She specializes in writing inspiring national park travelogues, foodie adventures and personal, heartfelt stories of people who shape our culture. One entrance is accessible via Highway 36 in Estes Park and the other is Highway 40 (which connects to I-70) via Grand Lake. Grand Lake is located in northeastern Grand County at 40°15′2″N 105°49′28″W / 40.25056°N 105.82444°W (40.250493, -105.824323). We didn’t know this going in, but fall is a magical time at the park not only with the changing of the colors but also the mating of elks. Region 1 on our RMNP Trails Map. Elev. We cover all three ecosystems, again stopping at the Alpine Visitors Centre, but continuing on to cross over the continental divide and finishing at Grand Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited recreation area in the state, headquartered in Estes Park. This is our guides personal favorite National Park tour. When you arrive in town, park your car immediately and leave it there until you are ready to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Just a mile from the park’s west entrance, Grand Lake offers incredible family friendly activities from paddle boating and nature walks to world-class theater productions. Founded in 1881, the village still embraces its original rustic architecture style, although it’s much more than a small mountain outpost. No one forgets Grand Lake. Booking accommodations ahead is advised, as some area hotels and lodges have variable winter hours. Under Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado Coordinates Grand Lake: 40°14′50″N 105°48′36″W  /  40.247302°N 105.810013°W  / 40.247302; -105.810013  ( Alva B. Adams Founded in 1881, the village still embraces its original rustic architectural style, although it’s much more than a small mountain outpost. The park is home to more than 280 bird species and more than 60 species of mammals, including moose, fox, mule deer, black bear and herds of elk which attract thousands of visitors each year, especially during the autumn mating season. Last updated: March 31, 2012. Rocky Mountain National Park. The Park's 415 square miles encompass a variety of alpine terrain, with at least 60 mountains exceeding 12,000 ft. We'll be staying for 2 nights in Grand Lake and then 2 nights in Jefferson. Beginners Guide. Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park is full of beauty and many opportunities for outdoor activities. Read more: 9 Grand Adventures in Grand County, For more information:Grand County Colorado Tourism BoardVisitGrandCounty.com. A permit is required for an overnight stay in the backcountry areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. Great historical appeal which I love along with new amenities including an amazing pool/hot tub area, a viewing deck that has me craving for return, amazi Grand Lake forms a continuous body of water with the man-made reservoir Shadow Mountain Lake, which flows into another reservoir, Lake Granby. I have timed entry passes for Saturday afternoon, as well as very first thing Sunday morning and Monday morning so we should be able to enjoy 2 sunsets and 2 sunrises in the park. Enjoy Trail Ridge Road – which crests at over 12,000 feet including many overlooks to experience the subalpine and alpine worlds – along with over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers, wildlife, starry nights, and fun times. If you’ve never had an aunt like that, all the more reason to visit Grand Lake. Over 130 Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, covering all trailheads, Estes Park & Grand Lake sides, and rated by difficulty. Grand Lake, Colo. is located just one mile from the West Entrance of the park and is home to the largest and deepest natural alpine lake … 3D trail maps, descriptions and pictures. Don’t let your trip to the park sound just like your neighbors’ vacation. Offering three shows every summer, professional actors take the stage and perform popular Broadway musicals like Les Miserables and The Addams Family. Grand Lake at the West Entrance Town to Rocky Mountain National Park. But 80 percent of park visitors enter through Estes Park because of its proximity to Colorado’s Front Range. Make the most of your time by following our itinerary covering both sides of the park. After spending a day exploring Dinosaur National Monument, visiting the Utah Field House State Park Museum, and hiking to Moonshine Arch, we had to hit the road early the next day to make it all the way to Estes Park, Colorado where our next hotel was.Luckily, the drive took us right through Grand Lake and along Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park. Don’t miss the green-painted chalet that houses Polly’s Sweet Shop. I cannot say enough good things about this campground. Lily Lake offers splendid views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker amid rocky outcrops. 8.3 miles. Hot springs, bison and bears await on this 1,763-mile adventure through cowboy towns and three national parks. Longs Peak is the biggest at 14,259 ft and can be seen from nearly anywhere. Festival of Lights, Winter Carnival, and more! The town’s white-sand beach is a stone’s throw away from the rental boat docks, and it’s a fantastic place to spend time reading and playing in the warm sand. You can rent kayaks, paddle boats and more from businesses located on the lake’s shore. Rocky Mountain National Park The town of Grand Lake is located near the western entrance to the crown jewel of Colorado’s natural attractions: Rocky Mountain National Park. For kids, it spells freedom. If Estes is the park’s popular child, Grand Lake is the mysterious aunt who shows up at the family reunion and dazzles everyone with her natural beauty and understated wildness. Finally, though not technically inside the national park but 1-mile from the entrance, Grand Lake is Colorado's largest and deepest natural lake.On its north shore is the town of Grand Lake with a quaint downtown boardwalk and watercraft rentals. Grand Lake: The Soul of the Rockies™ The quaint village of Grand Lake is situated on the serene shores of the largest natural lake in Colorado, beneath a crown of majestic, snow-capped mountain peaks. Known for its lodging, small-town charm, and knowledgeable outfitters, Estes Park serves Rocky Mountain National Park and access to the national forest. In the morning, Grand Lake is like a sheet of glass, making it the best time to be on the water with the family. Buy your tickets early as the word is out about this gem. To the southwest, US 34 leads 15 miles (24 km) to Granby. We flew into Denver and rented a car. 12082 U.S. 34; Grand Lake, CO 80447 1-970-509-0810 Winding River Resort: Located on the Colorado River and bordering Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho National Forest, just 3 miles from Grand Lake Village. Grand