Discover the myriad charms of Colorado Grand Country on your Fraser vacation
The small town of Fraser is located at an elevation of 8000 feet (2438 m), in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Fraser is actually located within the gorgeous Fraser River Valley which lies along the edge of Continental Divide some 90 miles (145km) from Denver. Fraser and its neighboring small towns like Granby, Grand Lake and the resort town of Winter Park are immensely popular with holiday makers who come to the Fraser River Valley to avail of its many recreational activities like skiing, mountain biking, fly-fishing, hiking and much more. The Fraser River Valley actually lies within an area which is popularly known as Colorado’s Grand Country which also encompasses much of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Fraser’s history like that of its neighboring towns is linked to the Colorado Gold Rush of the late 1800’s but the town actually came into prominence with the construction of the railroad especially the Moffat Tunnel which was built under the Continental Divide in 1923. This tunnel was finally completed in 1928 and it then facilitated easy rail access to the once remote towns of the Fraser Valley.
Fraser and its neighboring towns, all of which are situated in Colorado’s Grand Country are year round destinations which receive plenty of snowfall which is required for the conduct of winter sports and experience relatively cool temperatures during the summer months which are perfect for those vacationers who wish to escape the heat.
Fraser Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals in the outdoor sports heaven of Fraser are an extremely popular mode of accommodation. These vacation rentals in Fraser consist of townhomes, in town condos, lodges, log cabins, mountain homes and ranch homes most of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Moreover many of these vacation rentals come equipped with a whole host of amenities like gourmet kitchens, garages, hot tubs and free Wi-Fi internet access. Several of these vacation rentals are also disabled friendly and depending on your individual needs and preferences you are bound to find the perfect, affordable vacation rental for your getaway to Fraser.
Attractions and Activities in Fraser
The Cozens Ranch Open Space is an amenity provided by the Town of Fraser that offers biking, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and other opportunities within the environs of Fraser. This facility also includes over two miles of pedestrian trails, two miles of the Fraser River, several fishing ponds, and many other amenities. Located within the Cozens Ranch Open Space is the Cozens Ranch Museum which is housed in one of the oldest homesteads in Fraser Valley. This homestead was constructed in the late 1800’s and it once served as the area’s post office and stage stop. The main house, post office and stage stop are all restored today and are open for viewing by the public.
However Fraser’s most prominent attraction is the Winter Park resort which is located just five miles away from the town of Fraser on highway 40. This famous mountain resort is made up of three mountains namely the Mary Jane, Winter Park and Vasquez Ridge Mountains which together receive nearly 300-400 inches of soft fluffy snow every year creating an environment that is ideal for sports like skiing and snowboarding. All these three mountains are connected by trails and lifts and the purchase of a single lift ticket gives you access to all three mountains. Even if you are not an avid skier you can enjoy the beauty of the resort by taking a snowcat or snowshoe tour or by just riding the gondola. In the summer months Winter Park becomes a summertime playground as it offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, miniature golf and more.
Fraser in fact functions as a year round vacation destination that offers a whole host of seasonal recreational activities like camping, hiking, fishing and fly- fishing and hunting which are popular activities during the summer months. Most of the activities are conducted within the Arapaho National Forest that surrounds the town of Fraser. However for before you set of to fish or hunt here you need to have the appropriate licenses which can in fact be acquired easily.
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For those vacationers who are really not into outdoor recreation, Fraser also offers the attraction of the Hot Sulphur Springs resort which is located 26 miles to the north of Fraser on Highway 40. These hot springs were once used by the Ute Indians, who originally inhabited the area and believed that the springs had medicinal powers. Today this resort which is equipped with 22 natural pools is an ideal outlet for those vacationers who are looking to kick back and relax on their Grand Country vacation to Fraser.