Spring in the mountains is typically thought of as the off-season, mud season, or shoulder season. While the snow is melting and we wait for warmer-weather activities, here’s a few of our favorite ways to make the most of mud season in Granby:

Try Gravel Biking

While waiting for trails to dry, you can still get out on the hundreds of miles of gravel and dirt roads around Granby. It’s a great way to jumpstart biking season and experience nature without the traffic found on paved roads. It’s also a good activity for newer riders without many of the technical aspects of mountain biking. Cottonwood Pass, Parshall Divide, or riding County Highway 6 along Lake Granby all offer spectacular views. For more route planning and information, check out Gravel Map.

Take a New Fitness Class 

If conditions aren’t ideal outdoors, there are still plenty of indoor options to get your body moving. Many fitness classes around Granby are available for drop-ins or by puchcard. Granby Yoga Barn offers punch cards for Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and Hot Yoga. If you’re an experienced CrossFitter you can drop into Stand Firm CrossFit classes, or if you’re new to CrossFit, you’ll need to first take the fundamentals course. If mixed martial arts are more your style, check out Mountain Beast.

Cast a Line

Excellent spring fishing can be found all across Grand County, including the shores of Lake Granby and several access points along the Colorado and Fraser Rivers. You can fish right in town at Granby Trails (by reservation only), and near Windy Gap Reservoir. For the little ones, a kids fishing pond can be found at Kaibab Park. Fishing licenses are required for those ages 16+ and can be purchased at Granby Bait and Tackle, Ace Hardware, and City Market. For more information about fishing, refer to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Guide.

Bike Trail Ridge Road

If you’re up for a challenge, there’s a short window in the spring starting April 1, before the plows have finished plowing the top of Trail Ridge Road, where you can bike nearly to the summit and feel like you have Rocky Mountain National Park to yourself. Be ready for a steady climb or more than 2,000’ and an exhilarating ride back down. Park at the Colorado River Trailhead parking lot and bike until you hit snow or until the road is closed. Be sure to bring layers as the temperature drops as you climb. Check the RMNP website for current Trail Ridge Road status and biking information.

Go for a Scenic Drive

Fall gets all the credit, but Spring is also an incredible time to enjoy the changing scenery. The Colorado Rivers Scenic Byway, Cottonwood Pass and Ute Pass all make great scenic drives in the Spring. Make sure to bring your camera - the new spring growth, with the mountain tops still covered in snow makes for some photo-worthy opportunities. One of our favorite road trips passes through Granby and follows the picturesque Trough Road along the Colorado River.

Enjoy Main Street without the Crowds

Spring is the least busy time of year, which also means it's the perfect time to shop and eat on Main Street Granby. During the month of May, GrubFest, Granby’s Restaurant Week, features various specials at local restaurants. Head out on foot and be sure to check out the colorful murals throughout town.