Surrounded by towering snowcapped peaks and primitive forests, Kremmling is nestled in spectacular northern Rocky Mountains scenery and is one of Colorado’s best kept secrets. Come for the natural beauty and stay to unwind (you won’t find crowds and traffic jams here!).
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Kremmling
Found at the confluence of Muddy Creek and the Blue and Colorado rivers, this tiny Grand County mountain town east of Steamboat Springs is located at the crossroads of Hwy. 9 and historic Hwy. 40. It’s also mere minutes from gorgeous Colorado attractions like the Wolford Mountain, Williams Fork and Green Mountain reservoirs.
Things to Do in Kremmling, CO
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. Find Kremmling hiking, biking and off-road trail information
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, that’s overseen by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, boasts a trail system providing all sorts of fun non-motorized and motorized things to do just north of town. More than 300 miles of cross-country-ski trails beckon around the surrounding Grand County area.
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 Kremmling sweatshirts or T-shirts, visit Kremmling Mercantile (also a great place to snag a snack). And Keepsake Christmas Shoppe is perfect for souvenirs like metal art, candles, leatherwork, jewelry and holiday decorations.
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.
Kremmling History
Rich in Western history and heritage, Kremmling is named for Rudolph Kremmling, a businessman who opened a trading post on the north side of the Big Muddy Creek in 1884. The silver-lead deposits of upper Williams Fork were part of Colorado’s gold- and silver-mining past. The famous Western writer Zane Gray also 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.”
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.
Historical trivia: In the early 1800s the unofficial boundary between the United States and the Republic of Texas was so vague that Texas claimed the northwestern panhandle that extended all the way to Kremmling. In 1850, the federal government purchased Texas’ claims in Colorado.
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