This small mountain town in Colorado is a great location for adventures. From summer days spent relaxing on the lake to cold winters snuggled by the fire or racing down the ski hill, there are a lot of great activity options for all visitors. Read below for some great activities and places to go during your stay in Grand Lake.

Where to stay

Whether you want rustic comfort, a cozy inn, or to plant some stakes in the ground, there are many options for visitors staying in Grand Lake.

Rent a cabin

There are many great cabins that visitors can rent for the duration of their stay in Grand Lake. Whether you want to cozy up by the fire or catch some extraordinary lake views from your lakefront cabin, there are several different places for rent to choose from.

A lodge or inn

There are a lot of small lodges and inns in Grand Lake that give you that perfect mountain rustic feeling. Check into places like the Western Riviera Lakeside Lodge or the Grand Lake Lodge for the perfect comfort experience.

Bring a tent or RV and camp

Check out nearby campgrounds like Elk Creek Campground & RV Park or Green Ridge Campground if you want to spend more quality time outdoors or want a cheaper option. While there is not a camping option directly on Grand Lake, the lake is connected to two other lakes, Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby. These lakes have several campsites on their shoreline so you can still enjoy a nice lakeside experience if you want to. If not, there are several options that are more shaded and tucked away for greater solitude.

Hit the trails

There is a large network of trails in and around Grand Lake. Whether you want to head into Rocky Mountain National Park for a day and do some activities there or want to stay closer to the Grand Lake area there are many hiking and biking options for you. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Hike to Adams Falls 

Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: 113 ft
Type: Out-and-Back

For a quick and easy hike that leads to a great view of a rushing waterfall, head onto the Adams Falls Trail. Located only six minutes away from the main street in Grand Lake, this is a great way to get some fresh air without heading too far away from the town.

Hike to Lone Pine Lake 

Distance: 10.44 mile
Elevation: 1,494 ft
Type: Out-and-Back

For a longer hike, head over to the East Inlet Trailhead and spend some time enjoying the stunning scenery along this hike. Enjoy the backdrop of three towering mountains while you pass by a waterfall and river, catch views of Grand Lake and Shadow Lake in the distance as you take a break at one of the overlooks, and enjoy the thick shade from the pine forest as you hike towards Lone Pine Lake.

Bike the Doe Creek Trail

Distance: 7.13 mile
Elevation: 1,617 ft
Type: Loop

Enjoy this great singletrack trail that winds through aspen and pine forests and a beautiful meadow. This can be a fairly steep trail for bikers and may involve some hike-a-biking for some parts on the way up. Coming down, there are options for some switchbacks to avoid burning out your brakes. Follow along the trail as it winds next to Lake Granby, taking a break there to cool off and refresh if needed.

Enjoy some snow-based activities

There is pretty much every type of winter activity available within close distance of Grand Lake. Whether you want to ice fish, snowmobile, ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or go on a sled dog race there are activity options for you. Head about 40 minutes to Winter Park Resort for some skiing. Head to Snow Mountain Ranch for the chance to do some snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, sled dog racing, and ice skating. Stick closer to Grand Lake by ice fishing on one of the lakes or snowshoeing along one of the many trails surrounding the town and in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. Below are just a few of the amazing options available to you.

Ice fish on Lake Granby

Drill into the ice, bundle up, and pull up a chair on Lake Granby during the winter months for the opportunity to catch some trout. Keep an eye on the rod, pull out a drink or some snacks, and enjoy some quality time with family and friends out on the ice.

Ski or snowboard at Winter Park Ski Resort or try your hand at backcountry skiing along Berthoud Pass

Winter Park Ski Resort is one of the most popular places to ski in Colorado. Enjoy a wide variety of terrain and hit up both the Winter Park and Mary Jane side during your day shredding the slopes. After a long day of skiing, relax at one of the many restaurants available throughout the resort.

If you want to get a little more powder and fewer crowds, you can head to Berthoud Pass and do some backcountry skiing. A former ski resort, Berthoud is a popular area for people looking to do some ski tour routes. From the top, you can do shuttle runs down the south side of the pass or you can venture to the east and west side of the road and do some out and backs.

