Scenic mountain views and peace in Tabernash
Tabernash is one of several small Colorado communities nestled in the hills of the Rocky Mountains. Located well over 1 hour west of Denver, the community is buffered from the state capital’s noise and crowds. Many here enjoy privacy amid pine-covered and snow-capped ranges and daily views of landmarks like Byers Peak. The community also has quick access to outdoor activities ranging from fishing in local creeks to mountain biking and winter sports. “To me, it’s a great place in that it’s not run over by tourists,” says Mari McDavid, co-supervisor of the Tabernash’s Shekinah Ranch, a faith-focused retreat. “Most of Tabernash is where people can have a place to live and feel like they’re in their own world. The views from almost anywhere in Tabernash are beautiful.”
Luxury contemporary homes with privacy
Lots here may be under a half-acre or span secluded, multi-acre tracts hedged by pines. The housing here includes ranch-style homes and communities of new Traditional builds with wood exteriors that complement the natural surroundings. Tabernash also has luxury homes showing a mix of contemporary architecture and designs inspired by mountain lodges. These homes’ footprints typically go well over 3,000 square feet, and their features include partial stone siding, spacious upper-story decks and slanted skillion roofs. The community’s smaller homes mainly go from $750,000 to nearly $1 million, while the larger and more upscale options run between $1 million and $4 million. Townhouses may also go from about $750,000 to $1 million.
Prospective buyers should also prepare for more frigid temperatures and much higher snowfall than in areas like Denver. This part of Grand County, Colorado, typically gets over 200 inches of snow annually.
Tabernash’s recreation for all the seasons
Trailheads around Tabernash and neighboring Fraser lead to rugged hikes and scenic views of the valley and surrounding range. Those seeking sweeping views of the region may book an outing with Grand Adventure Balloon Tours. Hot air balloon riders will see land spanning several counties while up in the air.
The Nordic Center - YMCA of the Rockies — or simply the Snow Mountain Ranch — offers activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and downhill tubing for children. The Fraser Valley Sports Complex has numerous softball, baseball and soccer fields and a skating rink dubbed the Icebox. “We have quite the adult hockey league and curling league, come winter time,” says Kelton Schmitz, the complex’s athletic supervisor. “Anything you can think of, you can pretty much do here. The opportunity for recreation, I would say, is the best part about it and why most people are here.”
Cocktails and comfort foods at the Tabernash Tavern
The Tabernash Tavern is a community staple for cocktails, wines and comfort foods. The decor inside the small wood, tin and brick building includes boat paddles, fishing rods and cast iron skillets. The restaurant neighbors a quaint and rustic antique store called About Time. However, those dining out may need to go to Fraser for more options. Several eateries and drinking spots line the neighboring town’s Zerex Street. Morning patrons fuel with pastries and espressos at the Simple Coffee Co., while Sharky’s Eatery is also popular among the breakfast crowd. For craft spirits and scratch made fare, there’s Fraser Valley Distilling. The town’s Safeway offers a nearby grocery store.
Home to Grand County Christian Academy
The East Grand School District serves the area and gets an overall B from Niche. Students may start at Fraser Valley Elementary School, which gets a B-plus from Niche. They may then go to Granby to attend East Grand Middle School and Middle Park High School. The two schools, respectively, get B-plus and B grades from Niche. Tabernash is also home to the Grand County Christian Academy, a private school serving students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Middle Park High has an Alpine ski team that finished fourth in the 2025 state tournament.
Fraser’s summer art celebration
Many here go to Fraser for annual celebrations. The Fraser Mountain Mural Festival is a multi-day August event that brings in regional and national artists. The participants compete for prizes and paint panels using various styles. Visitors may see the works near several eateries and businesses along Zerex Street.
U.S. 40 commute to Denver and Amtrak stop
Tabernash is less than 10 minutes north of Amtrak’s California Zephyr stop in Fraser. The train runs between Chicago and San Francisco, treating passengers to scenic mountainside views along the way. Commuters traveling toward the Mile High City get on U.S. Highway 40, which later connects to Interstate 70. Tabernash is about 75 miles west of downtown Denver. The community is also nearly 2 hours from the Denver International Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights. Located 10 miles north in Granby, the Middle Park Health - Granby Campus is the nearest hospital. However, the Middle Park Health system is opening a Fraser hospital in 2025.
