FRASER, CO

Things to Do in Fraser

Located between the towns of Winter Park and Tabernash, Fraser may only be 75 miles from Denver, but when you visit, you’ll feel as if you are “Leaving Planet Earth.” No matter the time of year, Fraser is home to so many activities and events to make your stay unforgettable.

Outdoor Activities

Fraser's summer fun includes fishing in the Fraser River and mountain biking along rugged tree-lined paths like the Fraser to Granby Trail. Experience the Fraser High Country Stampede Rodeo’s thrilling Western events or take a scenic drive for breathtaking vistas of the Continental Divide.

In fall, explore the bright orange and gold trails near St. Louis Creek or schedule a round of golf at Grand Elk Golf Club. Attend Oktoberfest in downtown Fraser or any of the exciting events that roll around when the air cools down. Stay awhile and book a room at a hotel in Fraser for a cozy place to kick off your hiking boots after a day exploring piney paths.

Hit the slopes at Winter Park Resort for world-class skiing and snowboarding all winter. Pad along snowshoeing trails in the serene Fraser Experimental Forest or whizz around on thrilling snowmobile adventures in the nearby Arapaho National Forest. But Fraser is perhaps best known for thrill-filled sledding and tubing at the Fraser Snow Tubing Hill and Colorado Adventure Park.

As spring arrives, walk or bike the paved Fraser River trail to see rushing water and budding trees. Along the way, stop at the Cozens Ranch Museum to see the first ranch and stage shop in the Fraser Valley. Learn about the early pioneers who traveled over Berthoud Pass via stagecoach and shop historical postcards, art pieces and more. And for a different perspective, you can’t go wrong with a hot-air-balloon ride for a birds-eye view of the Rockies.

Events

Raise your stein for the annual Fraser Valley Hop Crawler, which takes place each fall downtown. Dress in your best lederhosen, taste Grand County-made beers and start your crawl to the breweries, including Fraser River Beer Company, Camber Brewing Company and Vicious Cycle Brewing Company, to name a few. With your ticket, you’ll receive a souvenir fanny pack and pint glass, plus a 10-oz pour from six different brew pubs.

In winter, see sparkling works of art at the Fraser Fire and Ice Festival, where sculptors present massive snow sculptures for the town to admire. It all ends with a massive bonfire (fueled by the holiday season’s old Christmas trees), with live music, food trucks and a dazzling fireworks display.

In summer, artists compete for cash prizes at the annual Fraser Mountain Mural Festival, where the streets come alive with large, colorful canvases. Following a new theme every year, expect a day of kooky concepts and lots of creativity as they paint their pieces. Fraser is also home to the Picnic in the Park summer music series, where every week in the summer, new bands take the stage to perform for residents and visitors at Old School House Park.

Throughout the year, Paint and Sip Fraser offers workshops where you can taste wines and paint landscapes. And of course, you can’t experience the modern West in Grand County without checking out a rootin’ tootin’ rodeo; and Fraser’s High Country Stampede Rodeo will not disappoint. Cheer on cowpokes as they kick up dust at events like barrel racing, roping, pole bending and goat tying.

Shopping

See the creative side of Fraser at one of the many art galleries and shops that showcase handcrafted goods. High Country Autumn's Nest has a treasure trove of vintage pieces and unique finds like stationery and home decor in their ever-evolving collection. Explore the handcrafted log-furniture pieces at Naked Aspen, brimming with beautiful tables, chairs and more built from sturdy aspen bark.

Find a watercolor painting that depicts Fraser’s outdoor spaces and local haunts at Elizabeth Kurtak Art Gallery. You can snag an original or a print for a perfect wall hanging to remember your trip. Looking for even more creativity in town? Every month, you can explore paintings, handcrafted goods and tasty treats at the Fraser Artisan Bazaar.

If you’re on the hunt for outdoor gear, there are plenty of spots in Fraser that will outfit you with everything you need. Talk to the team at Icebox Mountain Sports if you’re looking for the perfect set of cross-country skis for your next Nordic adventure. They also have plenty of alpine equipment including skis, boots and poles, as well as rentals for mountain bikes, paddleboards and more. Local Experience is the place to go for shoes, whether you need sturdy hiking boots for your next backcountry adventure or a pair of sandals for strolling by the water.

Dining

There are so many restaurants in Fraser worth exploring. Start your day with a foamy latte and housemade pastry from Rocky Mountain Roastery Cafe. Slow roasted on-site with high-quality beans, you’ll notice some delicious flavor notes in their high-altitude brews. And for a local favorite breakfast, stop into Sharkey’s Eatery for fluffy pancakes with sweet maple syrup, spicy Western-style omelets with Colorado green chili and warm biscuits smothered in savory country gravy.

Begin dinner with a handcrafted cocktail from Fraser Valley Distillery, a family-owned distillery that makes swoon-worthy spirits and meals that everyone will love. Try their crispy fried Brussels sprouts with spicy aioli and the smoky brisket dinner plate with mashed potatoes. They also offer delicious vegan and vegetarian options.

If you’re craving some Mexican fare, check out Fuego Azteca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina for zesty margaritas, tasty tacos and saucy burritos. Try the massive burra burrito — loaded with meat, beans, sour cream and the works — sure to satisfy your hunger after a day of exploring. Feeling cheesy? Elevation Pizza has you covered with tasty pies like their “Adam Bomb,” with spicy pepperoni and green chilis surrounded by dollops of cream cheese.

Visit the Town of Fraser