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 feet. 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'.

Ski Granby Ranch 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

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Featured Grand Lake Businesses

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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:
Ski Granby Ranch

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

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