Do Grand Right
There’s something special about being part of a place where people still look after one another. Where alpine lakes, soothing hot springs, wide-open skies and shared traditions remind us of what really matters. Do Grant Right is about honoring that spirit. It’s an invitation to slow down, stay aware and take care of the land, yourself and each other.
We’re in this together—and together, we can ensure Grand County stays grand for now and generations to come.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Plan smart for all conditions.
Outdoor adventures are best enjoyed when you’re ready for anything. Mountain weather can change in a flash, so pack plenty of gear to stay warm and dry. It’s a good idea to review maps, trail conditions, trip reports, and weather forecasts the night before your outing to confirm your route and determine travel times and distances. Make sure you are prepared for your adventures with rain gear, layers, water, a map, and first aid supplies before heading out on the trail. Popular destinations throughout Grand County including Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Arapaho National Recreation Area (ANRA) and Rocky Mountain National Park require permits for backpacking and camping.
You can check availability and secure the necessary permits and entry passes on Recreation.gov. Lastly, always wear a life vest when boating on our lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.
Tread Lightly
Be mindful on the trails.
Grand County is a popular place to explore outside for good reason: our trails are spectacular! Our narrow trails are part of the adventure, so please help keep the single track single. If you encounter a puddle, mud or snow, go through it — not around it. Let the trail guide your adventure. Staying on established trails and following all area and trail closures helps protect wildlife and delicate ecosystems such as alpine tundra, burn scar areas, meadows, and wetlands. When exploring by e-bike or motorized vehicle, travel on trails (or roads) designated for these types of vehicles. At the trailhead, be sure to park in designated spaces as rolling onto shoulders and creating new spots damages habitats. Keep dogs leashed when you are both enjoying the trails and pack out their poop.
Pack it In, Pack it Out.
Properly dispose of all waste.
Public lands and wildlife habitat surround the communities of Grand County, so it’s important to properly dispose of trash to avoid attracting bears and other animals. Make sure bear-proof trash cans are securely shut, avoid overstuffing them, and wait until morning to drag them out for pick-up to avoid attracting wildlife. In Grand County, you will not find trash cans or restrooms at many trailheads, so be prepared to pack out everything you pack in, including trash, human waste, toilet paper, dog poop, and even crumbs, peels, and cores. Human waste disposal bags, like WAG bags, can be found at our local gear shops and make it easy to pack out your poop.
Be Grand
Leave what you find, protect what you love.
Help us protect the beauty of our landscapes and their natural systems by caring grandly for the plants, wildlife, and cultural resources that call Grand County home. Leave these places better than you found them by taking only photos, removing trash, and visiting gently. Carving into the bark of a tree can introduce infections and infestations, both of which are damaging to our beloved forests. Grand County is rich in history and you’ll find traces of our miners, loggers, railroads, and early settlers while exploring. The natural and historic treasures found on the land offer a unique glimpse into the past and remind us of our place in nature. Thank you for being stewards of Grand County’s heritage, we really appreciate your care.
BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE
Help prevent wildfire.
Gathering around the warm, glowing flames of a campfire is an ideal way to end a day outdoors — but in some places, fires are restricted or banned when wildfire risk is high. Before lighting a campfire, always check the Grand County Wildfire Council’s Fire Danger & Restrictions for the latest fire ban updates. When they are allowed, build campfires in existing fire rings and keep them small and under constant supervision. When the evening winds down, make sure your fire is completely out before you turn in. To avoid flames reigniting, be sure to pour plenty of water over the fire, stir the ashes, and soak it again until everything is cool to the touch. Grand County’s dry conditions mean fires can start easily, so please be super careful when smoking anything. Always put cigarettes out completely and don’t leave your butts behind.
Protect Wildlife
Give our critters space.
We are lucky that Grand County is home to an abundance of wildlife. Feeding wildlife can lead to diseases and dangerous habits, so even if you think an animal looks hungry, please keep your snacks to yourself. Disposing of trash properly, storing food in bear-safe containers, and cleaning up food scraps help to prevent wildlife from accessing human food, protecting them and ensuring your encounters stay safe and unforgettable. Wildlife work hard to conserve energy, especially as they prepare for colder months. Giving animals plenty of space and keeping pets leashed helps wildlife stay calm and continue their natural routines. Seeing moose is an exciting part of the Grand County experience. While they may not seem bothered by our presence, moose can be dangerous and have been known to charge humans and unleashed pets, so only admire them from a safe distance.
Practice Kindness
Embrace our place and pace.
Grand County is the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle, offering a slower pace and small-town vibes. Rural living looks good on you when you are friendly with residents and visitors alike, heed the speed limits and stick to the crosswalks. We invite you to chat us locals up, pop into our businesses, and give a “howdy” while roaming our trails. With Grand Lake and other reservoirs nearby, water may seem abundant — but we often experience drought conditions. Help us conserve water and use only what you need so we can protect these precious resources and keep Grand County healthy and vibrant. Together, let’s embrace this special place and its chill pace.
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