Grand County Colorado’s Year-Round Destination  Granby, Colorado- Just 67 miles from Denver is a place where the welcome mat is out all year ‘round.  Mountains and water, sky and forest – Grand County has the best Colorado has to offer for relaxation and recreation in every season!   Picture dazzling snow-covered meadows, purple peaks, and blazing blue skies. Add a dash of downhill skiing, the jingle of sleigh bells, and the snap of cold air on your cheeks.  Or just relax in front of the fire, or take a stroll on snowshoes through a quiet pine forest.  Expand your choices to include snowmobiling or ice fishing, and you have the makings of a great winter vacation.   In the spring, as the snow begins to melt, you can have the place virtually to yourself.  Many of the Nordic and snowshoe trails in the higher reaches are still accessible, with weather that’s almost balmy.  The pace is slower, and lodging bargains are plentiful – it’s the perfect time for a weekend getaway and a scenic drive or a soak in the hot springs.    The pace picks up again for the summer, and it’s all about getting out and about.  Take a hike through wildflowers on one of our many backcountry trails, or play a round or two of golf on one of four professionally designed mountain golf courses.  The lakes sparkle invitingly, waiting for you to drop a fishing line, power up, or hoist sail.  Summer is rodeo season, so plan to spend a Saturday evening watching cowboys engage in the traditional skills of roping, barrel racing, and bull riding at one of two local rodeos. Or time your visit to coincide with one of the many music, arts-and-crafts fairs, or special events that take place throughout the county during the summer.     Each fall, Grand County’s peaks and valleys blaze with color, and one good way to enjoy it is to take a drive along the Headwaters of the Colorado Scenic Byway that follows the Colorado River, or the Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway through Rocky Mountain National Park.  Fall is also a great time to explore America’s western heritage as experienced in Grand County, by visiting one of our local historical homes, museums, or interpretive history events such as Grand Lake’s “Tombstone Days” or one of the “Living History Days” at the Cozens Ranch near Winter Park.  September is also when the grand finale of the rodeo season is held as part of the Middle Park County Fair in Kremmling.   Another way to enjoy Grand County is to participate in the western lifestyle in any season.  With six dude and guest ranches spread throughout a geographic area roughly the size of Delaware, Grand County lays claim to the title of 'Colorado's Dude Ranch Capital.'   Each establishment also takes its own unique approach to the authentic Western experience, from down-and-dirty cattle drives to square dance dinners, and rustic cabins to elegant lodges.  The ranches offer all-inclusive packages that include lodging, meals, and great horseback riding, as well as other seasonal activities such as tennis, golf, cross-country skiing, swimming, hayrides, river rafting, overnight pack trips and cookouts.    For more information about Grand County, including lodging specials and a free vacation guide, visit the website at  www.grand-county.com or call 800-729-5821.    Media Contact:  Gaylene Ore Ore Communications (970) 887-2536 e-mail:  gaylene@orecommunications.com