Kremmling

East of Steamboat Springs and surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and lush evergreen forests, Kremmling is one of Colorado’s best kept secrets. 

Found at the confluence of Muddy Creek and the Blue and Colorado rivers, this tiny Grand County mountain town is rich in mining history and heritage. Fun fact: The famous Western writer Zane Gray stayed at Kremmling’s historical Hotel Eastin, where he wrote some of his popular stories including “The Mysterious Rider,” and John Wayne stayed in town for over a week while filming the Western classic “True Grit.”

Things to Do in Kremmling

Kremmling is known as a sportsman’s paradise because it is ringed by three national forests — Routt, Arapaho and White River — and offers all types of outdoor recreation. In summer, try fishing in Gold Metal waters, big- and small-game hunting, hiking, motorized sports on miles of OHV trails, camping, horseback riding, boating, paddleboarding and whitewater rafting. When you’re ready to rest up, head to nearby Radium Hot Springs to soak in primitive pools along the Colorado River.

One of the most dramatic natural features in downtown Kremmling is the massive cliffs that overlook the community. The craggy walls are not just a sight to behold, they’re also home to wildflower-lined hiking paths and panoramic outlooks of the Continental Divide, trickling streams and rolling hills. Every Fourth of July, a rainbow of fireworks burst from the cliffs of Kremmling for the town’s annual Fire Up the Cliffs celebration.

There’s a lot to do at Kremmling’s Wolford Mountain Recreation Area. An ice-fishing tournament is hosted on the Wolford Mountain Reservoir each February. The recreation area is overseen by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and boasts a trail system providing all sorts of fun non-motorized and motorized things to do. More than 300 miles of cross-country-ski trails beckon around the surrounding Grand County area.

The Kremmling Heritage Park brings the region’s ranching history and tradition to the forefront through six historical buildings. Explore the old Forest Service Ranger Station, farm buildings, a fishing cabin and the local jail — all over a century old.

Kremmling Shops & Restaurants

In the mood for some shopping? Stop into Redemption Thrift to browse secondhand gear, clothes and home goods. Meanwhile, Middle Park Meat Company offers cuts of meat locally sourced from nearby ranches. For souvenirs and snacks, visit Kremmling Mercantile or Keepsake Christmas Shoppe.

Then, treat your taste buds to Kremmling’s diverse dining options. Begin your day at Moose Cafe with a hearty plate of biscuits and country gravy or enjoy a latte and smoothie at Big Shooter Coffee. For lunch or dinner, Grand Old West serves up fresh salads, juicy burgers and turkey clubs. At Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant, indulge in cheesy enchiladas and a zesty margarita. Or just unwind with a saucy barbecue sandwich and Colorado craft beer at The Dean West and Grand Adventure Brewing Company.