Grand Lake Colorado is a natural lake of Grand County, and it offers thrilling recreational activities, beautiful getaway spots, and delicious restaurants to dine at.
The Pinedale glaciation led to the formation of this gushing Grand Lake. This largest natural lake in Colorado receives its source from the Colorado River.
Colorado has three lake streams: Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake, and Granby Lake. Read on to find out more about it!
1. 15 Best Things to Do in Grand Lake Colorado
1.1. Adam Falls
Colorado’s famous attraction, located on the east, is the beautiful Adam Falls.
After a long hiking trail, all hikers get a breathtaking view of the falls. The trail zigzags through the woods of aspens and pines, and wildflowers rule this area.
The trail on the mountain peak overlooks the mesmerizing Adam Falls and the natural glistening beauty of the Grand Lake.
1.2. The Beach at Grand Lake
A small beach resides at Grand Lake Colorado, which is a perfect getaway for families.
The beach often bustles with nature enthusiasts who lay on the vast trim patches of green, savoring the fine weather.
Picnic tables are set for lunch alongside the blue water, and restaurants are open near the beach.
1.3. Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater
Address: 800 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO 80447, United States
Music fan or not, visitors should visit this musical live performance at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater.
It features professionals from Broadway-calibre productions to give the best performance. It produces three musicals every day in the summer nightly repertory, whereas it’s only one every weekend during the fall season.
This premier summer musical company stages live theatres, musicals, events, and concerts.
1.4. Trail Ridge Road
A stretch that travels from the Rocky Mountains National Park of Estes Park to Grand Lake Colorado is Trail Ridge Road.
Beaver Meadow National Scenic Byway is another name for this trail. The high alpine roads are closed in winter and early spring as snow lathers the road.
It crosses the continental divides and, therefore, is known as the Highway to the Sky; it is the highest and longest paved road in the United States.
1.5. Kauffman House Museum
Address: 407 Pitkin St, Grand Lake, CO 80447, United States
The only log hotel in Grand Lake is the Kauffman House Museum, built in the 1800s. It is located towards the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and Lake Avenue of Grand Lake.
The hotel, which the Kauffman Family owned till 1946, is now restored as a museum by the Grand Lake Area Historical Society.
The Museum exhibits historic kitchen appliances, clothing, dolls, furniture, quilts, sports equipment used for skiing, and many more.
In short, it gives the overall insight into the historic lifestyle in Grand Lake. The intriguing log architecture of the museum was recorded on the National Register of Historic Places.
1.6. Grand Lake Nordic Center
The displays of the beautiful vista of the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Arapaho National Forest make Grand Lake one of Colorado’s best destinations.
That is not it, as visiting Grand Lake is pointless without skiing. Ski and snowshoeing are the main reasons why the Nordic Center is amongst the most visited places.
The 35 km long trail is specially allotted for Traditional Classic and Skate Skiing. Beginners are offered ski lessons, too.
The trails and terrains, such as the dog loop and kid’s tubing hill, are solely for snowshoeing. Grand Lake is a perfect winter destination with all the amenities and ski and snowshoe rentals.
1.7. Grand Lake Marina
Address: 1132 Lake Ave, Grand Lake, CO 80447, United States
Since 1972, Grand Lake Marina and Boater’s Choice has been the center of water activities.
It is situated on Grand Lake’s shore, so rental boats are its specialty. Boaters rent a boat of their choice at Western Gateway and set off to explore the wonderful lake.
There are a variety of boats to rent. A paddleboat or kayak is suitable to explore the marina area.
Pontoon boats are convenient for exploring the entirety of the lake and the stunning view of the wooden mountains.
1.8. Kawuneeche Valley
Towards the west end of Rocky Mountain National Park is located a swampy valley called the Kaweneeche Valley.
This valley near the Colorado River is also called Coyote Valley. In the Arapaho language, the meaning of Kawuneeche is the valley of Coyote.
The Coyote Valley Trail ahead rounds up to one mile from US Highway 34; it inhabits a variety of wildlife and blooms with wildflowers.
Elk, mountain lions, moose, mule deer, and coyotes can be spotted as you hike past the valley. There are benches along the Coyote Valley trail, which is wheelchair-accessible.
1.9. Shadow Mountain Lake
The best place to view the sunrise without waking up early is Shadow Mountain town, tucked below the Shadow Mountains along with the lake.
The Shadow Mountain Lake is human-made as it is formed from the Shadow Mountain Dam. It forms a continuous flow at Grand Lake, and these two lakes are separated using gates as a division.
It is an ideal vacation destination, offering thrilling recreational activities and breathtaking beauty.
Families and friends can enjoy their picnic meal on the aligned benches, stay overnight, and even organize special events like weddings.
You can hike or go horseback riding on the Mountain, and it will reward you with the overlooking scenic beauty.
1.10. Bowen Gulch Trail
If you plan hiking in Grand Lake, Bowen Gulch Trail must be on your top list; this 25.6 km back trail bustles with beautiful wildflowers, offering a wide range of activities.
The trail is open to the public from June to November. Dogs are permitted, but they are to be kept on a leash.
1.11. On the Trail Rentals
Grand Lake is full of adventures, and winters are double fun with the various snowmobile and ATV rides that move past the snow-covered mountains.
Towards the northwest side of Grand Lake, three miles away, is the Trail Rentals, located in the Winding River Resort.
Rent your favorite ride, the snowmobile and ATV, and set off on 130 miles of trails that lead to the Arapahoe National Forest. The guided snowmobile tours usually are from December to April.
