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

If you're spending some time in Grand Lake Boardwalk, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre and Kauffman House Museum are top sights worth seeing.

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! (699 reviews)
"This lodge, built in 1920, has a beautiful main lodge with a restaurant, bar, and gift shop. It is grand like a mountain lodge should be. There are several cabins to stay in, and they come in all sizes. It looks over two beautiful lakes. The staff is wonderful. They were all polite and professional. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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! (1,014 reviews)
"Great location! Room was fantastic with a wonderful bed. Dining options were plentiful and if you’re there on a Friday band night you’ll have a blast!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

The Gateway Inn
Big Horn Lodge

Big Horn Lodge

2 out of 5
613 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO
The price is P8,323 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P8,323
P9,256 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (384 reviews)
"They are one of 2 hotels with a hot tub but the price is a lot cheaper than the other one."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 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! (219 reviews)
It’s a cabin at the Rockies
"Interesting place. Great owner."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 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 Feb 23, 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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