Like a secret, hidden high in the heart of the magnificent Rocky Mountains, lies a beautiful gem—Grand Lake. Colorado’s largest natural lake, Grand Lake, boasts a depth of 265 feet and offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Its forever-blue waters are cradled in one of the nation’s most spectacular mountain playgrounds, bordered by Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Arapaho National Recreational Area.
Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest natural lake.
As Colorado’s oldest resort community, Grand Lake has tried to preserve its unique heritage. The area is known for fishing, hiking, horseback riding and for its many dude ranches. Biking, boating, water-skiing, camping, rafting and bird-watching are also favorite activities. The Grand Lake Golf Course ranks as one of the top ten in Colorado.
Grand Lake Golf Course
In the winter, alpine and cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling and ice fishing attract many to the area. There are three major downhill ski areas all within an hour’s drive, and Nordic Ski trails can be found at the Grand Lake Nordic Center and in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park Ranger-led Snowshoe Progarm
The first “tourists” to the area were probably Indians who arrived around AD 900 to 1300. They probably came and stayed during the summer and late fall in a setting of beauty with a climate that is unsurpassed even today. Game, fish and other foods were no doubt plentiful as they still are today. Elk and deer still choose this area as a favorite home and may be seen at any time. Beaver still swim in the rivulets and along lake shores. Fish abound in the many lakes in the area, and giant native trout are still taken along with stocked game fish. Grand Lake is the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and is situated at the headwaters of the Colorado River. Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road on the continent) opened up some of the most interesting scenery to modern-day visitors. Winding your way from Grand Lake to Estes Park, drive past the snowcapped ranges you have seen on travel folders. On a mid-July day you can stop on the top of the pass in the cool, fresh air, have a snowball fight, view the snowfields and gaze at the panoramic views of the mountains.
Elk & Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park
With Grand Lake in our front yard and Rocky Mountain National Park in our backyard, the lakes, rivers and trails here provide the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts of every age in every season. So breathe deep and make your plans to hike it, boat it, fish it, photograph it, snowmobile it, cross-country ski it, snowshoe it, be it, and live it! And, when you’re ready to bed down after an exhilarating day, Western Rivera is here for you and your family. Rejuvenate your soul in the peace and solitude of nature wrapped in snow covered trails and the warmth of crisp Colorado blue skies. Hear the trill of migrating birds, see the footprints of wildlife and experience the adventures of Grand Lake, the Soul of the Rockies.