Grand Lake
Getting There
Denver International Airport is the best place to fly into to visit Grand Lake. The town is about 2.5 hours from the airport via I-70 W and US-40 W. Due to the distance, it is highly advised to rent a car from the airport. It can be difficult getting from Denver to Grand Lake via public transportation. Once you are in town you won’t need a car to get around the village, but will need one to see other areas like Rocky Mountain National Park. There is also an Amtrak Station in Granby, which is less than 30 minutes away.
Getting Around
The Town of Grand Lake is just one-mile long making it quick and easy to navigate on foot! Anything you need, from grocery stores and breweries to the lakefront beach and visitor center, are all within walking distance. No public transportation or rideshare options are available here.
Located at the headwaters of the Colorado River and situated on the shores of Colorado’s largest natural body of water, Grand Lake is the gateway to the CDT in Rocky Mountain National Park. Established in 1881 as a supply point for the area’s mining settlements, the town boasts amazing access to a variety of year-round outdoor recreation opportunities, and has been dubbed the “Snowmobile Capital of Colorado” due to its access to Colorado’s largest network of groomed snowmobile trails.
The CDT passes directly through the Town of Grand Lake, making it the ideal place to start an adventure or to resupply on a longer journey. The CDT route through Rocky Mountain National Park consists of approximately 30 miles of spectacular scenery. Although it does not travel the actual Divide, it provides breathtaking scenery, including sections of high peaks and fragile alpine tundra at elevations of up to 11,500 feet.
Information courtesy of the Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Getting To The Continental Divide Trail
North Inlet & Tonahutu Trailheads:
From State Hwy 278 heading south, turn left onto County Road 663. The Tonahutu Trailhead will be on your left and the North Inlet Trail will be on your right. The CDT makes a 28-mile loop between these two trailheads. Leave from the North Inlet Trailhead and hike into Summerland Park, a great spot to look for moose in the fall, for a 3-4 mile round trip hike.
East Shore Trailhead:
Take Shadow Mountain Drive south through town. Make a slight left onto Lakeside Drive, then turn right onto Jericho Rd. Follow Jericho Rd. to the intersection with Shoreline Way to reach the East Shore Trailhead. The Continental Divide Trail heads south from here along the shore of Shadow Mountain Lake.
Ten Things to do in Grand Lake
Catch a show at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Take a historic walking tour of the area
Go for a trail ride
Explore the lake by renting a SUP, or kayak, or take a scenic pontoon tour
Enjoy an ice cream cone on the boardwalk
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
Watch a firework show
Take a hike around Monarch Lake
Go on a skiing adventure
Learn to ice fish
Suggested Hike
Hiker Resources
- wifi
- camping/ lodging
- showers
- food
- laundry
- camp supplies
- US Post Office
- 520 Center Dr, Grand Lake
- CO 80447
- 970-627-3340
- Grand Lake Center
- 301 Marina Dr, Grand Lake
- CO 80447
- 970-627-2415
- Never Summer Mountain Products
- 919 Grand Ave, Grand Lake
- CO 80447
- 970-627-3470
- Mountain Market
- 400 Grand Ave.
- CO 80447
- 970-627-3470
- Grocery Rocky Mountain
- 701 Grand Ave, Grand Lake
- CO 80447
- 970-627-3210
- Juniper Library
- 316 Garfield St, Grand Lake
- CO 80447
- 970-627-8353
- Grand Lake Visitor Center
- 14700 US Highway 34, Grand Lake
- CO 80447
- 970-627-3402
- Grand Lake KOA Journeys
- 143 County Road 48, Grand Lake
- CO 80447
- 970-627-8502
- Otherside Gear + Coffee Shop
- 625 Grand Ave, Grand Lake
- CO 80447
- Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge
- 105 County Road 663 Grand Lake
- CO
- 970-627-9220