Grand Lake, just 45 minutes north of getaway favorite Winter Park, Colorado, is a picturesque town tucked along the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Located only a few hours from Denver, this charming lakeside town is an outdoorsy playground surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with a variety of exciting activities that keep visitors coming back.
After a day of exploring everything this area has to offer, our vacation homes provide you with a cozy, private mountain retreat where you can breathe in that pure Rocky Mountain air and relax. Let’s explore the 14 best things to do in Grand Lake, Colorado.
1. Explore Historic Downtown Grand Lake
Begin your exploration of Grand Lake by taking a leisurely walk through its historic downtown area. Grand Avenue is six blocks filled with a nostalgic Old West charm that transports you back in time.
Stroll along the main street boardwalk to browse boutiques for souvenirs or admire local artwork, and make a stop at one of the cozy eateries to enjoy some delicious local cuisine. Take in a local theater production at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, which hosts ballet, musicals, and shows throughout the year.
2. Visit the Kauffman House Museum
Step back into the past at the Kauffman House Museum, a restored 19th-century log hotel that offers insight into Grand Lake’s history. Explore exhibits featuring artifacts and photographs that depict life in the area during the pioneer era. Guided tours provide fascinating anecdotes about the town’s early settlers and their way of life.
3. Enjoy Water Sports on Grand Lake
As the largest natural lake in Colorado, Grand Lake beckons you with its crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat to set out on the water and soak up panoramic views of the mountains framing the lake. From mid-May through mid-September, there are boat tours available at Headwaters Marina with knowledgeable guides covering the history and geography of the lake.
4. Relax on the Beach at Grand Lake
The gorgeous Rocky Mountain summer is prime time to unwind and soak up the sunshine on the sandy shores of Grand Lake’s public beach. Spread out a blanket, build sandcastles with the kids, or take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the lake.
The beach area at Gene Stover Lakefront Park is the perfect spot for an afternoon of lakeside relaxation, with picnic facilities, grills, and restrooms.
5. Hike the Trails Near Grand Lake
Immerse yourself in wildlife viewing and Grand Lake’s natural landscape with a hike on one of the local trails. Located just a short distance from town, Adams Falls Trail winds through the forested hills to reach a beautiful waterfall cascading into a rocky gorge. It offers stunning mountain vistas and is considered an easy all-season trail suitable for any skill level.
The East Shore Trail provides breathtaking views as it hugs the shoreline, and it connects to the Continental Divide Trail if you want to explore further.
6. Explore the Arapaho National Recreation Area
Discover endless opportunities for outdoor adventure in the Arapaho National Recreation Area, a vast expanse of wilderness south of Grand Lake. Hike scenic trails, spot mountain wildlife or take a boat through the Colorado River connecting Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby. In winter, the area transforms into a snow-covered playground for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
7. Go Leaf-Peeping in Autumn
Fall foliage season transforms the landscape around Grand Lake into vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. Take a scenic drive along winding mountain roads adorned with golden aspens, crimson maples, and fiery oaks.
Hiking trails such as the East Inlet Trail or Adams Falls Trail offer sweeping views of a multicolored landscape, and nearby Rocky Mountain National Park is alive with colors in fall.
8. Experience a Mountain Biking Adventure
Grand Lake offers everything from scenic rides through pristine forests to adrenaline-pumping descents through rugged terrain. A relaxing lakeside ride can be found on East Shore Trail next to Shadow Mountain Lake, where the path is suitable for all skill levels. More advanced riders will love the flowy singletrack trails along the Colorado River Trail.
The best seasons for mountain biking are summer and fall, while fat tire bikes have their moment to shine after the snow falls. Nearby Winter Park also offers a wide range of mountain biking trails, as well as guided tours for beginner mountain bikers.
9. Winter Sports in Grand Lake
Winter activities are plentiful around Grand Lake! A pair of boots and winter spikes allow you to experience the magic of the winter season on packed snow hiking trails like Adams Falls Trail, and snowshoeing allows you to explore off-trail in deep snow.
Groomed cross-country skiing trails flow through the landscape at the Grand Lake Nordic Center, and rustic trails along Trail Ridge Road offer expansive views. Grand Lake is known as the Snowmobile Capital of Colorado, where guided tours and an abundance of trails make snowmobiling a favorite mode of winter transportation. Downhill skiing and snowboarding adventures can easily be accessed at nearby Winter Park Resort or Granby Ranch.
10. Fishing
As the largest natural lake in Colorado, Grand Lake is a premier fishing destination year-round. Anglers can cast their lines for trophy trout and kokanee salmon in warmer weather, while rainbow trout and lake trout are up for grabs during ice fishing season.
Fly fishing the Colorado River in this area is a must-do for anglers, while the alpine lakes and streams of nearby Rocky Mountain National Park offer a diverse fishing experience.
11. Take a Scenic Drive on Trail Ridge Road
Set out on an unforgettable journey along Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America. Winding through RMNP, this scenic byway offers awe-inspiring vistas of alpine meadows, rugged peaks, and mountain wildlife habitats.
Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. Trail Ridge Road takes 2-4 hours to traverse from Grand Lake to Estes Park, and it is only open to cars between May and October.
12. Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
Grand Lake is known as the Western Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and provides an easy jumping off point for a visit. Scenic drives with panoramic mountain views, close-up wildlife encounters and seasonal activities make this national park one of the most visited every year.
From the breathtaking high elevation scenery from the Trail Ridge Road to the endless hiking trails through forests and alpine lakes, there is no shortage of things to do in this iconic national park.
13. Take in Local Events and Festivals
No matter the season, there are exciting events and festivals going on in Grand Lake. Summer brings an array of vibrant events and festivals celebrating the town’s culture and heritage. Highlights include Fourth of July festivities, art festivals, and Buffalo Days.
Fall brings seasonal harvest festivals and Constitution Week, an educational festival with historical reenactments and activities centered around our country’s founding principles. The winter holiday season in Grand Lake is full of festive cheer, holiday lights, and a Christmas Market.
Stay and Play in Grand Lake
From year-round outdoor adventures to unique local events, this charming mountain town has it all. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, you’ll find it here in Grand Lake.
Leave your daily routine behind, book your Winter Park House vacation home, and start planning your unforgettable mountain getaway today.