Area: 1,869 square miles
Perimeter: 248.8 miles
Population: 12,442 (2000 census), 7,966 (1990 census)
Density: 6.6 persons / square mile
Dimensions: 53.6 miles E-W by 54.9 miles N-S
Location: 39d40’ to 40d29’ North Latitude 105d37’ to 106d39’ West Longitude
Average Elevation: 7,360 feet
Highest Peak: 13,535 feet ( Pettingell Peak )
Average Snow Fall: 93” ( West End ), 234” ( East End )
Climate: -50 Degrees F to 85 Degrees F
Contiguous Counties: Jackson, Larimer, Boulder, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Summit, Eagle, Routt
Established: February 2, 1874
County Seat: Hot Sulphur Springs
Railroad: Southern Pacific RR & Amtrack
Incorporated Towns: Fraser, Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Winter Park
Unincorporated Towns: Parshall, Radium, Tabernash
Facts about Grand County
The County of Grand was chartered February 2, 1874.
Hot Sulphur Springs was designated as the County
Seat. In April 1881, the County Seat was moved to
Grand Lake. On July 4, 1883, the three County
Commissioners at that time and three other public
officials representing two factions in a political and
personal disagreement, involved themselves in a
“shoot out” which resulted in the death of all six men. In November 1888, the Count Seat was moved back to Hot Sulphur Springs. The original log Courthouse has been preserved by the Historical Society and is now on the County Museum grounds in Hot Sulphur Springs.
75% of the land within our County is under Federal Ownership. One of the best known is Rocky Mountain National Park. When you drive through the park, you will be on Trail Ridge Road, which partially follows a Ute Indian trail, and is the highest cross-country highway in the nation rising to 12,183 feet. Enos Mills was so awed by it’s beauty that he spent much of his time promoting this region as a National Park and succeeded in 1915. Within the park (Grand County as well) there are many different types of wildlife. Just to name a few, we have; Elk, Deer, Big Horn Sheep, Antelope, Moose, Fox, Bear, and Beaver. Not often seen are Mountain Lions, Bobcat, and Lynx. There are 283 different species of birds and 700 varieties of wild flowers. One of the most admired trees here in the County is the Aspen. In the fall they blanket the hillsides with a gorgeous golden glow. The Indian legend is told of why the leaves of the Aspen seem to quiver continually as if the tree were trembling in terror. It is said that the Great Spirit once visited earth and all the creatures trembled at his coming, except for the Aspen which stood firm, cold and proud. Angered at this haughty display, the Great Spirit decreed that forever afterward the proud Aspen should tremble whenever anyone looked at it. High in the Park on La Poudre Pass is the beginning of one of the mightiest and greatest water resources of the western United States, the Colorado River. The Colorado provides water through the Big-Thompson Project (a 13.1 mile long tunnel- the Alva B. Adams), which provides water to at least 5 cities on the East slope. Flowing down the West slope, the Colorado supplies more than ½ of the western states and part of Mexico with water. From its beginning to end the Colorado takes a 1400 mile journey to the Gulf of California where not one drop of water is left to drop in the ocean. The Colorado is responsible for the creation of the breath taking beauty of the Grand Canyon.
Colorado’s largest natural lake is located in Grand County, Grand Lake. Created by glaciers which pushed stones and rock across a valley, making a natural dam. Legend tells when a group of Ute Indians were attacked on the shores of Grand Lake, they placed the women and children on a raft in the lake for safety. Most of the Ute men were killed; a storm drove the raft into the middle of the lake, one of the deepest anywhere, and the women and children were drowned. When the mists rise from the lake, the Indian legend is repeated that these are the spirits of the dead returning to the spot.
Grand County is known for recreation, tourism, mining and agricultural. Winter recreation includes downhill & cross country skiing, snow boarding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides, hockey and even mushing behind sled dogs. During summer months we have river rafting, hiking, biking, golf, camping and of course fishing. The West end of our County hold the Phelps Dodge Climax Molybdenum Co. The Henderson Mill mines a mineral known as Molybdenum and is a vital mineral used for hardening of steel. Grand County is also known for the growth of hay and there are many cattle ranches.