Private tour of Rocky Mountain National Park with Lively Tours and Talks
Lively Tours and Talks

The Quieter Side

When you’re looking for a mellow mountain adventure that’s away from it all, Granby makes the perfect spot to set as your jumping-off point. 

Day 1 

Make your headquarters at Granby Ranch, a quiet residential resort community nestled in the hills outside of town. Rent one of the privately owned homes/cabins or stay at The Inn at SilverCreek, a cozy lodge just minutes from the foot of the ski mountain. 

Enjoy the resort amenities as you relax and adjust to the altitude—take a soak in the outdoor pool and hot tub, or rent a cart and play a round of golf at the Granby Ranch golf course. For dinner, a tucked-away option is Grand Elk Grille at nearby Grand Elk Golf Club

Day 2

After a hearty breakfast in town, spend the day exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. A private guided tour with Dave Lively of Lively Talks and Tours will ensure you get off the beaten path to some of the less-visited spots in the park, or take a drive on your own to walk some of the mellower trails in the park. Kauweneeche Trail is a long, flat, and friendly 5.5-mile trail known for big meadows and plenty of moose sightings. Wrap up your day with a leisurely dinner at one of Granby’s friendly local watering holes like Maverick’s Grille.  

Day 3 

Hit the road for a scenic drive and maybe some fishing today. From Granby Ranch, take beautiful Cottonwood Pass (County Road 55) 10 miles through historic ranch properties and stunning aspen forests—this drive is fantastic in September when the leaves turn. Stop in Hot Sulphur Springs for breakfast, then keep driving west on the Colorado River Headwaters Scenic Byway. You’ll pass through stunning Byers Canyon and beyond, following the Colorado River through rolling ranch country. Continue through Kremmling and onto Highway 1, or “Trough Road,” for jaw-dropping vistas views along the Colorado, ending in the funky town of State Bridge before heading back the way you came. 

Want to make it a fishing trip instead? Any number of local fishing outfitters guide along this stretch of the Colorado and typically meet around 8:30 am to hit the water. Wading or float trips are also available. Dinner tonight? Head back to Granby and pick up some fresh local ribeyes at Fitch Ranch Meats & Market and grill them up at your place, or wander down to the Granby Ranch Grill and have sunset drinks by the fire pit before your entrees arrive. It’s the perfect way to wind down and savor your adventures—and even plan for new ones next year.

Beauty, inspiration, bluebird days, crisp nights perfect for snuggling—when it’s just the two of you, there’s no better setting for reconnecting than the Colorado Rocky Mountains. With Granby as your basecamp, we’ve set the scene for a 3-day getaway with romance in...