STEAMBOAT PILOT & TODAY
Grand County, which touches the southeast edge of Routt County, has the western feel and wilderness that entice many to Colorado's mountains. Since it is only 90 miles northwest of Denver, it offers the balance between convenience and mountain living that many homebuyers want.
Closest to Steamboat Springs is the town of Kremmling, which is the starting point for a range of backcountry activities. The Blue River, the Colorado River and Wolford Reservoir all offer plenty of fishing, while the acres of undeveloped land offer good grounds for hunting.
Grand County, with 12,500 residents, is far less populated than the counties along the Front Range. The median price for owner-occupied homes in Grand County was $205,500 in 2000, while median monthly rent was about $650.
Outdoor recreation is a central part to the lifestyle and economy of this county.
In the southeast corner of the state are the county's main ski areas, Winter Park and Mary Jane. Besides attracting skiers and snowboarders throughout the winter, the resort entices mountain bikers and hikers during the summer.
The town of Fraser just up the road is the location of most of the ski area's lodging, housing and shopping. There is also a rodeo grounds that stays busy in the summertime.
Granby, the center of the county, has a number of businesses and restaurants, but is still a small town by most standards.
Cross-country skiing is easy to access at a number of Nordic centers, and the county also has hundreds of miles of backcountry trails that give experienced skiers and boarders a break from the resort scene.
Grand Lake, along with Granby, Willow Creek and Shadow Mountain reservoirs, offer a range of water recreation, such as sailing, motor-boating, waterskiing, sailboarding, biking and fishing throughout the summer. Grand Lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado and is considered the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
The county has four wilderness areas, as well as land set aside as national parks and forests. Trail Ridge Road, which links Grand Lake to Estes Park by passing through Rocky Mountain National Park, offers a breathtaking shortcut to Colorado's Front Range cities during the summer months that it is open.