Tucked between mountain ranges, Grand Lake is nestled along the shore of Colorado’s largest natural lake. Smart visitors know this western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park as the quieter, less congested side of the park. The spectacular setting offers a lengthy and varied checklist of winter recreation opportunities from ice fishing on Grand Lake to snowshoeing on one of the many trails in the area.

With some of Grand Lake’s summer cabins and homes dating to the late 1800s, the town was one of Colorado’s first resort communities. The designation of the Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915 secured Grand Lake’s future as a tourist gateway. Tourism received an additional boost in 1952 with the dedication of Colorado’s Big Thompson project which created more recreational opportunities at the new Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby.

For a peek into local history, visit the Kauffman House, a refurbished log hotel that features a museum with pioneer memorabilia.

• At 400 feet deep, 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, Grand Lake is Colorado’s largest natural lake.

• Grand Lake is also known as “Colorado’s Snowmobiling Capital,” and is one of the few towns that allow snowmobiles on the town streets.

• Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road, with its western base in Grand Lake, is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, topping out at 12,183 feet.

The Village of Grand Lake, at the western gate to Rocky Mountain National Park, is a charming lakeside town with a beach, marina, hotels, shops, and restaurants.

• Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater – Nightly performances during the summer and fall
• Arts-and-crafts fairs and musical performances - In the town park all summer long
• Bingo – In the Pavilion every Friday and Saturday night during the summer
• Kauffman House Museum
• Ice fish and snowmobile – Colorado’s snowmobiling capital in winter

Just one block from the lake, specialty shops and restaurants line the town’s wooden boardwalks and western-style storefronts. The town serves as a base for summer and winter recreation
• Summer: fishing, trail rides, golf, boating, outdoor concerts, craft fairs, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater
• Winter: snowmobiling, ice fishing, Nordic skiing

For additional information on Grand County, and an online trip planner, contact the Grand County Tourism Board at www.grand-county.com or 800-729-5821.