There are no gas stations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Driving over Trail Ridge Road, it’s less than 50 miles from the West Entrance (Grand Lake) to the East Entrance (Estes Park). However, there’s quite a bit of elevation gain (it goes over 12,000 feet) and so the trip may require more gas than you expect. We try to fill up at City Market or Kum & Go before a day in the Park.
I’ve heard that for every 1000′ of elevation gain on a trail, it’s like hiking another mile. And unless it’s a loop, you have to hike back too! So if the sign says three miles to a lake, it might feel like seven or more, depending on the elevation gain. This is not an exact formula, just a reminder to consider elevation gain when planning your hike. I carry a National Geographic trail map. The free RMNP maps and papers include elevation info as well. I have seen multiple people carried out on stretchers due to dehydration and lack of planning. When in doubt, ask a ranger for advice. They are happy to help!
City Market is a full service grocery store owned by Kroger/King Sooper. We love the large selection of take-out offerings from the deli and bakery. Between the pharmacy, baby, pet, school/office, hardware and outdoor sections, they are likely to have whatever items you’ve forgotten. Also a Starbucks, Redbox and usually the cheapest gas. (Our guests should grab loyalty card from kitchen drawer.)
Kum & Go is just a gas station. However, I find this one to be unusually clean with a plenty of food and drink options. It also has a fantastic location – just before you leave Granby and turn onto Highway 34 towards Lake Granby and RMNP. It’s a perfect place to stop for gas, coffee and a breakfast sandwich before a day of hiking. Or it’s great to stop for slushees on the way home. (Slushee rewards = kids who love to hike.) Open 24 hours.
Remember – only YOU can prevent forest fires! Signs are posted throughout the area to warn of fire danger. If extreme, please respect the fire ban. No open fires, even in fire pits. And always be careful with fires, matches and cigarettes.
Located just north of Granby Ranch, this medical center has very wide rage of services. We’ve had a very positive experience visiting the pediatrician. But most importantly for visitors – they have 24/7, year-round Emergency Departments.
Murdoch’s is a Colorado-style department store. You can buy a paddle board, organic fertilizer, saddle blanket, chainsaw, cowboy boots, candy, and chickens – all in one stop. Seriously, though, if you forgot a swimsuit, shoes, socks, or a shirt to wear to the rodeo, this is the place to check.
Weather changes quickly – be prepared! A sunny morning sky can suddenly darken to rain, hail or snow, especially at higher elevations. For all seasons, avoid wearing cotton. Once it’s wet, it doesn’t dry and can lead to hypothermia. In winter, always wear multiple layers including gloves and hat or helmet. When hiking, I always carry a rain jacket, hat, gloves and a space blanket. They fold up small and I’ve needed them all at different times, even in July and August.
Our favorite place to stop for adult beverages. We are not connoisseurs, but this shop has plenty to choose from. We recommend trying some Colorado micro-brews.
Ace is more than just hardware – they have camping and outdoor equipment, home goods, pet supplies, toys and more. If you forgot something (besides clothing) or need a Colorado-themed gift, they probably have it. Also, exceptionally helpful staff and sometimes free popcorn. Locations in both Fraser and Granby.
Granby Ranch is a great place for families to ski because all runs end at Base Camp Lodge – it’s very hard to get lost! BaseCamp also provides the services you need for great day of skiing: Lift Tickets & Passes, Equipment Rental, Ski School, Ski Shop, Lockers, First Aid, Maps and Restrooms. Also three dining options: Granby Ranch Grill, Slope Side Dining Hall (cafeteria on second floor) and 8350 Bar & Bistro (third floor).
To get up and over the mountains into Grand County, you will probably travel through (over) Berthoud Pass. There’s a parking lot at the top with a vault toilet and an amazing view. You can also see the remains of Colorado’s first ski lift. Going uphill, it’s a two-lane road. Going downhill, don’t let people rush you. There are pull-outs if you’d like to let people pass you or just want to snap a few photos of the view! They usually do a good job of keeping it plowed, but you can see live views of road conditions on cotrip.org. Note that there are no services between Empire and Winter Park.
On your way to Grand County, after you’ve left Highway 70 and are headed north on Highway 40, you’ll drive through the small town of Empire. Empire has some fun shops and eateries, but most importantly, they have a public restroom! It’s on the left side of the road, across from the gas station. Note that in the high tourist areas, restrooms at gas stations and restaurants are usually for customers only. I always stop here, kids or not, because it’s the last (public) flushable toilet before you drive over Berthoud Pass.
Located in Hideaway Park, this is the easiest place to “Go” after driving over Berthoud Pass. It’s also the nicest public restroom I’ve ever visited. (And with the kids, I’ve visited quite a few!)
