CMBALDT

Have just booked 7 nights in a Fraser Valley condo with 6 adults (two parents and four 23-year olds). I've received good advice on horseback riding, white-water rafting and golf. However, would like some advice for day trips out of the area, in addition to some active night life for the younger crowd, as well as good restaurants. Any suggestions? Thank you very much.

tekwriter

You're very close to the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, so that's a definite day trip! Take the day to drive over to the east side of the park via Trail Ridge Road (you are coming in the summer, right?) There are numerous scenic overlooks and easy hikes you could take (Lulu City is a great hike for a couple of hours - not too strenuous). The west side of the park is where the moose hang out, so stop at overlooks near water to see if you can catch sight of them. The town at the entrance, Grand Lake, is a good place to stop for lunch or ice cream or a little tourist shopping. One sad thing about the west side of the park is that the pine beetle has decimated the trees and about 75% are red and dead - nothing can be done about it. Nature has no mercy!

historytraveler

For restaurants in Winter Park try The Shed (my favorite). The Last Waltz gets good reviews. Devil's Thumb Ranch also has a good restaurant.

For night life, sorry I can't make and recommendations as it's been too long since that was a prioity.

MaureenB

We've had a place in that area since the early 80s. It's beautiful there, and a bit off-the-beaten-track, compared to Summit County, I think. We love its wide openness, although a lot of building is going on there now.

It's true about the pine beetle, there and most everywhere in Colorado. The sight is sickening, so be prepared.

I really wouldn't recommend you drive all the way into RMNP, and back. Trail Ridge road is beautiful, and it goes above treeline, but it may be slow going, with construction. It's just not necessary to drive that far from Fraser for amazing scenery.

Instead, I highly recommend driving that direction and stopping at Grand Lake, which is at the boundary of RMNP. It's a striking natural mountain lake. There are also two reservoirs near it, but nothing beats the real thing at the foot of the mountains.

Something we've done frequently is rent motor boats at Lake Granby, with access up to Grand Lake. It's a really fun half-day, or even full-day. You have to watch the weather, though, and plan accordingly if you'll be out on the lake. Summertime can bring afternoon thunderstorms. We got caught in one out on the lake, with no cover on our boat, and complete with lightning-- it was definitely exciting, but not recommended! Going out in the morning might be safer, for more predictable weather.

There's a golf course at Grand Lake that's also pretty. Not as large as Pole Creek, but a good little course.

The Shed has changed its menu, more like little plates, and higher priced dinners. Not Mexican anymore. The Last Waltz is gone, I think.

Best pizza-- Hernando's, in Winter Park. Good enough Italian dishes there, too, but the pizza, and especially its crust, is excellent.

For a very nice special dinner, go to the Ranch House Restaurant, at Devil's Thumb. It's a beautiful, newly-renovated log lodge with a pretty nighttime view, excellent ambiance and service, great food. It's rather expensive but worth it for a splurge.

Best outfit we've found for river rafting is Red Tail, located across the street from the Safeway in Fraser. They know what they are doing, good prices, nice vans, etc.

If the young adults want to break away for a night, it might be an idea for them to drive to Steamboat Springs and stay a night. It's probably about a 2 hour drive, maybe less. Just a thought.

Snow Mountain Ranch, a Y of the Rockies, has lots of activities and nice hiking trail. A decent little grill for a burger or snack.

Ask more questions. You will love that part of Colorado.
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MaureenB

P.S. Forgot to mention that Grand Lake Lodge has the most beautiful views from its restaurant and its porch. It's worth it to wait for a table by the window. The food is usually very good there, if they've gone back to menu service instead of a dinner buffet (a bad idea there). But the porch and the fireplace inside are definitely worth a visit for a drink at least.
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