WEEKEND GETAWAY IN WINTER PARK, GRAND LAKE COLORADO
By Suzanne Carmel
A quick trip to the Colorado Rockies can be ideal, even off-season in the fall or spring, whether you’re planning a long weekend away with friends or a romantic retreat. Though skiing and rafting may be off the menu, there is still plenty to do and it’s much less crowded. The mountains are there in all their majestic glory; you can hike, horseback ride, bike and fish; stroll through the towns of Winter Park and Grand Lake; take a scenic drive; or simply hole up at an amazing resort.
Little more than an hour drive from Denver, you’ll find yourself immersed in the prefect playground: a place to unwind and regroup for a few days. Grand County is the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, and home to the Continental Divide and Trail Ridge Road (a scenic byway which closes during inclement weather). The road traverses the park from east to west, with 11 of the road’s 48 miles above the tree line. Grand County includes the national park, more than 600 miles of mapped and marked hiking and biking trails, four ranches for horseback riding at every skill level, two national forests, two wilderness areas and two scenic byways (including the one mentioned above). Here are four places to plan your retreat:
Zephyr Mountain Lodge
Winter Park Resort may seem a bit sleepy during the spring and fall, as it’s at the foot of ski slopes and mountain trails. The gondolas don’t run off-season but it’s only ten minutes from downtown Winter Park where there are plenty of restaurants and shops. This town gives you the sense that you’re in a place where locals live, work and spend their free time. If you don’t mind the drive, the condos here are as good a place as any to use as a base for area activities. Curl up before the fireplace in one- to three-bedroom condos, complete with kitchens and living rooms with sleeper sofas. There are four outdoor hot tubs and a fitness room on site. Stop in town at Hernando’s Pizza Pub for a great pizza in a casual eatery with a full-service bar. The restaurant has been serving patrons since 1967, and patron donated and decorated dollar bills have been plastered all over the walls (more than 35,000 to date) since 1989. Alternatively, you can stock up at Fireside Market and Eatery on gourmet and specialty foods to bring back to your condo.
Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging
Located at the other side of Grand County, Grand Lake is decidedly a tourist town geared toward visitors, especially during summertime. It’s sleepier off-season, but some of the restaurants and tourist shops remain open year-round. The Western Riviera offers a variety of reasonable lodging options, from cabins, to motel rooms, to vacation homes. The Lake House is in an ideal location, right on Grand Lake with a balcony from which to gaze out at the incredible scenery. Two bedrooms and bathrooms, plus two sleeper sofas and a rollaway bed, can accommodate a larger group (however, it might become a bit cramped). For two couples or a family of four or five, it’s ideal. Though a bit outdated aesthetically, there is a welcome jetted tub in the master bath, a full kitchen and a fireplace on the main level. The bedrooms are on separate floors, affording a bit more privacy. Steps away, downtown Grand Lake offers restaurants and shops worth exploring. Head to Sagebrush BBQ & Grill for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The lively eatery serves up an extensive menu of hearty fare. For a quick breakfast or sweet treat, Lulu City serves freshly made donuts with a variety of choose-your-own toppings, homemade gelato, and made-to-order espresso and coffee drinks.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
For a more luxurious stay at a resort with all the expected amenities, head to Devil’s Thumb and you may never want to leave. Choose between the Main Lodge, High Lonesome Lodge, or one of the 15 mountain cabins, which each provide a comfortable interlude between the many available activities. Though Devil’s Thumb is acclaimed for its Nordic skiing, the property also offers horseback riding and wagon rides, a full-service spa, a yoga studio and fitness room, zip line tours (spring, summer and fall), a game room, a movie theater, an indoor/outdoor pool, steam room, sauna and outdoor hot tub. Fly fishing, mountain biking, hatchet throwing, and archery round out the myriad of options. Grab a quick breakfast or lunch from the Hallowed Grounds Coffee Shop, casual fare in front of a roaring fire throughout the day at Heck’s Tavern, or enjoy a more formal dinner at Ranch House Restaurant & Saloon. A complimentary shuttle will also bring guests to Volario's Ristorante, located in downtown Winter Park and featuring Northern Italian cuisine. Lodge guests can cap off meals with complimentary s’mores fixings to roast at the outdoor pit.
C Lazy U Ranch
Another luxury guest ranch, C Lazy U specializes in equestrian-based vacations, with more than 200 horses on property and all manner of guided trail rides and riding lessons at every skill level. The resort offers 40 guest ranch accommodations ranging from rooms in the main lodge to private cabins and a private rental villa. When not out horseback riding, guests can visit the spa, try Orvis fly fishing, archery, hatchet throwing or trap shooting, visit the fitness center or game room, play tennis, mountain bike, do yoga, hike and watch The Jingle (when horses go out to pasture late each afternoon). Though the swimming pool is closed outside of the summer season, two hot tubs are open year-round. Dining, except for alcohol, is included in guest rates (as are many activities) and is served family-style. Extensive kids and teens programs are available for much of the year.
Guests anywhere throughout the county can book guided hikes through Winter Park Resort. When visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, stop at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center for information on the trails and ranger-led activities, to view exhibits and films, or use the facilities. For more information on Grand County and area activities, visit www.visitgrandcounty.com or call 800-247-2636.
