Grand Lake, CO

Travel Guide
Grand Lake
A charming lakeside mountain town featuring a historic boardwalk and easy access to the unspoiled terrain of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Set along the edge of the body of water with which it shares its name, Grand Lake is a popular choice for outdoorsy travelers. Not only does it sit next to the largest natural lake in Colorado, but it also serves as the western gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Come in winter for snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, or plan a summer trip to go hiking, biking, boating, fishing and wildlife-watching.

Stroll along the town’s historic boardwalk, which dates back to the Wild West days and features shops, restaurants and galleries. Head to the Grand Lake Marinato rent boats and paddleboards to take out on the water. Also of note at the lakeshore is the Grand Lake Yacht Club, which at 8,366 feet (2,550 meters), is touted as being the highest-altitude yacht club in the world. Visitors who want to take it easy can lounge away sunny summer days at the Beach at Grand Lake.

In colder months, Grand Lake transforms into a snow sports hub. A vast network of groomed snowmobile trails crisscross the Arapaho National Recreation Area adjacent to the town. Rent cross-country skis, snowshoes and sleds at the Grand Lake Nordic Center and slide along the 22 miles (35 kilometers) of trails. Families will also enjoy the winter sleigh rides at the Winding River Resort.

For yet more outdoor fun, make your way to the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. Choose from abundant hiking trails, drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road and try to spot wildlife, such as elk and bighorn sheep.

Spend some time enjoying the cultural activities on offer in the town itself. During summer, explore the Kauffman House Museum, which is in a historic log building dating from the 19th century that once functioned as a hotel. For evening entertainment, attend a show at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, whose program is dominated by Broadway musicals.

Find Grand Lake at the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. The town is just over a 2-hour drive from Denver. Just a 20-minute drive away is Granby, which has an airport, a train station and a Greyhound bus stop.

Timberline Inn of Grand Lake
Timberline Inn of Grand Lake
2 out of 5
30 River Drive, Grand Lake, CO
The price is ¥7,567 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
¥7,567
per night
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this guesthouse in Grand Lake. Enjoy free parking and internet. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Grand Lake Nordic ...
6.6/10 (441 reviews)
"It’s what I expected and reflects the price. I was in #1 which was adjacent to the laundry room. It wouldn’t be a problem if you’re out during the day, I spent most of the time in the room."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Timberline Inn of Grand Lake
The Gateway Inn
The Gateway Inn
3 out of 5
120 Lake Avenue, Grand Lake, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥14,831 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥14,831
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3-star lodge in Grand Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"We loved our stay. The staff was very friendly and the hotel provided the cabin vibe that we were looking for."

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2024

The Gateway Inn
Grand Lake Lodge
Grand Lake Lodge
3.5 out of 5
15500 US-34, Grand Lake, CO
The price is ¥15,891 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥15,891
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3.5-star lodge in Grand Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (518 reviews)
"Updated and very clean. Check in was easy and we had all we needed."

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2024

Grand Lake Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Columbine Cabins
Columbine Cabins
3 out of 5
416 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Grand Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and meeting facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (166 reviews)
"Wonderful host. Accommodations are comfortable."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2023

Columbine Cabins
Serene Lakeviews on Granby Lake, Hot Tub, 3 decks,10min RMNP & town, Desk, Grill
Serene Lakeviews on Granby Lake, Hot Tub, 3 decks,10min RMNP & town, Desk, Grill
Grand Lake
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Grand Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an arcade/game room. Popular attractions Lake Granby and Shadow ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
Nice place
"Everything you need and a hottub"

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024

Serene Lakeviews on Granby Lake, Hot Tub, 3 decks,10min RMNP & town, Desk, Grill
Mountain cabin w/ gas fireplace, large deck, full kitchen & mountain views!
Mountain cabin w/ gas fireplace, large deck, full kitchen & mountain views!
Grand Lake
Stay at this vacation home in Grand Lake. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Grand Lake Golf Course and Grand Lake Nordic Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
Ice Fishing
"Stayed a few nights and ice fished a couple of days"

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2024

Mountain cabin w/ gas fireplace, large deck, full kitchen & mountain views!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Grand Lake

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
92
" "5 - Excellent 59.74025974025974%
4 - Good
51
" "4 - Good 33.116883116883116%
3 - Okay
8
" "3 - Okay 5.194805194805195%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 1.2987012987012987%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.6493506493506493%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 18, 2020

Great mountain town and destination- highly recommend!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 31, 2019

Historic proud city with all amenities for dining and shopping.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 16, 2019

Town is quaint and overall a great time.

5/5 - Excellent

JulieW.
Nov 17, 2019

I'll be back ;)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 29, 2019

Love the feel of the community and business! Friendly and helpful people!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Oct 27, 2019

Unless you have a boat and go in the summer, 75% of the town is closed down in Oct.

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