entering a sacred space carved by wind, water, and time. The road climbed gently, winding past alpine meadows and groves of golden aspens, until we reached the Continental Divide. Standing there, I felt the reality of geography and wonder—knowing that raindrops falling on one side would eventually reach the Pacific. At the same time, those on the other would flow toward the Atlantic

Later, we drove through Granby, known as the basecamp for outdoor adventure in Grand County. The town has a laid-back, welcoming vibe—where hikers, campers, anglers and hunters stock up on gear before heading into the wild. Surrounded by trails, rivers, and wide-open spaces, Granby felt like a gateway to everything Colorado has to offer.

In Granby, we also discovered Arapaho Valley Ranch tucked deep in the heart of the picturesque Arapaho National Forest. The historic guest ranch, situated on 38 acres on the south end of Lake Granby, is where nature takes center stage. It sits at the base of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, offering sweeping views, crisp mountain air, and a sense of timeless serenity. It’s 100% off-grid and 100% sustainable.

I was surprised to find that Arapaho Valley Ranch has such a wide range of accommodations. They offer Glamping Tents with canvas walls and cozy interiors; Tipis for a playful, back-to-nature experience; Yurts with circular charm and mountain views; RV sites with hookups for road trippers and Primitive Campsites for those who love sleeping under the stars.

Grand County is the heart of the Rocky Mountains, located just 90 miles west of Denver. This adventure hub offers year-round recreational opportunities, blending genuine Western heritage with breathtaking scenic routes and dramatic landscapes.  It was the kind of birthday celebration trip that doesn’t fade—it lingers, like the colorful autumn aspens.

 

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If you'd like information about becoming a preferred partner with Stroll Forrestridge please reach out to Telese Gray at telese.gray@n2co.com.