Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Grand County, Colorado is a gateway to breathtaking alpine adventures and small-town charm. Reaching this mountain paradise typically begins in Denver, where travelers arriving at Denver International Airport (DIA) can explore several convenient routes to reach towns like Winter Park, Granby, Fraser, and Kremmling.Whether you fly, drive, or book a shuttle service, this airport guide to Grand County will help you navigate your journey with ease and confidence.
Airports Near Grand County
Traveling to Grand County often starts with finding the best local airports for your itinerary. This airport guide to Grand County highlights both commercial and private options, ensuring every traveler can find the right fit. While Denver International Airport is the main hub for commercial flights, smaller airports near Grand County—such as those in Granby and Kremmling—offer access for private and chartered planes, making your arrival as smooth as the mountain air that greets you.
Denver International Airport
Located roughly 100 miles east of Grand County, Denver International Airport is the most accessible entry point for most travelers. From DIA, visitors can choose between renting a car or taking a shuttle service through scenic mountain roads leading into Grand County.
Granby Airport
Granby Airport, also known as Granby–Grand County Airport, is a small public-use airfield located just outside the town of Granby. While it primarily serves private and charter flights, it offers a convenient arrival option for those seeking direct access to Granby rentals or nearby mountain lodges.
Kremmling Airport
Situated on the western side of the county, Kremmling Airport (McElroy Field) serves private and chartered aircraft. Travelers using this local airport can quickly reach outdoor attractions, making it a practical choice for visitors staying in Kremmling or exploring the upper Colorado River region.
Shuttle Services to Grand County
For those who prefer not to drive, multiple shuttle services operate between Denver International Airport and Grand County. These options offer convenient, year-round transportation to popular towns such as Winter Park, Fraser, and Granby.
Home James Transportation
Home James Transportation provides direct shuttle service from Denver International Airport to several Grand County destinations. Known for reliability and comfort, their routes include stops in Winter Park, Fraser, and Granby—ideal for travelers heading to ski resorts or mountain retreats.
Grand Mountain Rides
For a more upscale experience, Grand Mountain Rides offers a luxury shuttle service connecting Denver to Grand County. Their private vehicles and professional drivers ensure a relaxing ride through the mountains, allowing travelers to unwind before their arrival.
Driving to Grand County (from DIA)
If you prefer the freedom of the open road, driving to Grand County from Denver is an unforgettable experience. The journey takes roughly two hours and winds through mountain passes and scenic valleys that highlight Colorado’s natural beauty.
Renting a Car
Many travelers opt to rent a vehicle directly from Denver International Airport. This allows for flexibility in exploring Grand County’s diverse landscapes—from lakes and forests to historic downtowns.
Car Rentals at Denver International Airport
DIA offers numerous car rental options, including major providers such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis. Each company provides a range of vehicles suited for navigating mountain terrain and varying weather conditions.
Avalanche Car Rentals
For those who prefer a local option, Avalanche Car Rentals operates within Grand County and offers vehicles tailored to mountain travel. This service is perfect for visitors who arrive via shuttle service but still want the freedom of exploring on their own.
Highways/Scenic Drives
Driving from Denver to Grand County provides travelers with some of Colorado’s most picturesque mountain views. You’ll wind through passes, forests, and river valleys that make the journey as memorable as the destination itself.
Highway US-40
US-40 is the main route into eastern Grand County, passing through Empire and Winter Park before reaching Fraser and Granby. This scenic highway is open year-round and offers stunning views of the Continental Divide.
Highway I-70
Traveling west on I-70 connects you to the southern and western reaches of Grand County. This route passes through mountain tunnels and alpine terrain, linking Denver to Kremmling via State Highway 9.
Things to See in Grand County
No matter how you arrive—whether by shuttle service from Denver International Airport, a scenic drive over Berthoud Pass, or a flight into one of the local airports—the journey to Grand County offers as many sights as the destination itself. As you travel through this high-country paradise, you’ll encounter alpine lakes, vast forests, and charming mountain towns. This region is famous for its year-round recreation and natural beauty, from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to hiking, fishing, and boating in summer. Visitors often extend their trips with Granby rentals, staying close to pristine lakes and trailheads that make every day an adventure.
The Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
Bordering several towns across Grand County, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests are an outdoor lover’s dream. The forests feature hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, crystal-clear lakes, and scenic overlooks—many of which are visible as you approach from Denver. These public lands are a defining feature of Grand County’s landscape, offering opportunities for both quiet exploration and wildlife viewing.
Berthoud Pass
One of Colorado’s most breathtaking drives, Berthoud Pass connects the Front Range to Grand County via Highway US-40. This alpine route reaches over 11,000 feet in elevation, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and winding valleys. The pass is an unforgettable introduction to the beauty that awaits beyond. In winter, the pass is also a popular backcountry ski destination.
Byers Pass
For travelers seeking a lesser-known route, Byers Pass offers peaceful mountain scenery and access to trail systems that showcase the raw beauty of the Rockies. Though less traveled than Berthoud Pass, this high-mountain corridor provides equally stunning vistas and connects to areas known for camping, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
