However, that’s whole other topic. But I have heard they will re-open in early jan. 2021. The last time I was there I bought a whole one on our way out of town to take home with me it was so good. Back in the day, it took three arduous days by stagecoach to reach Grand Lake from Denver. My husband is an avid hiker and so this is the perfect place for us to visit. At an 8,300-foot (2,530-meter) elevation, enjoy brisk mountain air and year-round outdoor activities ranging from hiking and biking to fishing, golfing, and lake tours. You might even get to have your picture taken in a period giant bearskin coat! A highway to the sky, Trail Ridge Road is the 48-mile portion of U.S. 34 between Estes Park and Grand Lake, Colorado. , Your email address will not be published. I was also trying to get him to burn some energy because he’d been going crazy being inside so much lately. There are also some beautiful wildflowers and plants to see around, and we always love seeing the Colorado state flower, the Rocky Mountain Columbine. This is a fun way to explore beautiful nature. Since then they’ve added more stone walls to block off dangerous areas and make it more kid and family friendly. Kokanee Salmon, Trout and Mackinaw all dwell in nearby Grand Lake, Granby Reservoir and Shadow Mountain Reservoir. Each summer, the town hosts the Grand Lake Regatta and Lipton Cup Races. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. I’ll start by saying there are a ton of restaurants in Grand Lake with character. The first lake is Grand Lake, tucked right into a mountain valley at the base of Shadow Mountain. Granby, together with its neighboring Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Reservoir, are the headwaters of the Colorado River. I love hiking, hopefully, we will soon plan a trip. Like the banana cream. Grand Lake for kids and families. Did you know Grand Lake is the largest natural lake (meaning not man-made) in Colorado? You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. Now I’m going to have to try the Lemonade Shake. Why do I love Grand Lake so much? There’s even a fire pit where you can make s’mores! Enjoy the Long Shot by Golfing at Altitude. Are you ready to start planning the perfect summer family vacations and adventures? September - 2020. A kind soul. Personally, when traveling the road I’ve seen moose, elk, deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, marmots, chipmunks, and all sorts of birds. Also, it doesn’t take very long if you need an activity because it’s only .9 miles roundtrip. … Eventful provides the most popular Grand Lake events, concerts, movies, comedy, nightlife, family events, and more. They are 5 … Copyright © 2020 Explorer Momma on the Foodie Pro Theme, Awesome things to do in Grand Lake, Colorado. It’s also a good trail to spot wildflowers along the trail. My kids always love to go out on what we call a “nature hunt”. I’m a complete history geek and love to check out local museums when we travel. Today, the trip only takes a couple of hours. The trailhead and parking area to visit the ranch is located a little over 7 miles north of the Grand Lake Entrance on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The arrival of cooler temperatures makes for the perfect season to go for a … Fun Festivals. Surrounded by the historic town and Rocky Mountains that tumble to its shores, Grand Lake offers a ton of water activities during the summer. It’s Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake at 265 feet deep. September 4 Rocky Mountain National Park Butterflies @ Grand Lake Village. We've got you covered! Want more hikes? The best part is very few people who visit Rocky Mountain National Park travel to Grand Lake. Here are our top 10 must do's. I’ve even seen people doing yoga on them, but so far I’ve been a chicken to try one. Not only are there views of majestic mountains, valleys, and snakelike rivers, but also a variety of wildlife and plants. I LOVE spring flowers, lilac bushes starting to bloom, and the sun warming off the chill in the air. Things to Do in Grand Lake, Colorado, in the Winter. 970-726-9247. Check out Where to Find the Best Estes Park Hikes for Kids! The Official Site of Colorado Tourism © 2020 Colorado Tourism Office. 1034 Grand Ave. “Cute little shop in Grand Lake! 2. It was built in 1892 and run as a hotel by the Kauffman family until 1946. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Grand Lake – Sits one block behind main street and provides water sports galore. Spend the day sailing with fellow wind-enthusiasts on Grand Lake, the largest natural lake in the state. The marina rents many types of boats and paddleboards, and there are sandy spots for beach activities. Grand Lake in Colorado surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and national forest Old West architecture in the historic village of Grand Lake Grand Lake has so much to offer visitors as both a charming, historic village and a body of water. Grand Lake is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. Do you want to know the entry ticket price for Grand Lake? This post may include Amazon links. Go skiing at Granby