Grand Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park’s western gateway, Grand Lake, is one of the state’s favorite playgrounds. Surrounded by national forests, trail systems and Colorado’s largest natural lake, the small town boasts many restaurants, shops and activities along its historic wooden boardwalks. All businesses — including lodgings, restaurants and shops — are locally owned and operated, adding to the town’s charms.
Rocky Mountain National Park’s western gateway, Grand Lake, is one of the state’s favorite playgrounds. Surrounded by national forests, trail systems and Colorado’s largest natural lake, the small town boasts many restaurants, shops and activities along its historic wooden boardwalks. All businesses — including lodgings, restaurants and shops — are locally owned and operated, adding to the town’s charms.
Grand Lake is the perfect place for your next adventure. Make it your home base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park via Trail Ridge Road, which crosses the Continental Divide on its way to Estes Park. Enjoy endless hiking trails and try your hand at watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding and boating throughout the summer season. And fish the many streams, rivers and lakes all year long. As you adventure, keep an eye out for wildlife like elk and moose.
Grand Lake sits at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park with the historical town on its shores. Visitors can enjoy renting boats, pedal boats, kayaks and paddleboards from several marinas and local businesses right on the water. Bring your beach towels; kids of all ages love hanging out at the Town Beach — one of Colorado’s few sandy beaches. Grab lunch from one of the many local restaurants. Or pack a picnic and pick a lake: Along with Grand Lake, you’ll have plenty to choose from nearby, including Shadow Mountain Lake, Lake Granby and others.
Read about summer in Grand Lake >>
The extraordinary experiences continue when Grand Lake transforms into a winter wonderland. Tick items off your bucket list as you try snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and more.
With a vast system of snowmobile trails nearby, snow-packed streets and the ability to ride right through town, Grand Lake is a snowmobiler's dream. The Grand Lake Nordic Center boasts 35km of classic- and skate-skiing trails for all experience levels, even for those with four legs. Rent snowshoes from Never Summer Mountain Products and choose from over a dozen trails within Rocky Mountain National Park.
Partake in only-in-Grand-Lake winter events like the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, ice-fishing tournaments and the Annual Pond Hockey Classic. Take in a show at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre with a full calendar of Broadway-caliber shows throughout the summer and two special events in December. Complete your holiday shopping while perusing the stores along the historic boardwalk on Grand Avenue.
