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Getting There & Around

Getting to the CDT

Things to Do

Suggested Hike

Hiker Resources

Grand Lake

Relax by the Rockies

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.  You can rent a car from the airport, or hop on an Amtrak train for transportation to the neighboring town of Granby. The Rocky Express bus (gold line) runs three times per day between Granby and Grand Lake. 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

Grand Lake is a mile-long and is easy to navigate on foot! Anything you need, from grocery stores, breweries, the lakefront beach, and visitor center, are all within walking distance. There is a bus that travels between Town Park and the Mountain Market within Grand Lake three times per day. There is no ride share service such as Lyft or Uber. E-bikes can be rented locally, and complimentary bicycles are available to borrow at the Grand Lake Center for thru-hikers. 


Camping

Camping is available at the Grand Lake Visitor Center for thru-hikers during the summer at $25 per person. Amenities include free wifi, outlets, vending machines, bathrooms, lounge, kitchenette, fitness center, gymnasium (basketball/pickleball), yoga room, picnic area, complimentary bicycles and walking distance to the beach and downtown shops.

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. 

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

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Catch a show at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre

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Take a historic walking tour of the area

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Go for a trail ride or skiing adventure 

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Explore the lake by renting a SUP, or kayak, or take a scenic pontoon tour

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Enjoy an ice cream cone on the boardwalk

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Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

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Catch a community event like July 4th fireworks, Skijoring races, Buffalo Days or an ice fishing tournament

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Relax on the Town beach

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Make something cool at the Rocky Mountain Folk School

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Play bingo or catch a free concert in Town Park

Suggested Hike

East Shore Trail

East Shore Trail

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Hiker Resources