Getting to Grand Lake, Colorado:
Grand Lake is located just 98 miles from Denver, Colorado, and 46 miles from Estes Park, Colorado (via Trail Ridge Road, which cuts through Rocky Mountain National Park). It's right at the west entrance to the park. Map
About Grand Lake:
Grand Lake was settled in 1867. The town became a home for miners and hunting guides. Grand Lake remains a small town with a historic, rugged feel.
Enjoy their wooden sidewalks, outdoor sports activities and fun shops in rustic buildings.
Grand Lake boasts a community theater with unusually high quality productions.
Of course the lake itself is a major draw. It's the deepest natural lake in Colorado. The lake is surrounded by beautiful cabins. Many enjoy sitting at the lakeside boardwalk enjoying an ice cream.
You can rent boats or kayaks or take sailing lessons.
Enjoy their wooden sidewalks, outdoor sports activities and fun shops in rustic buildings.
Grand Lake boasts a community theater with unusually high quality productions.
Of course the lake itself is a major draw. It's the deepest natural lake in Colorado. The lake is surrounded by beautiful cabins. Many enjoy sitting at the lakeside boardwalk enjoying an ice cream.
You can rent boats or kayaks or take sailing lessons.
Accommodations:
You won't find chain motels and hotels in Grand Lake. There are some small motels as well as large cabins and condos to rent. The town is small, so check and see if your chosen accommodation is within walking distance of the center of town. That way you'll be close to shops, restaurants and boating. Find a room or cabin.
Dining:
From an ice cream cone to a five course meal, Grand Lake has it all. We enjoyed breakfast at the Sagebrush and dined at Daven Haven Lodge. The best thing about dining in Grand Lake is that you can dine in your casual, outdoors clothes. Everything is relaxed and friendly.
Activities:
Grand Lake is a Mecca for outdoors enthusiasts. When I stepped on to the wooden porch at the Western Riviera cabins, I noticed right away that the neighbors had their kayaks, bikes and fishing gear on the porch and ready to go.
Whether it's boating, hiking or fishing, you'll enjoy the outdoors during your stay. Horseback riding is available just as you come into town, at the Sombrero Ranch Stables.
In the winter, they have snowmobiling and a fun winter carnival to look forward to.
Whether it's boating, hiking or fishing, you'll enjoy the outdoors during your stay. Horseback riding is available just as you come into town, at the Sombrero Ranch Stables.
In the winter, they have snowmobiling and a fun winter carnival to look forward to.
Grand Lake Recommendations:
If you like a rustic, retro-feel for your vacation, Grand Lake, Colorado would be a beautiful place for you. There are historic resorts, rustic buildings on the main street and a distinct absence of chain restaurants and hotels. Grand Lake is like the lake vacations I recall as a child... in much simpler times.
You can play bingo at the park, have ice cream in the afternoon as you unwind from mountain biking or a trip through the Rocky Mountain National Park, or spend an evening on the lake with your family.
I had the pleasure of visiting Grand Lake in early August and found the days to be pleasant and the evenings a bit chilly. Layering was the way to dress, and outdoor clothing was the preferred style. I wore my day hikers on the trail, shopping and to dinner and felt very comfortable.
The trail to Adams Falls on the east side of Grand Lake, less than a mile from the middle of the village, is a great short hike to a beautiful waterfall that feeds into Grand Lake. It's a fun thing to do to get a feel of the woods.
A big surprise to members of our group was that the local Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater was excellent. I found the restaurants to be varied in their offerings, including vegetarian options. What they had in common was that they offered plenty to eat. I was glad I had a refrigerator and oven back at my cabin!
I'd love to return to Grand Lake and take more time relaxing and exploring the area. Kayaking on the lake would be something I'd plan to do. The lakeside homes were interesting and the beautiful trees beckoned me, especially as the mist rose from the lake in the morning.
You can play bingo at the park, have ice cream in the afternoon as you unwind from mountain biking or a trip through the Rocky Mountain National Park, or spend an evening on the lake with your family.
I had the pleasure of visiting Grand Lake in early August and found the days to be pleasant and the evenings a bit chilly. Layering was the way to dress, and outdoor clothing was the preferred style. I wore my day hikers on the trail, shopping and to dinner and felt very comfortable.
The trail to Adams Falls on the east side of Grand Lake, less than a mile from the middle of the village, is a great short hike to a beautiful waterfall that feeds into Grand Lake. It's a fun thing to do to get a feel of the woods.
A big surprise to members of our group was that the local Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater was excellent. I found the restaurants to be varied in their offerings, including vegetarian options. What they had in common was that they offered plenty to eat. I was glad I had a refrigerator and oven back at my cabin!
I'd love to return to Grand Lake and take more time relaxing and exploring the area. Kayaking on the lake would be something I'd plan to do. The lakeside homes were interesting and the beautiful trees beckoned me, especially as the mist rose from the lake in the morning.
