What’s over 3,000 miles long, spans two countries, and has the bighorn sheep as its mascot? The answer is the Rocky Mountains.
The Rocky Mountains are also a popular vacation destination. The serene atmosphere and the abundance of alpine sports the mountains have to offer, make for a relaxing and thrilling experience rolled into one.
Despite an 8000 ft. elevation, Grand Lake, CO has become a popular vacation destination for countless people over the years. We’ll list some cool facts about Colorado and list some of its attractions here.
1. Small Town, Big Lake
Grand Lake lives up to its name, because it’s the largest natural body of water in the state. Despite this, the town of Grand Lake has a year-round population of less than 500.
This town mixes small town hospitality with numerous activities to make your vacation a great one. Perhaps the greatest attraction is the lake itself, which offers boating, kayaking and swimming in the warmer months.
During the winter months, the lake freezes over, and a whole host of new activities become possible. Some people drive snowmobiles on the lake while others go ice skating or play hockey. This year-round entertainment helps make Colorado travel so appealing.
2. Grand Lake Nordic Center
We’ve mentioned Grand Lake altitude. If you’re into high-altitude activities, you could visit the Nordic Center. The Grand Lake Nordic Center is an area which contains over 30 kilometers of ski trails. It also offers plenty of snowshoe trails to walk through.
You don’t have to be an experienced skier to enjoy the Grand Lake Nordic Center, because they offer lessons. Plus, their trails are built for all skill levels, including some for those on four legs, so feel free to bring your dog with you on your adventures!
3. The Boardwalk
Once you’re through with lake activities and ski trails, head over to the boardwalk to take in historic buildings and do some shopping. The boardwalk has over sixty shops to visit and the buildings look like something out of a Western film.
A big part of Colorado vacation planning is making sure the kids have fun. If you’re traveling with children, there’s a play area on the boardwalk, so you can sit back, relax, and let them have fun while you enjoy the beauty around you!
4. Look for Wildlife
Colorado is home to some amazing wildlife, from moose to black bears and even Bighorn sheep. You can also find bobcats, over 200 species of birds, and mountain lions. Don’t worry, though, because mountain lions don’t attack often. They’re content to watch people and see what we do. Grand Lake is almost a frontier town, in the sense that it’s surrounded by nature trails, national parks and other wilderness.
While animals sometimes appear on ski trails, the best place to find them is probably Rocky Mountain National Park, just outside of Grand Lake.
Enjoy the Elevation: Grand Lake, CO
If you’re looking for fun times at a high elevation, Grand Lake CO is the place to go. We’ve mentioned some great facts and discussed fun things to do in Grand Lake, but there’s a lot more out there.
Looking for a place to stay while you’re vacationing? Check out our rooms at Western Riviera Lakeside Motel. We offer 16 motel rooms, all with great views of Grand Lake and the surrounding mountains.