Local Area Recreation Near Grand Lake / Rocky Mountain National Park KOA Journey

There is definitely no lack of things to do near the campground.  Simply check out our listing of things to do while staying with us.

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot Air Ballooning

Adventure, excitement, romance. Leave your inhibitions on the ground as you peacefully soar over miles of open wilderness in your wind-guided craft. Let the wind take you where it may—each hot air balloon trip follows a unique path, dependant on the strength and direction of the wind that day. Although the route of the balloon might be different every time, one thing is for sure: a hot air balloon tour is one of the most unique ways to experience the beauty of Grand County, Colorado.

Website

Fishing

Fishing

With 1,000 miles of streams, 1,000 acres of high mountain lakes, and 11,000 acres of reservoirs, Grand County's abundant resources accommodate fishing of all kinds. Enjoy world-class fishing in our gold medal waters that flow throughout Grand County.Trout and salmon are the most sought after prizes in mountain fishing and all through Grand County, Colorado lurking below the water's surface, you will find mackinaw and kokanee salmon as well as rainbow, brook, German brown, and cutthroat trout. Grand County is the perfect place to dip your line.

Website

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Adventure to cowboy country and live the excitement of the real American West. Horseback riding has always been more than just a recreational pursuit in Grand County — Here, it's a way of life. But with so many trails to ride, where should you start? Check out our recommendations for the top 4 trails to ride in Colorado. Whether you have your own horse and trailer or are riding with one of our experienced outfitters, you're sure to enjoy the entire ride.

Website

Kayaking and Rafting

Kayaking and Rafting

Nothing beats the heady rush of racing down a swiftly flowing river in a trusty rubber raft or kayak. And there's no better place to experience the powerful thrill of Colorado Whitewater than in Grand County –the birthplace of the mighty Colorado River. Whether you are an experienced rafter or first-time adventurer, you won't want to miss this exciting ride! From the burly Class IV and V rapids of Gore Canyon Whitewater Park to the mellow eddies near Kremmling, the Colorado River is whitewater central for river rats and weekend thrill-seekers alike! For more information, check out our favorite places to kayak and raft the Colorado River near Denver. Looking for something more laid-back? Try sightseeing from the water! In Grand County, we have multiple contenders for the title of "Best Views in Colorado." Check out our top 10 scenic view in Grand County to see how many you can find from the water. We bet you'll agree that these vistas are as good as it gets.

Website

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Grand County provides some of the best mountain biking opportunities in Colorado. Winter Park, Colorado alone boasts over 600 miles of marked, mapped and user-friendly trails, contributing to its apropos nickname, Mountain Bike Capital, USA™. From high mountain peaks to beautiful river valleys, single tracks to back country roads, there are opportunities for all ages and skill levels.

Website

Jeep Tours

Jeep Tours

Jeep Tours in the Rocky Mountains.  Nuff said.

Website

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing.

Website

Natural Hot Springs

Natural Hot Springs

Once frequented by the Ute and Arapaho Indians who referred to the warm waters as "Big Medicine," the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa today boasts twenty-two mineral indoor and outdoor hot pools and private baths, as well as a swimming pool in the summer. Come visit, relax, and enjoy the sacred waters where the Ute Indians once bathed, healed mind, body, and spirit.  The Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa is known as one of the nation's oldest, largest and finest natural hot mineral springs resort and spa. In addition, this spa offers classic services, like 30- to 90-minute massages, including favorites like hot stone, deep tissue massages and more, plus unique add-ons like "Rain-Drop Therapy." Or if you'd rather partake in a full-body treatment, like an exfoliating Salt and Citrus Glow treatment or a skin-purifing Moor "Mud" Body Mask, there are plenty of full-body relaxing experiences too.

Website

Paddle boarding on Grand Lake

Paddle boarding on Grand Lake

Home of the Colorado River headwaters and Colorado's largest natural lake, Grand County has the most accessible water in Colorado to play in: swimming, boating, fishing, and even stand up paddle boarding—there's almost no limit! Stand up paddle boards (SUP) offer a fun and relaxing way to play on the lakes of Grand County. With as little as a board and a paddle, you can glide across the tranquil lakes amidst the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and get up close and personal with nature and wildlife. Although relaxing, SUP is still a sport, so you will be getting a full-body workout. Plan a relaxing evening in town after your day out on the lakes. From Shadow Mountain Lake to Lake Granby to Grand Lake, visitors can get up and paddle through the calm waters of Grand County to experience the fastest-growing water sport in the area. And with unsurpassable, expansive Rocky Mountain views, you might be tempted to take a break, relax, and take in the beauty of your surroundings from a new perspective that only a SUP can offer.

Website

Theaters

Theaters

Whether you're looking to watch a live show or catch a popular movie, you can find what you're looking for in Grand County. Catch a musical during the summer repertory season of the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre Company, or enter your child in one of the company's youth theatre workshops. You don't want to miss this theater located on the Grand Lake historic boardwalk in the center of town. Looking to enjoy oversized stadium seating and concessions instead? The Foundry Cinema & Bowl is Grand County's only movie theater, and it offers two HD screens that show the latest and greatest Hollywood hits. The theater also hosts special events, concerts and more! Tired of fiction? Check out Grand County Characters, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to portraying Grand County history. Make it a fun and educational night with the whole family! No matter which theater experience you choose, you are in for a night of Grand County entertainment.

Website

Golfing

Golfing

Did you know that your golf ball will travel 20% further at altitude?  At 8,000 feet above sea level, the air is thin. And thinner air makes for a longer drive. Grand County is the perfect place to unwind with a round of golf. With four world-class courses, Grand County, Colorado is quickly becoming a mountain golf paradise.

Website

Hiking/Backpacking

Hiking/Backpacking

Discover the beauty of Grand County, Colorado on foot. Experience nature first hand with miles of scenic trails that are great for strolling or hiking. Whether you are up for a challenging overnight backpacking trek into pristine wilderness areas, or simply looking for a leisurely stroll through a wildflower-filled valley, you can have it your way on any of the hundreds of miles of trails available to hikers in Grand County, Colorado—no extra charge for the spectacular views!

Website

ATV/OHV Riding

ATV/OHV Riding

Grand County, Colorado is the perfect place to start your engines with hundreds of miles of breathtaking and exciting terrain practically made for ATV/Motorsports. Rent an ATV, motorcycle or OHV for the day or sign up for a guided tour through one of our knowledgable outfitters. Whatever you choose to do, there is nothing quite like exploring Grand County, Colorado with a Rocky Mountain rush. For some of the best ATVing and OHVing around, check out some of Grand County's favorite trails.

Website

Boating

Boating

Is there anything better in summertime than boating on a mountain lake? If you ask us, the answer is "no, not really." Around here, it is the thing to do come May, June, July, August and September. While Colorado has dozens of great reservoirs and lakes to set sail on, few destinations offer so many choices in one place.

Website

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing

Mountaineering and rock climbing in Colorado requires not only physical strength, but also mental focus, determination, and skill. Despite these requirements, or perhaps, more accurately, because of them, mountaineering and rock climbing have become some of the most rewarding backcountry endeavors one can undertake. Grand County, Colorado offers several options for those wishing to tackle an adventure in mountaineering along the jagged peaks and craggy wilderness of our beautiful Rockies. However, since most of our rock climbing is tucked away and hidden from plain sight, the area is not overly popular for avid climbers. Because of this, expect fewer crowds on your next rock climbing adventure!

Website