Grand County, Colorado: From Behind the Wheel
Grand County, Colorado Tourism – The scenic beauty of Grand County, Colorado, isn’t limited to spectacular mountain vistas. The area’s bounty includes flower-studded valleys, sparkling rivers and streams, charming historic homesteads, and rugged alpine panoramas. The Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce has described several scenic drives to show off the best views from several different angles.
Long before visitors arrived in Grand County via train through the Moffat Tunnel or by road over Berthoud Pass, trains labored over Corona Pass from the Front Range to Winter Park and Fraser. Today, the old railroad right-of-way has been turned into an unpaved road that follows the original switchbacks to the top of the pass above the Continental Divide, with views of alpine lakes and the Fraser Valley from the summit. The drive starts about 1 mile south of Winter Park on US Highway 40; turn left on Moffat/Corona Pass Road. Self-guided tour books are available at the Winter Park Visitor Center.
Two old stage roads, the 4-Bar-4 Road between Fraser and Tabernash, and Cottonwood Pass Road connecting Granby and Hot Sulphur Springs, take drivers past horse pastures, aspen groves, pine forests and the remains of historical stage stops. The 4-Bar-4 Road (County Road 5) starts just outside Fraser off US Highway 40 near the Sports Complex; the drive re-joins US 40 approximately 6 miles away near the entrance to Pole Creek. Cottonwood Pass Road (CR 55) diverges from US Highway 40 about 4 miles east of Granby, and circles south through aspen and pine before rejoining the highway in Hot Sulphur Springs.
Church Park Road between Fraser and Hot Sulphur Springs takes you through spectacular canyons, thick forest, and sprawling ranches, with sweeping views of Byers Peak and several mountain ranges. A two-hour tour begins at the Sports Complex just outside of Fraser; from CR 5 take the left-hand road (CR 50) to Forest Service Road 139 and then to FSR 133, which rejoins US 40 west of Hot Sulphur Springs.
Some drives are officially recognized by the State of Colorado for their scenic and historic importance. The Colorado Headwaters Scenic and Historic Byway begins on Highway 34 in Grand Lake and follows the Colorado River south through the towns of Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Parshall and Kremmling. The drive ends with a spectacular view of the rugged Upper Gore Canyon along a portion of State Highway 1 locally known as the 'Trough Road.' Along the way, you’ll pass Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, and Lake Granby, all well-known destinations for great fishing and boating. If wildlife is your interest, schedule a brief stop at the Windy Gap Reservoir, just outside of Granby, for a short self-guided walk through the waterfowl sanctuary.
The Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway (US Highway 34) runs through Rocky Mountain National Park, world-famous for the sweeping vistas of the crags and valleys that characterize this part of the Rockies. Trail Ridge is the highest road in the US that is paved for its entire length; much of the drive is above the tree line, and sightings of marmots, bighorn sheep, and moose are common. The Grand County portion of the Byway runs between the south gate of Rocky Mountain National Park just north of the town of Grand Lake, and rolls through the Kawuneeche Valley before starting its winding ascent over the Continental Divide at the Alpine Visitor Center at the top. Visitors should note that the road is closed during the winter.
For more information about scenic drives or other destinations in Grand County, Colorado, including a free vacation guide, visit the website at www.grand-county.com, or call toll-free (800) 729-5821. Grand County is located 67 miles northwest of Denver.
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