Lake, on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, is a wonderful place for families to hike during their Colorado vacation, with many interesting sights to see. Grand Lake Lodge provides free WiFi and views of Grand Lake. See the Grand Canyon and Great Sand Dunes in one unforgettable trip and end in Estes Park outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. Jumping in the water in the designated swimming area is always an option, if you’re courageous enough to brave the frigid temperatures. U.S. Route 34 (Trail Ridge Road) runs through the western side of the town, entering Rocky Mountain National Park just north of town and leading 45 miles (72 km) across the mountains to Estes Park. Grand Lake may be one of the last remaining towns in America where you literally can walk everywhere. Grand Lake, the town, is located just one mile from the West Entrance of the national park. Deep inside the Colorado Rockies, Grand Lake is located just 98 miles from Denver, Colorado, and 46 miles from Estes Park, Colorado (via Trail Ridge Road, which cuts through Rocky Mountain National Park). Contact Us. Consider the brightly colored paddle boats, which enable your kids to pedal and steer while you sit in the back and enjoy some of the most stunning views of the Rockies. Grand Lake’s bustling little downtown with its charming historic boardwalk is right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park's West Entrance. Established in 1957, it’s a longtime local favorite known for its friendly service, delicious waffle cones and irresistible ice cream flavors like cookie dough and huckleberry. 4. Grand Lake, Colorado, is one of two gateway towns to Rocky Mountain National Park. Situated between the park and the forest we offer direct access to miles of beautiful hiking trails. Rent kayaks or pedal boats and explore Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest natural lake. In the afternoon, the wind picks up and storms roll in, putting a quick end to any boating activity. Accessible trail and fishing pier. Grand Lake Entrance Station . Custom Wordpress Development by Never Settle, Search, filter, and find local businesses. Not bad for a town of 400 residents, all of whom seem genuinely happy you are there. The best part is very few people who visit Rocky Mountain National Park travel to Grand Lake. Head to Grand Lake, a quaint old Western town surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake itself is the deepest and largest natural lake in Colorado, and the area attracts an impressive diversity of wildlife. We cover all 3 ecosystems, again stopping at the Alpine Visitors Centre, but continuing on to cross over the continental divide and finishing at Grand Lake. Only have 48 hours? Strollers permitted. For adults, it makes every transition to a new activity hassle-free. Hi all, my husband and I are going to be visiting RMNP and the surrounding areas in late September. Enos Mills, the "father of Rocky Mountain National Park," enjoyed walking to Lily Lake from his nearby cabin. The drive over Trail Ridge Road alone is worthy of any mountain-lover's bucket list.. Formed by glaciers, surrounded by Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Grand Lake has smitten tourists for generations. Grand Lake Golf Course. This is the ultimate Rocky Mountain National Park Tour. To access the park, there are four entrances, three on the park’s east side and one on the west. Established in 1915, the park spans 265,000 acres of rugged and breathtaking landscape with 355 miles of hiking trails and hundreds of pristine Colorado lakes and rivers to explore. There are two main entrances to the park, the east entrance in Estes Park and the lesser-trafficked west entrance by Grand Lake. A short stop for lunch and stroll around town and then back through the west side of the park where there is the greatest opportunity of viewing moose. Looking for a hip, historic town near Rocky Mountain National Park but far from crowds?Head to Lyons, an artsy, 2,000-resident town with boutique lodging. Mailing Address: 1000 US Hwy 36 Estes Park, CO 80517 . Book Grand Lake Lodge, Grand Lake on Tripadvisor: See 68 traveler reviews, 145 candid photos, and great deals for Grand Lake Lodge, ... Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park, our lodge guarantees a serene location for your family vacation, business gathering or destination wedding. “It’s a perfect mountain kingdom protected by a circle of mountains and a beautiful lake,” says longtime local Bob Scott who owns Bob Scott’s Authentic Indian Jewelry in town. Hiking Trails on the West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Read Up To Date COVID-19 Information from Grand County Checkout the Grand Lake To Go Facebook Page to see all the businesses operating curbside. ROCKY MOUNTAIN REPERTORY THEATRE'S 'NEW YEARS EVE SPECIAL'. Baker Pass. Backcountry campsite permits become available around March 1st each year. Don’t forget to bring along snacks and water bottles to keep your crew energized and hydrated as they navigate the waters of Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake. 6 Secret Places in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lily Lake offers splendid views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker amid rocky outcrops. What's Happening Now, Next Week, or Next Month, OPEN for Summer 2020 - Call Status Line (970) 586-1222, East Shore Trail Along Shadow Mountain Reservoir, East Shore Trail to the Historic Lookout Tower on Shadow Mountain, ROCKY MOUNTAIN REPERTORY THEATRE’S ‘NEW YEARS EVE SPECIAL’. © 2020 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Restaurants, Dining, Breweries, & Distilleries. Enos Mills, the "father of Rocky Mountain National Park," enjoyed walking to Lily Lake from his nearby cabin. On the west side of the park, located approximately two miles north of Grand Lake, is the Grand Lake Entrance Station. For kids, it spells freedom. Getting to Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park. With the breathtaking backdrop of the wild and wondrous Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, Colorado, is the ideal basecamp for outdoor adventure, family fun and memories in the making. No photos or words could do justice to the beauty and serenity the park offers. ... Rocky Mountain National Park. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. In addition to less-populated trailheads, campgrounds and wildlife viewing areas, Grand Lake offers easy access to some of western Rocky’s most unique and often overlooked attractions, like the Holzwarth Historic Site, a section of the Continental Divide Trail and the headwaters of the Colorado River–arguably the most crucial and controversial body of water in the West. Image courtesy of the National Park’s Service. 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