This Mountain Paradise Offers Colorado’s Largest Natural Lake Just Steps from Wild Moose Territory

Grand Lake, Colorado

Back in the mid-1800s, European hunters stumbled upon Grand Lake and hired local mountain men to construct summer lodges.

Joseph Wescott became the first person to put down permanent roots when he built his cabin on the west shore in 1867. Grand Lake started as a supply stop for nearby mining camps like Lulu City, Teller City, and Gaskill.

Then silver was discovered in the late 1870s and the sleepy little spot exploded into a bustling frontier town practically overnight.

Today, it’s one of the most beautiful spots to visit in the state. Here are some of the best things to do during your time at Grand Lake, CO.

Get on the Water with Boats of All Sizes

You’ll find 500+ acres of crystal-clear mountain water waiting for all your aquatic adventures.

There are two marinas right on Lake Avenue with all the rentals you need, plus public docks for day use, though overnight mooring isn’t allowed.

Trail Ridge Marina is all geared up for 2025 with pontoon boats, paddle boats, kayaks, and all the fishing gear you could want. Try pontoon boat tours between Shadow Mountain Lake and Grand Lake through a narrow channel that connects them.

If you try kayaking, it takes about 2 hours to paddle the whole shoreline, making for a perfect morning adventure before lunch in town.

Trout and Salmon Fill These Mountain Waters

Cast your line into waters teeming with trout varieties, including greenback cutthroat, brown, brook, and rainbow. You can also hook Mackinaw trout and Kokanee salmon but remember to grab a fishing permit first.

The 3 Lakes Fishing Contest is a big deal around here, with cash prizes for the top seven catches each day in categories like Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout under 19″, and the Grand Slam for catching one of each.

For 2025, keep an eye out for ten tagged fish with “Winner” numbers 151-160.

Walk the All Local Old West Boardwalk

When you need a break from the lake, head to Grand Lake’s western-style boardwalk with about 60 shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore.

There’s not a Starbucks or McDonald’s in sight, as every place is locally owned. The boardwalk is home to the Grand Lake Creative District, where you’ll find unique art galleries and shops selling handmade treasures.

Check out Bob Scott’s Authentic Indian Jewelry for handcrafted necklaces, rings, and rugs, or wander into Marjorie Cranston’s Jackstraw Mountain Gallery to see paintings of the stunning landscapes right outside.

Need gear for hiking? Never Summer Mountain Products has you covered with apparel, rentals, and local trail advice that beats any guidebook.

The Quiet Side of Rocky Mountain National Park

Grand Lake sits just one mile from Rocky Mountain National Park’s western entrance, which sees fewer visitors than the eastern side but offers equally gorgeous views.

You can explore over 350 miles of trails, whether you’re a first-time hiker or looking for multi-day backpacking adventures. Drop by the Holzwarth Historic Site or drive Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in America that’s only open in summer.

From the East Inlet Trail near town, you can see beautiful Adams Falls with just a quick 10-minute walk from your car. If you visit in 2025, you’ll need timed-entry reservations between May and October, in addition to the regular entrance fee.

Victorian Hotel Now Shows Life from 1890s

Step back in time at the Kauffman House, a rustic log building from 1892 that welcomed weary travelers until 1946.

Now on the National Register of Historic Places, it has been lovingly restored to show off its Victorian-era charm. Notice the cool construction where they peeled every log, even the young trees used to fill gaps between the bigger logs.

The Grand Lake Area Historical Society saved the building in 1973 and turned it into a museum that brings history to life.

Walking through the rooms, you’ll get a real feel for what life was like for early tourists and the hardy pioneers who built this community in such a remote mountain setting.

When the Lake Freezes Over

Summer has its charm, but winter in Grand Lake is phenomenal. The frozen lake hosts ice fishing tournaments, the competitive Pond Hockey Classic, and the Winter Carnival that brings everyone together.

You can enjoy ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing across pristine snow-covered landscapes.

February brings the Pond Hockey Classic with 60 teams battling it out on 8 rinks carved right into the frozen lake surface, showcasing hockey in its most traditional form.

The Winter Carnival fights off cabin fever with fun events like ice sculptures, quirky parades, curling competitions, and human bowling.

Broadway Shows at 8,300 Feet

You might enjoy a show at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, which the Denver Post calls “Colorado’s premiere summer musical company,” and the description fits.

This venue has become the heart of Grand Lake’s arts scene. The 2025 season marks their 42nd year, with three Broadway-quality musicals running in rotation all summer long, plus a special show on weekends in September.

After a day of hiking or boating, catch an evening performance under the stars. The theater stands where the Smith-Eslick Cottage Court once welcomed some of America’s first car travelers who braved the mountain roads.

Sandy Shores in the Mountains

You’ll find the public beach just a block from downtown near Headwaters Marina, serving as the town’s favorite gathering spot.

During summer, you can swim, fish, boat, kayak, paddleboard, sunbathe, or enjoy a picnic, all with mountain views that make for perfect photos.

The sandy shore provides an ideal spot for relaxing with a good book while watching kayakers and boaters glide by.

The waterfront makes you forget you’re in landlocked Colorado, creating the feel of a coastal town until you look up and see those massive peaks all around.

Ski Trails Follow the Colorado River

You can explore 35km of perfectly groomed trails at the Nordic Center, winding through gorgeous terrain on cross-country skis.

Try the “River Run” trail that follows alongside the Colorado River, allowing views of the partially frozen water up close. If skiing isn’t your thing, try the dedicated snowshoe trails or bring your kids to the tubing hill for classic sledding.

After playing in the snow, warm up by a massive stone fireplace with hot chocolate in hand. Visit once and you’ll understand why people return to the center year after year.

Folk Music and Chili Cook Offs

Summer weekends in Grand Lake offer a full schedule of events that you’ll find appealing no matter your age.

Mark your calendar for the Grand Lake Folk Festival returning for its second year on July 12th, 2025, with AEG Presents bringing in talented artists.

Wednesday evenings from July through early September feature free concerts in Town Park from 5 to 7 PM, courtesy of the Grand Arts Council.

If you love handmade crafts, visit during the Arts and Crafts Fairs on July 12-13 and August 9-10, 2025. Those with a competitive streak might enjoy the Chili Cook-off on Saturday, June 21st which features a serious spice competition, plus live music.

Visiting Grand Lake, CO

To reach Grand Lake from Denver, drive west on I-70 to US Highway 40, then head north at Granby on US Highway 34. The scenic route takes about 2 hours from Denver, with the road winding through beautiful mountain terrain.

Though accessible year-round, winter can be challenging.

Grand Lake sits at 8,369 feet elevation, so take time to acclimate if you’re coming from lower altitudes. When visiting, you’ll find parking available at the Grand Lake Swim Beach and Public Boat Launch if you’re headed to the lake.

For travel information, contact the Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, located at the corner of West Portal Road and Highway 34.

To explore Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Reservoir (part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area) you need annual or day vehicle passes, available online.