Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain

Colorado’s largest natural lake, at Rocky’s west gate.

Grand Lake is a deep, glacier-carved lake of just over 500 acres on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, with the town’s beach and marinas on its shore. Paddle the main lake, or slip through the channel under the bridge into shallow Shadow Mountain Reservoir to look for moose and nesting osprey among the islands. It suits families and easy day paddles, with the park’s trails a few minutes away.

At a glance

Size

500+ acres, Colorado’s largest natural lake

Elevation

8,367 ft

Connected water

Channel to Shadow Mountain Reservoir (1,300+ acres)

Rental rule

Grand Lake Marina boats stay on Grand Lake

Fees

Arapaho NRA pass for Shadow Mountain and Lake Granby sites

Good for

Beginner

What’s here

• Flatwater
• Boat rentals
• Paddleboarding
• Wildlife
• Swimming
• Fishing

Rentals, guides and shops

• Grand Lake Marina & Boater’s Choice

  Canoe, single and double kayak and SUP rentals launched from the dock, for use on Grand Lake only.

• Trail Ridge Marina

  Shadow Mountain marina renting pontoons to tour the islands and the channel to Grand Lake.

• Never Summer Mountain Products

  Outdoor shop in town that sells kayaks and SUPs and rents camping gear such as bear canisters.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• FestivalMid-August weekendUsually

  Buffalo Days

  Three days celebrating Grand Lake’s Western heritage, with a parade, live music and food.

Where to stay

• lodgeGrand Lake Lodge

  Mountain resort with cabins, a restaurant and bars just above town.

  5 min drive
• hotelWestern Riviera Lakeside Lodging

  Lakeside motel in the town of Grand Lake.

  In town

Nearby

• Rocky Mountain National Park · 5 min drive

  The park’s west entrance is just north of town; timed-entry reservations apply in summer.

• East Inlet Trail · 5 min drive

  Easy walk to Adams Falls from the east end of the lake; the park’s timed-entry permit covers it.

• Grand Lake Lodge restaurant · 5 min drive

  Dinner or drinks at the resort above town.

Getting there

• Denver International (DEN) · about 2 hr 15 min drive
• Estes Park (Trail Ridge Road, summer) · about 1.5 hr
• Denver · about 2.25 hr

Directions in Google Maps