Come Celebrate America’s Western Heritage in Grand County, Colorado   Granby, Colorado- Famous for its wealth of recreational activities, Grand County, Colorado, is also a great place to explore and experience America’s western heritage and history.   The original habitants of Middle Park (as this part of the Rockies is known) were primarily Utes who summered in the area.  The first wagon road was built over Berthoud Pass in 1861, and by the 1880’s the area around what is now Winter Park and Fraser had been established as a ranching and lumber center.  The railroad finally came through the county in 1904, opening up the rest of the area for ranching and tourism – still important elements of Grand County’s economy!   The place to begin exploring the county’s heritage is at the county seat in the town of Hot Sulphur Springs.  The hot mineral springs for which the town is named was a popular destination for visiting Utes, and white visitors soon discovered the benefits of the pungent waters.  Today, the town boasts a modern hot spring resort, as well as the Grand County Museum, which houses the town’s original courthouse, a blacksmith shop, a 150-year-old ranch house, and several antique rail cars.  The Cozens Ranch, near what is now Fraser and Winter Park, also served as stage stop and post office, and the homestead has been restored and maintained as a museum to provide a picture of ranch life during the late 1800s.  Just up the road, the YMCA of the Rockies/Snow Mountain Ranch occupies lands originally pioneered by the Just and Rowley families, whose homesteads, including several buildings and much of the original farming and ranching equipment, have been preserved as a nature park and living museum.  The Kauffman House in Grand Lake and the Kremmling Museum also has preserved pieces of early Grand County life. To get a taste of what life might have been like for our early ranchers, attend a local rodeo, where the traditional cowboy skills of roping, barrel racing, and bull riding come alive.   The weekly High Country Stampede Rodeo, held at the John Work Arena near Fraser, showcases the best local amateur and professional contestants every Saturday night during July and August.  For an authentic small-town rodeo, check out the weekly action at Granby’s Flying Heels Arena on Saturday evenings during June and July.  The rodeo season’s finale is the annual Middle Park County Fair Rodeo held each September in Kremmling.   Real hands-on experience can be yours by signing up with one of our local outfitters for a horseback trail ride or overnight pack trip, or by lodging with one of our world-famous dude ranches.  Home to six world-class dude and guest ranches, Grand County has earned its spurs as the “Dude Ranch Capital of the USA.”   From down-and-dirty cattle drives to square dance dinners, and rustic cabins to elegant lodges, each establishment takes its own unique approach to the authentic Western experience.  In addition to riding lessons and pack trips, guests can participate in the more modern Western activities like whitewater rafting, fly fishing, golf, or jeep tours.    Grand County is just 67 miles from the Denver area, making it easy to get up here and into the fun.  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