RAFTING NEAR GRANBY, COLORADO
35 minutes down US-40 — the closest big water to Grand County.
Granby sits in the heart of Grand County, surrounded by the Arapaho National Recreation Area, three big reservoirs, and the western flank of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's a true Colorado basecamp — fishing, boating, golf, and trails in every direction.
What many Granby visitors miss is how close they are to real whitewater. Our Kremmling put-in is about 35 minutes west, where the Upper Colorado runs as a scenic family float and Gore Canyon delivers some of the most demanding commercial rapids in the country. Clear Creek's faster runs near Idaho Springs are an option too, a bit farther east.
Spend the morning on moving water, then get back to Lake Granby for an afternoon on the lake. It's the kind of day Grand County was made for.
Getting Here
28 miles · 35 minutes — Kremmling, CO
US-40 West → Kremmling (400 Park Ave)Prefer Clear Creek?
Clear Creek's Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced runs near Idaho Springs are about 1 hour 45 minutes east via US-40 and I-70 — worth it if you want fast, continuous Class III–IV water.
Which Trip Is Right For You
Explore Granby
Everything you need to build the perfect day around your time on the water.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Granby is a southern gateway to RMNP and Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America.
Lake Granby & Arapaho NRA
Three connected reservoirs with 40+ miles of shoreline — boating, fishing, and lakeside views.
Granby Ranch
A family-friendly ski area in winter and lift-served mountain biking and trails in summer.
Moffat Road Railroad Museum
Historic locomotives and rail equipment, from model scale to a 100-ton 1913 railroad crane.
Maverick's Grille
Western fare and Colorado green chili on Agate Ave — a longtime Granby mainstay.
Brickhouse 40
A popular downtown Granby spot for American fare and drinks.
The Cafe at Fitch Ranch
Local meat market and cafe serving ranch-raised beef and hearty plates.
Lake Granby Fishing
One of Colorado's premier lake fisheries — lake trout, rainbow, and kokanee salmon.
Boating & Water Sports
Launch from the Arapaho Bay or Stillwater areas for a full day on the water.
Monarch Lake
A calm, scenic lake with an easy loop trail at the edge of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Broadway-caliber musicals all summer in nearby Grand Lake, about 20 minutes north.
Festivals & Rodeo
Summer brings rodeos, live music, and festivals across Grand County.
Devil's Thumb Ranch
A celebrated luxury ranch resort just south near Tabernash — spa, dining, and miles of trails.
Snow Mountain Ranch
Family lodging, cabins, and activities on a 5,000-acre YMCA of the Rockies property near Granby.
Guest Ranches & Cabins
Grand County is full of classic guest ranches, cabins, and lodges for every budget.
Make a Day of It
Your Granby adventure, start to finish — with your river trip as the centerpiece.
Hit the Water
Start with a scenic Upper Colorado float or a Gore Canyon run from our Kremmling put-in, about 35 minutes west. Book your trip →
Refuel in Town
Grab lunch in downtown Granby — Maverick's Grille for Western fare or Brickhouse 40.
On the Lake
Head to Lake Granby for boating and fishing, or hike the easy loop at Monarch Lake.
Wind Down
Dinner downtown, then head up to Grand Lake for a Broadway-caliber show at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre.
How Far Is the River?
Click any city to see how far it is from our two locations. Most of Colorado is closer than you think.