On its north shore is located the historic and eponymous town of Grand Lake. There are historic walking tours, museums to immerse yourself in the way of the west during your visit to Grand Lake. Deep inside the Colorado Rockies, 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). The Town of Lake City is a Statutory Town that is the county seat of, and the only incorporated municipality in, Hinsdale County, Colorado, United States. Hart Van Denburg/CPR News The forested mountainsides all around and above Grand Lake bear the hallmarks of being burned by the East Troublesome, including these to … Grand Lake is a piece of art. Description. With peaks reaching over 14,000 feet in elevation, waterfalls with drastic drops and canyons with rugged rock fronts, there is no better place to take in these spectacular views than right here in our corner of the Rocky Mountains. It is a favorite vacation spot in Colorado for both summer and winter family activities: boating, hiking, horseback riding -- cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Longs Peak is the biggest at 14,259 ft and can be seen from nearly anywhere. It derives its name from the nearby Grand Lake, the largest natural body of … Grand Lake is the western gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park, located near the Kawuneeche Entrance. Timber Creek Campground can be found 7 miles north of Grand Lake along the Colorado River and is the only campground near the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Largest Natural Lake In Colorado, Grand Lake, Is Unbelievably Serene. The town's educational needs are served by the Lake City Community School. The dispersed sites along County Highway 4 offer an excellent option for camping near Grand Lake. Every single time you turn around there is either frozen lake with a beautiful cloud over it, or there's a part of the lake that's not frozen with a sun over it, or there's a mountain by itself or a formation of mountains. Rocky Mountain National Park At the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is the deepest natural lake in Colorado, dipping to 265 feet. There are 98 campsites, no shade, and available on a non-reservable, first come, first serve basis. The Ute Tribe named it Spirit Lake, as they believed its cold waters to be a resting place for the spirits of the deceased, but there is also evidence of an earlier, prehistoric people that came to the lake and its surrounding area to hunt and fish. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the … You must release all Lake Trout that are 26-36" in length and can only keep 4 of any other size. Known as the "Western Gateway" to Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake has something for everyone, and the charming lakeside setting makes folks feel right at home. A short stop for lunch and stroll around town and then back through the west side of the park where there is the greatest opportunity of viewing moose. Winter also invites visitors to play in Grand Lake winter wonderland. Grand Lake was the Grand County seat of government from 1882-1888. The Grand Lake Marina rents pontoon boats and Boston Whalers and is located at Grand Lake's waterfront. Mountains & Vistas. The East Troublesome Fire, burning south of the Cameron Peak Fire in Grand County and into Rocky Mountain National Park, was at 170,163 acres as of Oct. 23 and just 5% contained. Grand Lake, Colorado is steeped in rich western history. Grand Lake is currently growing at a rate of 1.18% annually and its population has increased by 9.55% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 471 in 2010. All seasons resort town in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Welcome to the lake! The population was 447 at the 2000 census. Grand Lake is a city located in Colorado.With a 2020 population of 516, it is the 196th largest city in Colorado and the 13166th largest city in the United States. Grand Lake, Colorado, Grand Lake, Colorado. The tourist town of Grand Lake and surrounding area on the southwest edge of Rocky Mountain National Park is under mandatory evacuation after the East Troublesome Fire erupted Wednesday afternoon. Natural tributaries to the lake are the North Inlet and East Inlet, both of which flow out of Rocky Mountain National Park, which surrounds the l… There is one boat ramp located on the east side of the lake. It also offers chartered sunset party cruises for up to 35 people. Grand Lake, Colorado, adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho National Forest, features miles of lakes and rivers, abundant wildlife, quaint shops, delicious dining, great nightlife and a multitude of activities and events. Grand Lake has been an important part of Colorado civilization throughout history. We cover all 3 ecosystems, again stopping at the Alpine Visitors Centre, but continuing on to cross over the continental divide and finishing at Grand Lake. Gaffs and tail snares are prohibited. Enjoy the quaint cabins and summer homes that line the shores of the state's largest natural lake, stroll down the historic boardwalk with over 60 shops, restaurants, and galleries, or take in a show at the Rocky Mountain Repertory … Please come visit. Back in the day, it took three arduous days by stagecoach to reach Grand Lake from Denver. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Grand Lake, Colorado on Tripadvisor: See 1,689 traveler reviews and photos of Grand Lake tourist attractions. Grand Lake is the ideal, year round family vacation destination. