The 5 Best Outfitter/Guide Companies Around Grand County

Grand County is more than a scenic backdrop—it’s a full-sensory playground of alpine lakes, rugged trails, and wildlife-rich forests. But while some prefer to wander, others want to go with a pro. The Best of Grand contest spotlighted local outfitters and guides who transform outdoor recreation into something deeper: a memory, a story, a skill you didn’t know you had. Whether it’s fly fishing for cutthroat or hiking into high-country solitude, these companies make it possible to explore Colorado’s wild side with confidence.

Fishing With Bernie

For more than 25 years, Bernie Keefe and his team have been helping anglers hook into the legendary fisheries of Grand County. Specializing in Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain, and Williams Fork Reservoir, Fishing With Bernie provides year-round guided trips—yes, that includes ice fishing season. The guides combine technical know-how with deep local knowledge, making them a favorite for both first-timers and seasoned sportsmen looking to up their game.

Colorado Mountain Expeditions

Colorado Mountain Expeditions focuses on the quieter side of adventure—boots on the trail, breathing room in the backcountry. Their guided hikes and multi-day backpacking trips dive into the terrain of Rocky Mountain National Park and beyond, with an emphasis on low-impact travel and connection to the land. Whether you’re chasing summits or simply seeking solitude, their guides curate each journey to the goals and experience levels of their clients.

Winter Park Flyfisher

Tucked into the heart of Fraser, Winter Park Flyfisher isn’t just a shop—it’s a hub for Grand County’s angling community. The team offers guided fly-fishing trips across the Fraser and Colorado Rivers, and their pro shop is stocked with everything from hand-tied flies to local beta. New to casting? Their instructors are patient and passionate. Been tying flies since the Reagan years? They’ll still teach you something new.

Kirks Flyshop Grand Lake

With a base just steps from Grand Lake, Kirks Flyshop offers both walk-and-wade and float trips that showcase the region’s pristine trout waters. The team prides itself on personalized service, matching anglers with the right water and tactics for the day’s conditions. They’re also part of a broader network with locations in Estes Park and beyond—so if you’ve got fly-fishing fever, these guides know how to feed it.

Samuelson Outfitters

Samuelson Outfitters is all about traditional Western guiding: horseback trips, elk hunts, and backcountry camps. Based in Fraser and operating under U.S. Forest Service permits, they offer fully guided hunts in the Arapaho National Forest. Their approach emphasizes ethical practices, rugged know-how, and a respect for the land. If you're looking to unplug and immerse yourself in a true wilderness experience, Samuelson is the name to know.

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