The Visitor Center is located at the main stoplight in Winter Park, across from Hideaway Park. It’s a great place to stop when arriving in town – everyone can stretch their legs, use the restroom, and browse the racks of information about all the fantastic restaurants and activities offered Grand County. (I’m trying to include all my favorites on this site, but there’s so much I haven’t tried yet!)
Please read and follow all posted signs. They are there for your safety. People do die every year in the National Parks. If you aren’t sure about something – a trail, a ski run, or anything – please ask someone. Park Rangers, resort staff and most other people are happy to help!
More coming soon, but very briefly, you can rent ski and board equipment at Granby Ranch at BaseCamp Lodge or at Breeze, which has at least 4 locations between DIA and BaseCamp. Closest is in Silver Creek Inn, just across from condo.
Remember to rent a helmet and consider renting equipment the evening before you ski. During holidays, the morning lines can get long. And who wants to stand in line when the lift is waiting?
The Ski Shop offers Granby Ranch clothes and souveniers plus all the extra layers and gear you may need while skiing. Fleece layers, hats, balaclavas, gloves, hand-warmers, sunglasses, wool socks, helmets, etc.
Please watch for wildlife while driving. The herd animals are especially active at sunset and just never seem to remember to look both ways before crossing. Very specifically, we have a herd of deer at Granby Ranch that hang out right where the road curves up and over the hill towards BaseCamp.
Our dogs like to hike, so I cannot give my personal review, but I have had Four Paws Resort recommended to me by others.
When it says 15mph, they really mean it! Icy conditions, curvy roads and wandering wildlife can make driving dangerous. Please slow down and arrive safely.
We have been to the emergency room – The Chipmunk Incident – and it was as good as that kind of thing can be. Doctor was very patient, kind and caring as she stitched up my daughter’s head. And they had popsicles. Officially known as: East Grand Community Clinic and Emergency Center.
Of course, I encourage you to leave work behind as you enter Grand County. Alas, it cannot always be. In case of emergency, there’s Kopy Kat Office on Granby’s Main Street. A couple doors down is a cell phone/electronics store. There are also multiple banks. The US Bank has Notary and other services needed for buying/selling houses.
What’s with the dead trees? In summary, global warming and pine beetles. The good news is that the worst is over and the next generation of trees is growing quickly. The bad news is that dead trees can be a safety hazard. Be aware of surroundings and sounds when in forest.
During the ski season, traffic on Highway 70 can be…challenging. If possible, avoid arriving at airport (or east side of Denver, if driving) around 4 or 5pm on a Friday. And if you are flying out on a Sunday, be sure to check traffic and leave plenty of drive time. If you are running late, you may be able to use the Express Lane.
It’s a long road between St. Louis and Denver. And there are long, open stretches without any services. With Google maps, it’s not such a concern anymore, but do plan ahead for your next gas stop. Also, Hayes, Kansas has a fantastic McDonald’s PlayPlace. It’s about halfway, so a great place to let the kids have a break.
Denver International Airport is on a very large piece of property. According to your GPS you might be “at” the airport and still have another 15 minutes to drive before reaching the buildings. Just a head’s up, because there are often officers waiting to ticket speeders. Also, the car rental agencies are in stand-alone buildings, not in the terminal. Shuttles are provided to each different car rental agency, but you need to know where you going.
HomeJames Shuttles from Denver International Airport to Grand County. HomeJames brought my parents for a visit once, and they had a nice experience.
Visit the friendly Park Rangers and helpful volunteers for information and advice about the Sulphur Ranger District. The Arapaho National Forest areas offer wonderful hiking, biking and backpacking opportunities. ALSO, many of the National Forest trails are dog-friendly.
Dr. Susan “Doc” Tasillo and her staff are wonderful! If you have an emergency, you can feel confident taking your pet to her. She really cares and takes her time to listen and explain things to you. We’ve even planned trips around vet appointments, just because we feel so comfortable with her.
Granby Ranch Ski School offers ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and ability levels. Group lessons, private lesson or lessons for your private group. Half or full day lessons. For kids, full day ski school includes lunch, so it works as childcare while parents are skiing. The ski instructors at Granby Ranch are fantastic! Reserve in advance, at least the night before.
You can take the Amtrak from Denver Union Station through the mountains to Granby. (You can take the RTD A line from DIA to Union Station.) Or from the west, you can ride from San Franscisco. It’s not the fastest way, but it would be a fun experience!
Service is almost always exceptionally friendly, if not always speedy. Go with the flow and enjoy the relaxed pace.
Note that jeans, hiking pants, ski pants and other casual attire are acceptable almost everywhere in Grand County. EXCEPT – if you are attending a wedding, then it’s always best to check with the bride!