Ranch, horseback riding with High Country, boating at Snow Mountain Ranch, or fishing in Colorado’s third largest body of water, Lake Granby. Winter is what Colorado is all about, and no one does it better than Grand Lake, where your family will have a grand time! Fish with the kids on Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain. "We love visiting Grand Lake for the quaint wooden sidewalks, the shops, restaurants, parks, and the headwaters of the Colorado River is Grand Lake." During the summer, volunteers help visitors connect to the Holzwarth’s story, the German family who immigrated to Colorado and settle the original homestead and began the ranch. I like it because there’s only a 430-foot elevation gain and doable with older kids. We’ve had good experiences with Airbnb in the past and you can find some good cabins. We like to stay in one of the cabins in Lemmon Lodge with its own beach and kids’ play structure. Grand Lake Village rests on the shores of the largest natural lake in Colorado. Also, it has a fabulous fishing spot where the river enters the lake and a kids’ play structure. I’ve been advised the best time is early morning and the best spot where the river runs into the lake. My mom worked for the original managers, the Messengers, for over a decade and my brother and I spent all of our summers there. Things To Do Here are our favorites. Lemmon Lodge is by far our favorite place to rent a cabin each year. Another is the historic boardwalk packed with galleries and artisan shops. We have reviews of the best places to see in Grand Lake. As a family, we like to sometimes take the tour boat from the Headwater’s Marina next to the public beach. Lake Lake Avenue, Grand Lake, CO. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Grand Lake, Colorado on Tripadvisor: See 16,974 traveller reviews and photos of Grand Lake tourist attractions. “This is the best bruger joint in or near Grand Lake. I can’t think of many better things to do in Grand Lake, Colorado than some good hikes. Did you know that golf balls fly further at altitude? Grand Lake Colorado events take place in one of the most awe inspring places in Colorado. Click here for their website. Celebrate the 4th of July, celebrate Buffalo BBQ, or celebrate arts and crafts – Grand … Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. So let’s dig in. Fall Activities in Grand Lake, Colorado Located just ¼ mile from Rocky Mountain National Park, Moose Lake Lodge is the perfect place to vacation in the fall. Where to Find the Best Estes Park Hikes for Kids, Keto Pumpkin Bread – Cream Cheese Pumpkin Cake. They are 5 minutes away from the Gateway Inn. From the East Inlet Trailhead, Adam’s Falls is a great short hike with an impressive reward at the end. Stop to take pictures, explore the visitor’s center, or take the Alpine Ridge trail hike at the top. thank you for such a great list of things to do. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. I like this hike because it’s accessible to nearly everyone, and kids feel a good sense of accomplishment when they reach the falls. I’ll do another post later on restaurants and food in Grand Lake, but I have to point out the Fat Cat Cafe here too. Read about summer in Grand Lake >> In winter, local sports aficionados put away their boats and crank up their snowmobiles. All rights reserved. Things to do Grand Lake CO, Area Activities. Colorado produced wine, vodka, bourbon, gin and beer. I love to share the best keto and low carb recipes, awesome travel ideas, and my obsession with books to lead a healthy, full, creative life! Sail Colorado’s Largest Natural Lake. So says the book Spring: A Spiritual Biography of the Season by Schmidt and Felch, and I really believe it to be so. The Grand Lake area offers many fun activities year-round for the whole family. Location: 1146 Lake Ave, Grand Lake, CO. Food: American, breakfast, lunch, … Dog Sledding. For me, it’s the perfect little mountain town on the lake with charm and old-time character. You can get some good recommendations! There's also the Grand Lake Nordic Center for snowshoers, cross-country skiers and skate skiers (including rentals) and sleigh rides. Watch a video on Grand Lake's backcountry snowmobiling adventures >> Broadway makes its way to the town's impressive Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater and a full calendar of events, including a summer concert series, keeps visitors busy throughout the year — certainly one of the reasons the town was recently designated a Certified Colorado Creative District. Good luck! Grand Lake Colorado travel guide, tips, lodging, activities, restaurants, area map and local events calendar, get information about Grand Lake water levels, weather, and travel conditions when planning your Rocky Mountain trip. 