1.12. Camping
Grand Lake is an ideal setting to set up a camp as mountains and lakes engulf it.
The nature-orientated peculiarities of this place make it accessible for camping. People pile up on the Great Lakes of Colorado, nestled between the two lakes, Granby and Grand Lake.
Stillwater Campground, across from Highway 34, is near the lake and charges for a campsite as it is a part of Arapaho National Forest.
Willow Creek Reservoir has another campground, the Arapaho National Recreational Area. Most of the campgrounds are found near the second-largest reservoir of Grand County and Granby Lake.
Various recreational activities are always happening here due to the Arapaho National Forest setting and the lakes around.
1.13. Hiking
Numerous scenic trails line up in Grand County miles, providing the best experience to enthusiast hikers.
The gorgeous peaks of luscious green mountains, the glistening lakes, and the gushing gorges are worth exploring on foot. It is a first-hand experience to get in close touch with the serene nature of Grand Lake, Colorado.
A stroll past the wildflowers while spotting wildlife in the valleys and the mountains is a sight.
Best Grand County Hiking Trails:
- Adam Falls hiking trail
- Snow Mountain Ranch Waterfall Trail
- Fraser Valley Trail
- Monarch Lake Trail
- East Inlet Trail to Lake Verna
- Baker Gulch to Bower Gulch Trail (difficult trail of Grand Lake)
1.14. Mountain Biking
Want to go mountain biking? Grand Lake Colorado has many biking trails for mountain biker lovers. The dirt roads of the Arapaho Mountains are solely for biking.
Biking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park are dedicated to mountain bikers only. The trails from the mountain peak to the valleys, single roads to country roads, give an exhilarating experience.
1.15. Fishing
Grand County seeps with three lakes and streams that flow through the mountains and other small reservoirs, making fishing in Grand Lake Colorado more convenient.
Fishing is allowed in all the water bodies, making it a fishing hub full of various fish like salmon, trout, mackinaw, and the like. Fishing with a license is free. Otherwise, a day charge is to be paid.
Various other recreational activities await the visitors. Visit Grand Lake and discover other outdoor adventures it has in store yourself!
2. Best Places to Go Shopping in Grand Lake
When you visit a new place, shopping becomes a priority after exploring the area. Locally produced products grab the attention of visitors, and so do the shopping stores in Grand Lake.
While enjoying the alpine lakes of Grand Lake, Colorado, tour the historic wooden boardwalks that will invite you to the impressive stores full of new stuff.
Explore the market that brims with boutiques, jewelry, fashionable clothes, antique shops, outdoor sellers, and art galleries. Also, look out for ice cream parlors that serve tasty ice creams after a long shopping trip.
All the money you spend purchasing any article goes to families in Grand Lake, as the shops along the boardwalk are locally owned.
Skiing, as well as hiking gear and equipment, are also available here.
3. Comfortable Lodging in Grand Lake
3.1. Colorado Cabin Adventures
Address: 12082 US-34, Grand Lake, CO 80447, United States
You can have a delightful stay in Colorado Cabin Adventures; they offer the most authentic and comfortable stay.
The cabins recently underwent two years of renovation, so they are new. It fulfills all the visitors’ needs, giving it a luxurious feel.
These rustic log cabins are located three miles away, south of Grand Lake, and are available all year round.
Its ideal setting makes it the best place for adventurers to explore Grand Lake’s recreational activities.
3.2. Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging
Address: 419 Garfield St, Grand Lake, CO 80447, United States
Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging is the only hotel and cabin that you will find close to Grand Lake.
It is situated alongside the naturally gushing lake of Colorado and is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the chain of mountains and nature.
The continuously flowing river evokes the need to go fishing and boating, exploring the entirety of Grand Lake.
The Rocky Mountain National Park is minutes from the lakeside lodging, providing a great opportunity to stroll on the trails or ski on the snow-covered mountains.
All the rooms of this cabin offer a spectacular view from all the windows.
4. Popular Restaurants in Grand Lake
4.1. White Buffalo Pizza Co.
Address: 913 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO 80447, United States
Satiate your cravings for pizza at Grand Lake Colorado’s most famous pizza house, the White Buffalo Pizza Co.
It serves the best pizzas, paninis, salads, and calzones. Hop on the saddle stool and enjoy the handmade cocktails and beers.
The scenic view and hot, sizzling pizza are a great combo!
4.2. O-a Bistro
O-a Bistro is the best restaurant with its affordable dining and casual experiences.
The peaceful settings amongst the mountains make you fully savor the food. The cuisine features a mix of Europe, Asia, and the US and local specialty dishes.
The rustic but calming restaurant makes your dinner enjoyable.
4.3. Cy’s Deli
Address: 717 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO 80447, United States
The Cy’s Deli restaurant in Grand Lake is famous for its Homemade Classics and Originals.
All freshly baked items topped with delicious ingredients, homemade soups, breakfast burritos, and sweets are available. Although it is well-known for its sandwiches, you must try them out.
5. Closing Thoughts
Grand Lake is a perfect destination for your blissful summer and winter holidays in Colorado. Explore the Grand Lake and experience all the adventurous things it has to offer.
Also, from the historical perspective, it is home to the deepest natural lake, historic boardwalk, and Colorado Rockies.
So, what are you waiting for? The Grand Lake awaits you along with the brilliant Grand Lake Chamber, rocky mountain repertory theatre, Lake Granby, stunning town park, and its beautiful cross-country skiing opportunities.
Have fun exploring!
