Exploring one of my ultimate favorite towns in Colorado. I have been going up to Grand Lake since I was very little and it will always hold a special place in my heart. We tend to visit it as much as possible every year. Come explore some of the best qualities of this peaceful town with me.
Proximity To Rocky Mountain National Park
Grand Lake is adjacent to the quieter western entrance of the park. It offers access to stunning trails, and abundant wildlife. Most of the time you can expect to see Elk, Deer, Moose, and marmots along with multiple varieties of birds and other small critters. Seeing this wildlife is absolutely amazing but sometimes you may not see them all. It is a very peaceful and beautiful place to just unwind and be one with nature. A little side note is that the Colorado River actually begins inside the park. If you get a chance don’t forget to visit Holzwarth Historic Site (Never Summer Ranch) for a bit of history on some settlers that set up camp there way back in the day.
Scenic Drive
The nearby Trail Ridge Road offers some of the best mountain views and overlooks, making for a memorable driving experience through the Rockies. There are plenty of places to hike and areas to pull over and enjoy many different views. Keep in mind that is does close during the winter due to hazardous road conditions so be sure to just check before you go. Tip: The highest elevation at the top is 12,183 ft. so you may experience altitude sickness, or shortness of breathe. Just be sure to take is easy, take deep breathes, and drink plenty of water. An oxygen canister is always a great idea.
Scenic Lake Views
Grand Lake, the deepest natural lake in Colorado, provides picturesque views from a variety of viewpoints. It also offers a range of water activities such as boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Some of my fondest memories growing up is going fishing with my Grandpa and taking a boat out on the water to see all the different views and beautiful homes that make up Grand Lake. Very close to the lake is also Shadow Mountain Lake and Granby lake with amazing views and more to explore.
Outdoor Activities
The area offers a plethora of outdoor adventures including hiking, biking, horseback riding, mini golf, and even snowmobiling in the winter. Grand Lake also has their very own beach down by the lake where you can relax and play in the sand. A great hike is on the east side of town up to Adams Falls. It’s a very easy hike and great for kids too. Beware though the lake is frozen in the winter so it is really chilly. Although horseback riding is no longer available right in the town of Grand Lake there are some great places to visit for Horseback riding in Grand county including:
- C Lazy U Dude & Guest Ranch
- Drowsy Water Dude Ranch
- Latigo Dude Ranch
- Aspen Canyon Dude Ranch
- Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch
Charming Downtown
The historic boardwalk is home to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. This makes it a delightful place to explore and enjoy local flavors. I would highly recommend Humphreys Cabin Fever shop which has tons of nooks and crannies to explore for mountain items, and the rubber ducky store. There is a also a variety of tourist shops to explore, and candy stores. A couple of favorite restaurants of ours is the Sagebrush Bar and Grill and Grand Pizza. There is a numerous amount of restaurants around town from romantic to casual so you can explore them all.
Cultural Events and Festivals
Grand Lake hosts numerous events throughout the year. These include arts and crafts festivals, music festivals, and the annual Buffalo Days celebration. Constitution week can always be fun too and there is a fireworks show on the Saturday after it. Fourth of July is always a blast too. Sometimes these events and be crowded but totally worth it in the end. For more info on events and festivals visit Gograndlake.com.
Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
This local gem features professional Broadway musicals and attracts talented performers from across the country. It adds a touch of culture to the small town charm. Who doesn’t love going to the theatre right? To get showtimes and what is playing during your time there just visit Rockymountainrep.com.
Local Wildlife
The area is rich in wildlife, providing opportunities to see animals like elk, moose, and even bears in their natural habitat. Just always keep in mind to keep a far distance from these animals as they can easily attach if they feel threatened. So many people are hurt or killed by getting too close. That one up close selphy is just not worth it. Just zoom in as much as you can and I am sure you will get a great picture. And please please don’t feed the animals because it could infringe on their natural habits and kill or harm them. They are all very beautiful animals.
Winter Sports
In the colder months, activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing, sledding, and cross-country skiing make Grand Lake a winter wonderland. Sometimes there is something very peaceful and magical about the snow. You can make some very wonderful memories here. When I was little my grandpa built his own sled for us kids and would parade us around town and it is one of my fondest memories. Come make your own memories to last.
Community Spirit
Despite its small size, Grand Lake has a tight-knit community that takes pride in its local traditions. They warmly welcome visitors, making it a friendly and inviting destination. Every time I visit I feel like its my second home and feel like the people of this town are family. It will always hold a special place in my heart.