Arapaho Valley Ranch
At Arapaho Valley Ranch, adventure doesn’t require planning. Trails, water, and open land are part of the setting. Guests choose their own pace, shaped by season, weather, and how far they feel like going.
Discover the ultimate adventure with our exclusive Winter and Summer Travel Guides! Whether you're dreaming of snow-capped peaks or mountain sunsets AVR is your destination for unforgettable escapes.
Summer at the ranch is defined by long days and time spent outdoors from morning through evening. Hiking, fishing, paddling, wildlife watching, and unhurried afternoons by the water are part of the rhythm. Guests take advantage of easy access to Monarch Lake, nearby trails, the river, and the onsite pond—often moving between activities without much structure. Days stretch out. Evenings cool down. The pace is set by the weather and the light.
Winter brings a quieter version of the high country. Snow reshapes the landscape, and days slow naturally. Guests enjoy snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing, ice-skating, and winter walks through the trees. Time spent outdoors is balanced with time indoors—warming up at the lodge, gathering by the fire, popcorn and board games, and letting the season set the tone rather than the schedule.
Summer activities at the ranch include fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, wildlife watching, live music, yard games and camp fires. On weekends we will often have activities for kids and live music at the lodge where you can roast marshmallows over the fire, play pool in the lodge and enjoy a drink at the Red Dog Saloon.
This beautiful lake allows for a remote and fun day of water sports, soothing waters, and fun memories for you and your family. With so many things to do, you'll have a blast no matter what you choose! Let’s dive into all the major things to do in Lake Granby so you can be prepared right when you arrive.
AVR has its very own canoes that are free for our guests to use. We provide life vests, but please use caution especially with children near our water features! AVR has several paddle boards you can rent, to be used on the Southfork of the Colorado River, which has access into Granby Lake. In addition, Granby Lake has two marinas where you can rent pontoons and speed boats. You are more than welcome to bring your own paddle boards to use in our Little Indian Lake.
Since we are so close to Lake Granby, we have many fisherman and boating guests who camp with us and bring their boat to dock in Lake Granby during their stay. Please let us know if this is something you’d like to do and we can help you make it happen!
Let’s talk Wildlife! We commonly see Moose, Elk, and the occasional Fox and Coyote. There are birds galore and we have regular hawk visitors flying overhead. Every once and awhile, a lucky camper or glamper will get to see one of the few Bald Eagles that live near our land.
Also, we have the adorable “Whistle Pig” or Yellow-bellied Marmot…….think of a beaver without a tail. Sometimes these animals seem to wander onto our land almost on a queue at just the right moment. While some of the wildlife may seem to not be bothered by us, getting too close can be dangerous to you and them – so please enjoy AVR wildlife at a distance!
Lake Granby is about 1/8 of a mile in front of our land and is Colorado’s largest man-made lake. Monarch Lake is about 1/8 of a mile behind our land. The South Fork of the Colorado River runs right through the Ranch, so you have private access to some of the best fishing Colorado has to offer.
A Colorado state fishing license is required and can be purchased by Clicking Here
Have Kids? Very first time fishing? Unable to hike to the lake or river?
We have our own private trout pond where you’re sure to catch a whopper! There is no license required to fish in our private pond!
In the Lakes and Streams adjacent to the ranch, you’ll find the browns, the rainbows, the Kokanee salmon, and the gigantic mackinaw. (Mackinaw fishing is great in June). The trails that lead up into the hi-country lakes and streams will take you to the age-old habitat of the native or cutthroat trout.
Our Ranch is nestled in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in Colorado. Directly behind the Ranch is the Monarch Lake Trailhead, entrance to the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
This trailhead gives you access to the following trails:
Cascade Falls (9.2 miles round trip)
Crater Lake and Mirror Lake (14.8 miles round trip)
Gourd Lake (16.6 miles round trip)
The Monarch Lake trail leads to the old town of Monarch and its steam engine, which is a 3.9 mile loop.
Some other great trails near the Ranch:
Doe Creek Trail - trailhead is three miles from the Ranch on Arapaho Bay Road (CR6) (7.3 miles round trip)
Strawberry Lake Trail - trailhead is 1 mile from the Ranch on Arapaho Bay Road (CR6) (3.7 miles round trip)
Roaring Fork Trail - trailhead is 1/2 a mile down Hwy 637 across from the Ranch
Don’t forget about some of the breathtaking peaks that are over 12,000 ft such as Arapaho Peak and Mount Achonee. n the other side of the Ranch is the entrance to Knights Ridge and Hell’s Canyon, nestled above Lake Granby. For an amateur hike and one that is great for small children, we have our own private hiking trail that winds along the Southfork of the Colorado River and leads up to a wooden swing overlooking the Valley. Perfect for a kiss at sunset!
Grand County, Colorado turns into a true winter playground once the snow arrives. You can enjoy world-class downhill skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts like Winter Park (45 min. drive) and Granby Ranch (30 min. drive), or explore miles of quiet trails on snowshoes and cross-country skis through forests and national park landscapes. Snowmobiling, sledding, and dog sled rides offer high-energy fun, while frozen lakes invite ice fishing and outdoor skating for all ages. For those seeking slower-paced winter experiences, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, sleigh rides, and soaking in hot springs round out the season’s activities.
