Grand Lake - North Central Colorado
Experience Granby, Grand Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park and Ski Granby Ranch, Colorado
The western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park offers exceptional fishing lakes with beautiful, unspoiled views; if you are looking for a quiet National Park Experience -- this is your destination. Grand Lake Village offers a lakefront setting with a classic main street boardwalk; Granby is at the heart of Grand County with 4 golf courses; and Ski Granby Ranch is a mountain bike and winter sports mecca.
Grand Lake Village rests on the shores of the largest natural lake in Colorado. This alpine village with log-front stores has modern amenities, a range of dining options and shopping. At 8,369' elevation, this rustic town is enveloped by peaks, especially the impressive, Bald Mount Craig. Grand Lake has access to two reservoirs, two national forests, the national park and the Never Summer Wilderness Area that is accessible only by hiking trails.
Granby is no longer Colorado's best kept secrets! Most of the Grand County's attractions are within 20 miles at the junction of three all season Highway 125, 40, and 34. It is in the Colorado River Valley at an elevation of 7,935'. You'll be perfectly based for world-class: golfing, Gold Medal fishing, nordic skiing, and mountain biking. In June and July on Saturdays spend the evening at the Rodeo with bull riding, barrel racing, and mutton bustin'.
Granby Ranch Ski Resort is a family friendly resort with all the amenities of a large ski area, without the crowds or attitude! In winter it's a great family ski area, but in SUMMER it's a distinguished mountain bike venue with miles and miles of track. Bring your clubs the Ranch also features a family-friendly golf course. A mountain wedding will be sure to please your quests here with chairlift access to sweeping views, the ideal setting for an intimate Rocky Mountain wedding.
As the Western Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, you will experience unforgettable wildlife encounters, and the unspoiled beauty and peaceful serenity of the park. Kawuneeche Visitor Center is open year round, 1 mile North of Grand Lake Village. Stop here for an educational film, maps, modern restrooms and advice on hiking trails.
Green Mountain Trail is a family-friendly out and back hike. You are likely to see wildflowers, song birds, elk and moose as you walk through pine and aspen filled forest, and surround by mountains; your destination is an open meadow with a small stream. The Grand Lake Hiking Trails Maps shows this trail and many others with water falls, lake side picnic areas and rivers to fly-fish.
There are two scenic Byways!
Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway takes you through Rocky Mountain National Park, 48 miles and connects Grand Lake Village to Estes Park, along Highway 34. Designated "All American Road" it is the highest continuous highway in the USA! Take your time driving as wildlife is abundant; many vehicles stop on the side of the road to take pictures of elk, moose and big horn sheep with their Smartphone or DSLR cameras. Stop to stretch your legs as The Alpine Visitor Center for panoramic views, restrooms and a snack. This Highway is not plowed in winter and is usually closed from mid-October through Memorial Day.
The Colorado River Headwaters Scenic Byway follows the Colorado River through dramatic landscape of magnificent mountains from Grand Lake Village to State Bridge along Highways 34 and 40. This 80-mile byway features mountain valleys, canyons, lakes, historical ranch-lands and high-country communities.
The area boasts lake and river fishing with two lakes, two reservoirs, and two rivers anglers will find rainbow, brook, mackinaw and cutthroat trout in abundance and large Kokanee salmon as well. Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir/Lake, and Grand Lake are connected by inlets along Highway 34. Willow Creek Reservoir is north of Granby along Colorado Highway 125. Boating is a popular activity with marinas and boat ramps. In the winter there are ice fishing tournaments. The Colorado River and Willow Creek are also close at hand and provide excellent fly-fishing.
The Upper Colorado River offers class II and III whitewater for Rafting and Kayaking. There are several companies in the area that will guide you on the river or rent you a kayak for you to navigate as you wish.
During warmer months, typically from May through September, Jeep and ATV Trails are open to the west of Grand Lake and Lake Granby. Closer to Grand Lake is the North Supply Creek Trail while Kawuneeche Trail begins near Lake Granby. For a longer off-road experience follow Stillwater Pass Road past Apiatan Mountain and Porphry Peaks.
When the snow starts Grand Lake and Granby become a winter playground with groomed trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. In fact, Grand Lake is often referred to as the Snowmobile capital of Colorado with trails starting in Grand Lake Village that head into Arapahoe National Forest. Ski Granby Ranch has chairlifts for boarding and downhill skiing.
Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by Denver International Airport. Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements. Grand Lake is 130 miles west of Denver International Airport.
Grand Lake is near: Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Walden (North Park) & Winter Park
Premium Grand Lake Businesses
Visit Grand Lake, Colorado, a charming mountain village at to entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Popular mountain vacation getaway. The Soul of the Rockies: sunny days, fine dining, shops, and LAKE!
Featured Grand Lake Businesses
Grand Lake Colorado, 3 Miles. Restored comfortable rustic cabins on Colorado River. Our concierge plans adventures year-round. Walk to Shadow Mountain Lake, Arapaho National Forest. Dogs welcome!
Columbine is pet friendly! Cozy mountain cabins with kitchens and Queen beds. Year round FUN at the west-end of Grand Lake. Walk to Western Boardwalk or Lake. Family picnics. BBQ grills. Outdoor hot tub.
Grand Lake, Fraser Valley, Winter Park, Idaho Springs Adventures: Snowmobiling, ATVing, Rafting. Outdoor Activity Center: guided tours and self guided rentals. OUR TOURS go to the Continental Divide!
Escape to the mountains. Year round lakeside destination! Snowmobile from your door. 12 cottages in historic Grand Lake Village, at the end of the Boardwalk. Walk to fishing, swim beach, and boat dock.
Visit Grand Lake, Colorado, a charming mountain village at to entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Popular mountain vacation getaway. The Soul of the Rockies: sunny days, fine dining, shops, and LAKE!
Along Elk Creek: Journey KOA has full hookup sites for BIG Rigs and camper trailers. A FAMILY RESORT near: Grand Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park. WiFi. Kid's trout pond and playground. Pets Welcome!
Start your cowboy adventure in the Granby's High Country rather than in town. Western Riding trails: Horseback and family wagon rides. Overnight hunting trips. Fishing excursions from one to four days.
Our two locations in Grand County offer nonstop recreation and relaxation for the entire family; Koelbel Mountains Communities are your year-round outdoor destination. Your vacation home is waiting for you.
RENT at the trailhead near Grand Lake and National Forest! Unguided and guided snowmobiling, 130 miles of groomed trails. In Summer trails are great for Side-By-Side ATVs. Start your adventure here!
160 acres near Grand Lake, the Resort Village borders Rocky Mountain National Park along a winding river. A family reunion destination: Cabins, campsites, lodge room. Vacation with your horse! Free WiFi.
For more travel information contact:
Grand Lake Activities & Maps
National Parks and Monuments:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Scenic Byways:
Colorado River Headwaters Scenic Byway
Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway
Hiking Trails:
Grand Lake Hiking Trails
Fishing:
Granby Area Fishing Map
Rafting & Kayaking:
Upper Colorado River Rafting & Kayaking
Jeep & 4WD:
Grand Lake Jeeping & ATV/UTV Trails
Ski Areas & Resorts:
Granby Ranch Ski Resort
Snowmobiling:
Grand Lake Snowmobile Trails
Winter Park Snowmobile Trails
Snowshoeing:
Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoeing Trails
Local Area Maps:
Grand County Area Map
Rocky Mountain National Park Area Map