Grand Lake

Travel Guide

Grand Lake
Grand Lake
Grand Lake
Grand Lake
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.

Where to stay in Grand Lake

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Grand Lake Boardwalk

While visiting Grand Lake Boardwalk, you might make a stop by sights like Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre and Kauffman House Museum.

Grand Lake Boardwalk
Grand Lake Lodge
Grand Lake Lodge
3.5 out of 5
15500 US-34, Grand Lake, CO
Stay at this 3.5-star lodge in Grand Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (671 reviews)
"Great restaurant, great pool, friendly engaging staff"

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Grand Lake Lodge
The Gateway Inn
The Gateway Inn
3 out of 5
120 Lake Avenue, Grand Lake, CO
Stay at this 3-star lodge in Grand Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Property is very nice & we were given an upgraded room with a small deck & beautiful mountain views."

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

The Gateway Inn
Big Horn Lodge
Big Horn Lodge
2 out of 5
613 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$268 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$268
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Grand Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre and Bowen Gulch ...
7/10 Good! (368 reviews)
"Great spot for being able to walk just about everywhere in town. It’s quiet, staff is friendly, and it’s pet friendly."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Big Horn 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 in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (215 reviews)
"Gail was fantastic and very thorough. Perfect for our (2) night stay"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Columbine Cabins
Daven Haven Lodge & Cabins
Daven Haven Lodge & Cabins
3 out of 5
604 Marina Drive, Grand Lake, CO
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Grand Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Adams Falls Trail and Point Park are ...
7.8/10 Good! (117 reviews)
"We have stayed here multiple times and as always everything was perfect"

Reviewed on 23 Feb, 2025

Daven Haven Lodge & Cabins
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.

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