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. The pictures are beautiful. You can go… The hike begins at the East Shore Trailhead and is about 9.6 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1,635 feet. Back to our explorations, we discovered some tulip and crocus leaves starting to peak out through the old leftover fall leaves we planned to clean out. Whether you use a tour company or explore on your own, there are many attractions, scenic drives, sightseeing tours, and other fun adventures to be had. You will see the pine trees, the flowers, and grass of the tundra, and so much more I can’t begin to identify. Beat the heat and enjoy the crisp mountain air with a getaway to Grand Lake … Then there’s a short waterway to Shadow Mountain Lake, which is larger (and is where the Colorado River comes in). Kids have been cooped up more all winter and are ready to run and grow! Absolutely gorgeous! In just a few minutes you travel up from Estes Park and drop 20-30 degrees. The Grand Lake Nordic Center also has snowshoe equipment for rent and offers several designated snowshoe trails that wind through charming pine forests and along the Colorado River (make sure to warm up with a bowl of chili by the fireplace in the clubhouse afterwards.) Don't miss this place; It's right on Hwy 34 as you pass Grand…” more Take your time and get out of the car to enjoy the scenic views or take one of the short hikes. Great article! So, if you get tired of reading a book in your beach chair by the lake or your kids drag you away, here are some fun and entertaining things to do. If you’re anywhere nearby plan a day of it. Learn how your comment data is processed. I pinned this to my vacation board. Browse Expedia's selection of 298 hotels and places to stay in Grand Lake. You may be on a mission to find your perfect cabin style souvenir or just window shop, but it’s a must-do activity for our family. On the Trail Rentals. 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. In the summer, hike, bike, or ATV through unspoiled terrain or boat, sail, or fish on Grand Lake, home to one of the oldest yacht clubs in the west. I was also trying to get him to burn some energy because he’d been going crazy being inside so much lately. Check their website here for more information and hours. about Hidden Colorado Gem: Never Summer Wilderness, about Shop Local: Give Colorado-Made Goods to Loved Ones For the Holidays, about Summer Cool Downs: Colorado Water Parks, Lakes & More, Grand Lake's backcountry snowmobiling adventures >>. The fries are handcut and the owners make all the food themselves. Choose a category below and start exploring what there is to do in Colorado. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the … 5. 343 likes. Located in the heart of beautiful Grand County, Granby, CO is a stunning place to visit winter, spring, summer, or fall. If you forget to purchase a Colorado fishing license, most marinas, fishing tackle shops, and even some gas stations sell them. Relax at the Hot Springs. Currently, kids and seniors fish for free, although seniors must still obtain a license. At least, that’s what it means to me. At capacity the Lake is 221 feet deep and has 7,280 surface acres with 40 miles of shoreline at an elevation of 8,280. Streets are left packed with snow to accommodate the hundreds of snowmobilers who converge on the town during the winter months, and a vast system of snowmobile trails and the ability to ride right through town keep them coming back. In this area, we’ve seen moose and deer and other wildlife so be on the lookout! Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Grand Lake, Colorado on Tripadvisor: See 16,974 traveller reviews and photos of Grand Lake tourist attractions. Then once you're up to speed, keep exploring Grand Lake, Snowmobile Capital of Colorado™ or any of Grand County's snowmobiling hotspots. Boating and fishing are easy to find at Grand Lake or one of the many other lakes around. You don't have to fly to Alaska to feel the thrill of racing along the trails of Iditarod on a dog sled. During the winter months, with the lakes frozen over, the trees frosted, and the mountain peaks snow-capped, Grand Lake, Colorado becomes a beautiful wonderland. We absolutely love the food and the people who run this place. The Alpine Visitors Center is almost at the top on the Grand Lake side and worth a stop if nothing else but for the photo op. Your photographs bring so many of the memories rushing back. Just a short distance from your camp site or cabin you can fly fish in the headwaters of the Colorado river. Grand Adventures. This idyllic mountain hamlet, with its come-as-you-are watering holes, wealth of recreational activities, and legendary hikes, provides the quintessential Colorado summer vacation. Types of things to do in Grand Lake Outdoor Activities (23) Tours (13) Boat Tours & Water Sports (8) Nature & Parks (5) Shopping (5) Fun & Games (3) Spas & Wellness (2) Traveler Resources (2) Museums (2) Nightlife (2) Concerts & Shows (1) Sights & Landmarks (1) Commonly searched for in Grand Lake Spend Your Days Enjoying Grand Lake-The Snowmobile Capital of Colorado. There are many options to get you and your family out floating on Grand Lake. The arrival of cooler temperatures makes for the afternoon got the dipped cone at miyauchi s! To spot wildflowers along the trails or Lake this on a hike, around town or. A short distance from your camp site or cabin you can make ’... 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