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Granby
If you want to connect with your inner cowboy, the area around Granby is the place for you. Nestled in a scenic mountain valley, this community has strong ranching roots and serves as the commercial hub for Grand County.
Granby was founded when the Moffat Railroad was built in 1905 connecting Denver to Salt Lake City. The railroad was the key to growth, providing a method of bringing people to the area and transporting products from the valley. Today conveniently located with easy access to all parts of Grand County, this mountain town has seen unprecedented growth over the last five years because of its friendly small-town atmosphere. It is just the kind of place that makes mountain living so appealing.
Although it keeps a mellow pace in the cool mountain air, the once tiny ranching and farming community has become a destination for both vacationers and second homeowners.
The town has a variety of restaurants and bars, banks, convenience stores, medical services, and a hardware store and grocery store. In the summer the downtown weekly Farmer's Market; complete with live music; is a popular mingling spot.
Not far from town, Lake Granby is famous for its mackinaws, rainbows, browns and kokanee salmon and popular in the winter for ice fishing.
Two golf courses are located at the southern edge of Granby. The Grand Elk Golf Course, designed by PGA champion golfer Craig Stadler; is characteristic of the British heathland course style. The Headwaters Golf Course at Granby Ranch is a distinctive links-style golf course.
In the winter, the nearby ski area, SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch, is a family-style ski area that makes it easy to keep track of the kids. The ski area is comprised of two separate yet interconnected mountains. East Mountain's terrain is primarily beginner and intermediate. West Mountain's terrain is primarily intermediate and advanced with limited beginner access and night skiing.
Granby Airport is just north of Granby at 8,200ft on a broad mesa with few trees. The long 5,095 x 70ft asphalt runway accommodates medium twin turbo-props and light business jets. 24-hour self-service Jet A and Avgas. Free courtesy car. (970) 887-2123 (M-F),
www.granbyairport.com.
- 85 miles northwest of Denver on US Hwy 40
- Population 1685
- Elevation 7935ft
Travel Tidbits:
- The key to safe mountain driving is to slow down and look further ahead than in normal driving. Most accidents occur because drivers are either driving too fast, and/or are following too closely to the car in front of them.
- Unique mountain hazards include wildlife that can dart out in front of you, scenic overlooks that attract traffic, and heavy truck traffic that speeds up on downhill sections while slowing down going uphill.
- Four-wheel drive vehicles or SUVs can lead to a false sense of security in rain, snow and ice. SUVs do not stop any differently than conventional cars.
- Observe posted speed limits on curves. Keep to the right of your lane when rounding a curve to put as large a cushion of safety as possible between you and oncoming traffic. According to the Colorado State Patrol, a large percentage of high country accidents are caused by drivers who don't stay on their side of the road.
- Blue Light warning! Colorado's snowplows use distinctive amber and blue lights to warn you well in advance that snow removal operations are underway. When you see these lights, slow down and use caution.
- Cell phones don't always work in the mountains. If you have to use one for an emergency, a higher ridge line will give you the best reception. If you call 911, tell them you are in Grand County. Depending on where you are, you may reach an emergency center for a different county.
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