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. On Highway 34 at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. With a name like Grand Lake, it’s no surprise that this Colorado mountain community on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, offers outdoor activities that focus on water, namely, scenic boat tours, paddleboat rentals and kayaking on Grand Lake and neighboring Shadow Mountain Lake.. Its year-round population is tiny – less than 500, as of the 2010 Census – so it’s better to call it a village. Grand Lake is Colorado's largest and deepest natural lake. I've not seen the same landscape since I've been here. Today, the trip only takes a couple of hours. Get your bearings then plan your Colorado Vacation. Please come visit. Some of Colorado’s most awe-inspiring mountains and vistas can be found in Grand County. A climb in the Rockies, proclaimed naturalist Enos Mills, will “put one in tune with the infinite.” He would know: The mountain air buoyed his health after he moved to Colorado as a sickly teenager. Every single time you turn around there is either frozen lake with a beautiful cloud over it, or there's a part of the lake that's not frozen with a sun over it, or there's a mountain by itself or a formation of mountains. The quaint village of Grand Lake is situated on the serene shores of the largest natural lake in Colorado, beneath a crown of majestic, snow-capped mountain peaks. Grand Lake has endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. It is named after the Grand River, an early name for the Colorado River. And then you take this beautiful town of Grand Lake that looks like the back lot of a Hollywood studio and you incorporate that with just beautiful open-hearted people that know each other - it's my favorite place, and it is the most beautiful place I've ever been. Where is Grand Lake, Colorado? Rocky Mountain National Park owes its own life to Mills, who pushed for the official park status it received, "I will go on record saying it's the most beautiful place I've ever been,", He says, "I was blown away. Rent your own pontoon boat, sport boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Grand Lake was originally an outfitting and supply point for the mining settlements of Lulu City, Teller City, and Gaskill, but today is a tourist destination into Rocky Mountain National Park to the north. 1. Grand Lake, Colorado, adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho National Forest, features miles of lakes and rivers, abundant wildlife, quaint shops, delicious dining, great nightlife and a multitude of activities and events. The Town of Grand Lake is a Statutory Town located in Grand County, Colorado, United States. A highway to the sky, Trail Ridge Road is the 48-mile portion of U.S. 34 between Estes Park and Grand Lake, Colorado Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. If you need to relax and unwind, you need to be at the lake, where time moves slower, and all of your cares seem to magically disappear. And I thought Alaska and Hawaii would be tops, and this surprised me.”  Welcome to Grand Lake Located at the headwaters of the Colorado River and situated on the shores of Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural body of water, the Town of Grand Lake is the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. It derives its name from the nearby Grand Lake, the largest natural body of water in Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park – Estes Park-Grand Lake Facebook Twitter The park’s 415 square miles encompass a variety of alpine terrain, with at least 60 mountains exceeding 12,000 ft. Awesome things to do in Grand Lake, Colorado 1. 19K likes. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. It is located in the headwaters of the Colorado River in Grand County, Colorado. Plan your next trip with these fantastic places for camping in Grand Lake, Colorado. Located at 8,369 feet above sea level at the headwaters of the Colorado River, and rimmed by the Continental Divide and the western forests of Rocky Mountain National Park , our Grand Lake vacation rentals are a gorgeous drive of just over 60 miles from I … Grand Lake is the ideal, year round family vacation destination. The best part is very few people who visit Rocky Mountain National Park travel to Grand Lake. G rand Lake, perched on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park and adjacent to the largest natural lake in the state (also called Grand Lake), is a grand mountain getaway for families. The County’s major geographic feature is Middle Park, a large mountain basin that includes the headwaters of the Colorado River and the deepest natural lake in Colorado, Grand Lake. We have reviews of the best places to see in Grand Lake. The population was 447 at the 2000 census.Established in 1881, Grand Lake sits at an elevation of 8437 feet (2572 m). From Sky-Hi News article by Tonya Bina, He says, "I was blown away. The Town of Grand Lake is a Statutory Town located in Grand County, Colorado, United States. Excellent Dispersed Camping in Grand Lake on Stillwater Pass. I've not seen the same landscape since I've been here. Fortunately, there is no shortage of lakes in Colorado, including the large and unbelievably serene Grand Lake. And then you take this beautiful town of Grand Lake that looks like the back lot of a Hollywood studio and you incorporate that with just beautiful open-hearted people that know each other - it's my favorite place, and it is the most beautiful place I've ever been. And I thought Alaska and Hawaii would be tops, and this surprised me.”. Grand Lake is a vacation town in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado, northwest of Denver and Boulder. It was incorporated on June 23, 1944.Grand Lake is located at 40°15′2″N 105°49′28″W / 40.25056°N 105.82444°W / 40.25056; -105.82444 (40.250492, -105.824323). Grand Lake is the Snowmobile Capital of Colorado, with over 300 miles of trails, 150 maintained. The glacial terminal moraine created a natural dam. But 80 percent of park visitors enter through Estes Park because of its proximity to Colorado’s Front Range. Many visitors stay here and drive Trail Ridge Road through the park to the town of Estes Park on the other side. With the breathtaking backdrop of the wild and wondrous Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, Colorado, is the ideal basecamp for outdoor adventure, family fun and memories in the making. There is a dumping station but RV hookups are NOT available. Encompassing 1,868 square miles, the area consists of meadows, river valleys and mountains. Trail Ridge Road. Grand Lake is a piece of art. The town population was 375 at the U.S. Census 2000. Located on the shores of Grand Lake, CO, the historic Grand Lake Marina & Boater's Choice has been the reliable choice for lake recreation since 1955. Established in 1881, Grand Lake sits at an elevation of 8437 feet (2572 m). The lake was formed during the Pinedale glaciation, which occurred from 30000 BP (before present) to 10000 BP. To get to Grand Lake, we like to head west from Estes Park, through Rocky Mountain National Park. Lake/Reservoir Public Fishing Grand Lake - Motorized boats and portable ice fishing shelters are allowed on the lake. 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