Grand County, Colorado Where Winter Wonderland Becomes Summer Water Lover’s Dream Grand County, Colorado Tourism – Ever stop to wonder where all the snow disappears to once summer descends on Grand County? To find out, just book a raft trip down the mighty Colorado River. As your guide steers the boat into Class III rapids, the answer becomes 'chillingly' clear: that icy splash is snowmelt, and it fills the lakes and rivers each summer, creating a watersports paradise.     Nestled between the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho National Forest, Grand County is brimming with rivers and lakes. Each summer, anglers, boaters and hot springs soakers flock to the area to take advantage of these resources.   •  An Angler’s Dream – Fly fishermen who come to Grand County to fish the trophy waters of the upper Colorado River say there’s nothing better than casting a fly in the early morning while bald eagles watch from their perches overhead. The Colorado Wildlife Commission has designated 20 miles of the upper Colorado as 'Gold Medal' trout waters. This stretch of river – between the Fraser River and the confluence of Troublesome Creek near Kremmling – offers some of the finest brown and rainbow fishing in the west.   The fishing is equally good in the Tri-Lakes (Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Grand Lake, Lake Granby) where ice fishing is popular and on higher alpine waters such as Dead Dog Lake on Rollins Pass and St. Louis Lake in the Byers Peak Wilderness Area.   •           Wild Waves – Several local rafting companies offer full- and half-day raft trips on the majestic Colorado River. Float through scenic canyons, take a dip in a riverside hot spring and check out historic cabins along the way – and don’t forget to leap off 'Jump Rock,' a 25-foot cliff that drops you into the river while your raft buddies      cheer you on. Kayak instruction and ducky (two-person inflatable kayak) trips are also available.   •           Cast Your Sails, Rocky Mountain-style – People don’t think of sailing as a Rocky Mountain sport, but several companies in the Tri-Lakes area offer boating adventures on these enormous lakes surrounded by towering peaks. Choose sailing lessons, private charters or dinner charters. For a truly religious experience, you can also attend church on a boat in the middle of the lake.                • Soak Your Bones – A body gets pretty tired having all the adventures Grand County offers. So why not take a dip in the hot springs Native Americans used to call 'Big Medicine?' Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa, located on the western end of Grand County in the town of Hot Sulphur Springs, boasts twenty indoor and outdoor mineral hot pools and private baths, as well as a swimming pool in the summer. Standard day spa services include massages, facials and body wraps, along with lodging and a conference center.   For more information about 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.   Media Contact: Gaylene Ore Ore Communications 970-887-2536 e-mail: Gaylene@orecommunications.com