Snowshoe or Cross-Country ski on Snow Mountain Ranch

Head to Snow Mountain Ranch for some family friendly fun. Snowshoe or Ski along this route to the popular homestead on the property. There are many other activities you can do in this area so bring the whole family and make a day of it. Be on the lookout for some awesome elk and moose wildlife sightings while snowshoeing throughout the area.

Other fun activities

If you need a break from all the heart-pumping, adrenaline-inducing activity, there are ample opportunities to have some fun and relax in the town. Whether you want to meander down the boardwalk and shop, spend time on the lake, take a drive for some stunning photographs of the surrounding scenery and wildlife, or do some activities like mini golfing or visiting the local theater, there are so many options available in the heart of Grand Lake.

Walk along the boardwalk and shop

Head down the historic boardwalk in Grand Lake and spend some time browsing through the numerous stores. Support the local businesses and buy some items that will allow you to remember your stay for years to come.

Participate in some activities like visiting the local theater or mini golfing

These are both popular activities located on the main street in Grand Lake. Enjoy an early round of miniature golf at the Meandering Moose and appreciate the stunning mountain backdrop while playing. In the evening, stop by the local theatre, the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, and watch one of the Broadway musicals they put on each summer. 

Photograph moose in Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park 

This area is popular for moose sightings so take a short drive or walk and keep your eyes peeled and your cameras out for the opportunity to photograph this majestic wildlife. One of the most popular places to see moose is near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. While they will likely stay away from the main street in Grand Lake due to crowds, they are also often roaming about the side streets near less popular entrances to the lake.

There are ample other opportunities to photograph the fall foliage, the stunning snow-capped mountains, and the memorable sunsets over the lake while staying in Grand Lake as well. Keep your camera with you for all your nature-filled and scenic adventures.

Spend some quality time on the lake

You must go to the lake if you visit Grand Lake. Extending 507 surface acres and going down almost 400 feet, Grand Lake is Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake. Relax on the small beach area and take a dip if you are feeling brave. Due to its high altitude, much of the water is straight snow melt off and remains chilling to the bone even in the warmest of months. If you want to do some water-based activities that are not swimming, you can rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or boat from one of the shops along the lakefront instead. Since the lake is connected to two other lakes, you can also paddle along to the connector and cross over into the other lakes.

Eat and Drink

Stop for ice cream at Miyauchi's Snack Bar

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Located right by the lake, this snack bar often has a line down the street of people waiting for burgers, fries, and ice cream. With a constantly rotating menu of unique homemade ice cream flavors for both the dairy and non-dairy alike, this creamy and delicious treat is the perfect way to unwind after a long day. Buy a cone and sit along the pier for a stunning lakeside view to go along with your sweet treat.

Eat at One Love Rum Kitchen

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Enjoy good vibes, a high-energy ambience, and great food and drinks at One Love. Boasting delectable food items like ceviche, curry, Mahi Mahi tacos, and coconut rum chicken, this place is a stand out for many in Grand Lake. Its diverse selection stands out in the small mountain town and allows visitors and locals alike to shake things up. Sip some craft cocktails or a house rum-based Hot Toddy and enjoy the warm hospitality and fun atmosphere this casual dining has to offer.

Stop at The Waterfront for a bite 

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Head to the Waterfront for spectacular lakeside views, fantastic service, and tasty food and drinks. Serving everything from burgers and mac n cheese to udon noodles with seared ahi and apple farro salads, there is something for everyone at this local place. Eat your meal with a Colorado craft brew or margarita and enjoy the exceptional views.

The Wake Coffee Shop

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Get an early rise and enjoy some much-needed coffee and pastries at the locally owned and operated coffee shop The Wake. Start your day by saturating your stomach with the warm, gooey goodness of one of their specialty cinnamon rolls while sipping some freshly brewed coffee.

Note: Since this is a small mountain town, some of the stores face seasonal closures. Check ahead of time to make sure your restaurant, café, or snack place of choice is open.

Cover photo by Ellery Sterling.