After a long, hot summer, travelers are ready to head for the hills for a cool, laid-back getaway, and Arapaho Valley Ranch offers a comfortable and affordable setting for exploring nature’s fall splendor, according to a press release.
Surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, the ranch is within an easy drive of Colorado’s Front Range cities, including Fort Collins, Denver and Colorado Springs. The self-sustaining ranch features an array of on-site outdoor adventures and a choice of glamping accommodations, as well as tent and RV sites and easy access to nearby attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park and the charming town of Grand Lake.
“Many of our fall-season guests are empty-nesters, retirees and young adults with a passion for outdoor fun like hiking, mountain biking and paddling,” said Hayden Hughes, ranch manager. “Since our guests can play all day here one day and explore nearby attractions on other days, there are endless ways to enjoy the bounty of fall.”
Three Days of Fun
Day One – Arrival day.
Pro tip: Stock up on groceries in Granby. Travelers heading to Arapaho Valley Ranch from the south will drive right past grocery stores in Granby, where they can stock up on food for the next few meals. Glamping tents, yurts and tipis at Arapaho Valley Ranch feature coolers and cooking equipment, including grills and camp stoves.
The ranch’s tiny home cabins and historic cabins also have indoor kitchenettes with ovens, refrigerators and other equipment. Don’t worry if you forgot something. The Trading Post at Arapaho Valley Ranch features ready-to-heat-and-eat meals, drinks and importantly, the fixings for making s’mores around the campfire.
What to do:
If you arrive before the 3 p.m. check-in, hike the perimeter of Monarch Lake, located less than a mile from the ranch. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy an easy, four-mile lake perimeter hike with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding forestland. Or stroll the ranch’s private hiking trail that winds along the South Fork of the Colorado River and leads to a wooden swing overlooking the valley.
Dinnertime. Cook your dinner on the camp stove or grill and dine beneath the vast skies of the ranch. As the sun sets, watch the color of the sky gradually change as shadows creep along the forest trees that surround the ranch.
Sunset. Paddle around Indian Lake and watch the sunset from your canoe or cast for trout in Little Indian Lake.
S’mores, of course. No glamping or camping trip is complete without sampling a fresh-made s’more or two. Marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers can be purchased in the ranch’s Trading Post.
Day Two:
Spend the day at Arapaho Valley Ranch, Lake Granby and Monarch Lake.
Pro tip: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially at sunrise and sunset. Moose, elk and the occasional bear sometimes make an appearance on the ranch grounds. Practice safe viewing and stay at least 50 yards from all wildlife.
What to do:
Early morning. Go fishing. Grab a mug of coffee (tipis, glamping tents and yurts are equipped with a French press, and cabins have coffeemakers) and some breakfast, and claim a spot along Little Indian Lake on the ranch grounds or nearby Lake Granby, about 1/8 of a mile from the ranch or Monarch Lake, a half-mile from the ranch.
Little Indian Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, and the larger lakes are stocked with Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat Trout as well as Kokanee Salmon and Mackinaw. Anglers will need a fishing license to fish beyond the ranch grounds. Fishing equipment can be borrowed from the Trading Post.
Afternoon: Go boating. Visitors can rent non-motorized boats, including kayaks, canoes, pedal boat,s and stand-up paddleboards for use on Monarch Lake. Or head to Lake Granby and rent a motorized boat from one of the private marinas and explore the vast lake.
Or
Go biking. Grand County, Colo., is a top mountain biking destination with more than 600 miles of mountain biking trail,s including single tracks and downhill bike parks. Guests can borrow Trek mountain bikes for a half day or full day of pedaling fun on the ranch grounds and along nearby roads and trails.
Or
Go hiking. Looking for a long afternoon hike? Hike the Monarch Lake Trailhead to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The Monarch Lake Trail feeds into several long hiking trails, including Cascade Falls (9.2 miles round trip), Crater Lake and Mirror Lake (14.8 miles round trip) or Gourd Lake (16.6 miles).
Pro tip: It’s always a good idea to let your traveling companions or the staff at Arapaho Valley Ranch know where you are going. And be sure to bring plenty of water. Remember, you’ll be hiking at elevation, with some peaks exceeding 12,000 feet.
Evening: Head to the Red Dog Saloon for a nightcap. Open on Friday and Saturday nights, the Red Dog Saloon is Colorado’s tiniest bar with a whopping four barstools. Don’t miss the mules; they’re served in real copper cups. The bar is open through mid-September.
Campfire. No glamping trip is complete without a nightly campfire. Logs and fire starters can be purchased in the AVR Trading Post.
Day Three: Explore beyond Arapaho Valley Ranch.
What to do:
Morning: Start the day in the town of Grand Lake, located about 20 minutes from the ranch. Known as the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the town sits on the edge of Grand Lake, the largest natural lake in Colorado. Have a leisurely breakfast in one of the town’s many restaurants before wandering the streets and shops.
Mid-morning: Explore Rocky Mountain National Park. This stunning national park is known for its massive peaks, Aspen forests, wildlife, hiking trails, and expansive views. The park has a timed-entry program, and visitors can easily reserve a time by following this link to Recreation.gov.
Before you go, pick up a box lunch and snacks in town and pack plenty of water. Start your visit by heading up Trail Ridge Road to the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, where you can watch a short film to learn about the park’s history and attractions.
Travelers can easily spend an entire day exploring the park. Take a stroll on one of the many trails or drive the entire route from Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park, which will take about two hours of driving time.
Pro tip: Wear your good hiking boots. Rocky Mountain National Park has some 355 miles of maintained hiking trails, many leading to unforgettable vistas. And keep your binoculars and cameras handy. The park’s abundant wildlife includes 60 species of mammals and 280 species of birds.
Late afternoon: Cap the day with a hot springs soak at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort, where there are 22 mineral-rich pools and private baths. Book a day pass and stay late enough to watch the stars come out or return to Arapaho Valley Ranch for a final evening around the campfire.
