When you visit Grand County, there are lots of free things to do that range from hiking and biking to swimming and even playing on a beach. There is no need to rack your brain because here is a short list of free things to do in Grand County throughout the year.

1. Spend a day at the Beach on Grand Lake

A relaxing free thing to do in Grand County that brings sand, sun, and fun into play is to make a trip to the Beach at Grand Lake. The area is perfect for lounging and feeling the sand between your toes as you gaze out over the state’s largest and deepest natural lake. While you are at the lake you can also take a short hike to Adam’s Falls and watch the tumbling waters flow over the cliffs.

Location: Shoreline of Grand Lake.

2. Aviation History of Grand County

A quick and informative free thing to do in Grand County is to stop at the Emily Warner Field Aviation Museum. Here you will find interesting exhibits about the flying pioneers of Grand County as well as numerous famous Americans that have flown to the area such as Charles Lindbergh and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Another intriguing item at the museum is a set of cuff links that were once owned by Howard Hughes.

Location: Rocky Mountain Airways Terminal of the Granby/Grand County Airport.

3. Winter Carnival in Grand Lake

Looking for something free to do in Grand County this winter? Then you should head to the Grand Lake Winter Carnival. This carnival in February of each year has a lively atmosphere even when the temperatures dip below zero. Once at the Grand Lake Winter Carnival, there are plenty of unique experiences from a snowman building contest to a snowy steeplechase to a parent/child sled pull, and the event is topped off with fireworks over frozen Grand Lake.

Location: Town Park within Grand Lake.

4. Frisbee Golf and Winter Fun at Pioneer Park

Get your discs ready for a thrilling game of Frisbee golf at Pioneer Park. The 80-acre  Pioneer Park boasts a variety of free things to do year round. During the winter, you will find numerous cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, and there are 14 free camping sites open year round.

Location: Hot Sulphur Springs adjacent to Town Park.

5. Mountain Bike Capital USA

With over 600 miles of trails in the area, Grand County has a burgeoning mountain biking community. One of the best free things to do in Grand County this fall is to mountain bike Rogers Pass. This five-mile ride will reward you with views of Winter Park Resort, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, James Peak, and breathtaking views of Jim Creek Valley. There is over a 1,000-foot elevation gain on this difficult trail, so be prepared for switchbacks. The area offers plenty of fun in the winter and is very popular for snowmobiling too.

Location: Access to the trail requires driving south on U.S. 40 from Winter Park to C.R. 80. Follow for 11-miles until Rifle Sight Train Trestle.