A lake that is truly grand
Grand Lake is a destination worth a look, especially in the summertime. Tucked in between the Rocky Mountains, the views from the water and anywhere around the lake are spectacular.
Beyond Berthoud Pass and northwest of Winter Park and Granby, sits one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations. Spawned from glaciers at the end of the Ice Age, Grand Lake is a destination worth a look, especially in the summertime. Tucked in between the Rocky Mountains, the views from the water, and anywhere around the lake, are spectacular.
Grand Lake is the largest natural body of water in Colorado and part of the headwaters of the Colorado River. Sitting at more than 8,300 feet in elevation, the lake is also the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, which surrounds the town of Grand Lake on three sides. It is the deepest lake in the state, almost 400 feet in some parts.
The town of Grand Lake, with fewer than 500 permanent residents, began as a mining town during the gold rush. It is still a bit rustic without a lot of commercial activity, and that is okay by the locals.
Today, Grand Lake welcomes tourists with a public beach and dock, water sport rentals and boat tours with a detailed history of the lake. For fishermen, it is considered a hotspot for brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout, as well as lake trout and kokanee salmon. For hikers and bikers, there are a myriad of trails to choose from, more than 160.
No one really swims in Grand Lake – the temperature is generally around 70 degrees on summer days and drops to the 50s at night. But that does not stop paddle boarders, canoers, jet skiers and sailing enthusiasts. A few brave souls will take the leap off of the public dock and then quickly rethink the decision.
For a little history, visit the Kauffman House Museum. Built in 1892, it was operated as a hotel until 1946 by the Kauffman family. In 1973, the Grand Lake Area Historical Society purchased the house and restored it as a museum. Relics from the past include furniture, clothing, quilts, dolls and winter sports equipment, to name a few.
The Grand Lake Yacht Club, sitting near the public dock, is the world’s highest elevation of its kind and has an annual regatta and offers sailing lessons.
Drive up to Grand Lake Lodge for a cool beverage by the fire pit and, of course, a breathtaking view. The lodge offers dog-friendly cabins for overnight stays and the restaurant, Huntington House Tavern, offers everything from ribeye steak to halibut.
If you are mucking around downtown by the public dock and beach, parking is easy and there are many ice cream and salt water taffy huts to satisfy the sweet tooth. For a marvelous brunch, try Sagebrush BBQ and Grill.
Sadly, up range, you can still see some of the wildfire damage from the East Troublesome Fire in 2020. Fortunately, most of Grand Lake survived to welcome another four years of summertime tourists to this beautiful, hidden gem.
Article and photo by Hollen Wheeler
