Colorado Rocky Mountains are at your doorstep at River Run Resort east of Denver.
The Grand County region of the Rocky Mountains rises to the occasion when it comes to adventure and outdoor fun. Located more than 7,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of America’s most famous mountain range, the area encompasses scenic hiking trails, churning whitewater rapids and rugged ATV and off-road adventures. Anglers are in for a treat because the area shimmers with 1,000 miles of streams and 1,000 acres of high mountain lakes. Wade into the headwaters of the Colorado River to cast a line for trout and salmon. Also, you can launch a boat in one of the fish-rich lakes or reservoirs. Regardless of your choices, you’ll do it all in the crisp, clean air of the Rockies, high above the interstates and cities.
Sprague Lake reflects a thick tree line on its banks. Image: NPS.
If you feel like sampling restaurants and events in a world-class city, Denver sits just two hours to the east. Catch a Colorado Rockies baseball game or enjoy one of the breweries that have put the “Mile-High City” on the map for beer lovers. Just 27 miles to the northwest of Denver lies the town of Boulder, considered one of the happiest and healthiest cities in the nation.
Rivers (and Streams) Run Through It
Start your water adventures where America’s most famous river begins: At the headwaters region of Colorado. Rafters or kayakers seeking whitewater adrenaline can ride the Class IV or V rapids of Gore Canyon Whitewater Park or the mellower eddies near Kremmling. To get started, several outfitters in the area accommodate visitors seeking watercraft and guidance on the water.
Placing the perfect cast near Rocky Mountain National Park. Image: Weaver Multimedia Group/Matt Inden
When it comes to fishing, the area accommodates a wide variety of tastes. Lake Granby, the largest lake in the Colorado headwaters area, teems with rainbow, brown and lake trout. To the north, Grand Lake, the largest natural lake in the state, serves up an equally rich menu of trout along with Kokanee Salmon. Embark on a boat with an outfitter and head into the lake to catch hefty specimens that you can cook up back at camp. If you prefer waders to watercraft, sink your feet into the many streams that serve up trout and other fish on robust currents. Several outfitters and bait and tackle shops in town will equip and guide visitors to the places where the fish bite.
Fern Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Image: NPS.
Trails that Thrill
At the northwest of Grand County, Rocky Mountain National Park rolls out 265,000 acres of rugged countryside that bustles with wildlife like elk, marmots to American black bears. Straddling the Continental Divide, which separates the Pacific-draining and Atlantic-draining river systems of North America, the park contains more than 355 trails that lead hikers to waterfalls, alpine lakes, thick woodlands and fields of wildflowers. Road cyclists appreciate the numerous park roads, and the Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park to Grand Lake provides a challenging trip for hardy cyclists. Ambitious hikers can tackle Long’s Peak, at 14,259 feet.
Play Ball! Fans congregate at the entrance of Coors Field on Blake Street in Denver. Image: Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group
Brewed in Colorado, Tivoli Beer fills tall glasses in Denver. Image: Tivoliconner
Events, Festivals and Food
The surrounding region celebrates its brews the way Napa Valley celebrates its wines. Not surprisingly, Denver’s Great American Beer Festival in October is considered the granddaddy of all beer festivals, with over 4,000 brews to sample along with music and entertainment. Prefer adventure on the wild side? Each fall, herds of elk take over downtown Estes Park during rutting season. The city’s Elk Fest takes place in late September, with bugling contests, craft displays and live entertainment. In Denver, Coors Field resounds with thrills as the Colorado Rockies, the city’s Major League Baseball Team, take to the field for National League action.
Winter Wonders
In the winter months, world-class skiing and snowboarding abounds at Winter Park. Adventurers can get easy access to local snowmobiling, ice-fishing and cross-country skiing. In Rocky Mountain National Park, cross-country trails wind through the snowy landscape, giving you close-up views of the area’s winter wildlife.
Explore the Colorado Rocky Mountains at River Run RV Resort
Before embarking on your trip, make reservations for the place that puts you in the heart of the action. River Run RV Resort in Granby is part of the exclusive signature collection of Sun RV Resorts. Opening in summer 2019, River Run is a brand-new upscale resort combining unique accommodations and best-in-class resort amenities all within 20 minutes of the quiet Grand Lake entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Modern day pioneers will wake up to sweeping views of the Continental Divide and use River Run as the ideal basecamp to explore year-round exceptional outdoor experiences.
Swimmers in River Run’s sprawling pool can enjoy views of mountains between strokes. Image: River Run RV Resort
Splendid Location
River Run is situated along the headwaters of the Colorado River and nestled in a valley below the Arapaho National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park. From the comfort of their campsites, guests will see an abundance of wildlife, from river otters to elk and moose.
Upscale Accommodations
River Run is now accepting reservations for a wide variety of accommodations, allowing guests to choose the option that works best for their vacation. RV travelers can expect generously sized full-hookup sites able to accommodate any size modern or luxury rig. Three styles of furnished cozy rental cottages provide an alpine retreat with the comforts of home, including crisp linens, equipped kitchen and a front porch with majestic views. Guests looking to camp in luxury can enjoy the resort’s glamping experiences, including Airstream travel trailers, large yurts, adventure tents and Conestoga Wagons.
Swimmers in River Run’s sprawling pool can enjoy views of mountains between strokes. Image: River Run RV Resort
Luxury Amenities
No matter how guests choose to stay, everyone will enjoy River Run’s extensive list of amenities. Hit the water and kayak or paddleboard at the on-site lake or wet a line in the crystal clear headwaters of the famed Colorado River, running right through the property. Grab a game at the Glacier Lanes Mini-Bowling Alley or indulge in a relaxing massage. Firepits, a yoga lawn, outdoor games and a large pool all beckon visitors to experience the outdoors. The resort’s two dining options, the Summit Bar & Grill and Headwaters Tavern, are perfect to enjoy a meal and relax after a day hitting the trails. With an extensive activities schedule, designed to entertain and fully immerse guests, River Run is a mountain oasis designed for guests to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Reservations
Book your summer adventure and discover a grand vacation experience unlike any other at River Run RV Resort, offering rates starting as low as $61 per night for RV sites and $130 per night for a mountain cottage. Visit RiverRunRVResort.com to book your stay today.
