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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Our dogs like to hike, so I cannot give my personal review, but I have had Four Paws Resort recommended to me by others.
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.
Service is almost always exceptionally friendly, if not always speedy. Go with the flow and enjoy the relaxed pace.