The best things in life are free, and there is plenty of fun to be had in Grand Lake without stretching your budget. From hiking trails and lakeside parks to historic sites and window-shopping, it’s an easy destination to explore for cost-conscious travelers.
Hike Scenic Grand Lake Trails
Mother Nature is always friendly to our wallets, and Grand Lake makes it easy to lace up your boots without going far. The Grand Lake Metropolitan Recreation District maintains a free system of trails that begin right in town, offering a mix of routes for casual walks or longer outings.
For those willing to explore a little farther, nearby Granby also provides popular options like Monarch Lake on the 4-mile loop. Make the effort to find the tucked-away trailhead to Strawberry Lake, or earn your lunch on the 7.3-mile, moderate Doe Creek Trail.
Hiking wouldn’t be complete without spending some time in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors are required to have a park pass ($30 for a single-day vehicle pass, $70 for an annual RMNP pass, or $80 for an annual America the Beautiful pass, which grants access to all national parks and federal recreation lands). Still, those dollars open up access to seemingly endless lands for exploring, including the quick Adams Falls hike, popular North Inlet Trail to Cascade Falls, and picturesque walk to Big Meadows, which takes on a special quality in the snow. (Timed-entry permits, $2, are required for RMNP between mid-May and mid-October.)
Enjoy Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Not in the mood to lace up your hiking boots? In the fall, it’s common to see elk walking through and hanging around town. You can also hop in your car and steer toward the Kawuneeche Valley, where many of the area’s best wildlife viewing spots are located; either stay in your vehicle or relax at one of the picnic sites along Trail Ridge Road, at the Holzwarth Historic Site, or the Coyote Valley trailhead.
It’s important to respect wildlife by being quiet and offering them plenty of space. Stay at least 100 feet away and never feed the animals. For your best chance of spotting the area’s moose, elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, and golden eagles, head out at dawn or dusk.
Unwind at Public Parks & Lakeshores
Time outside doesn’t have to be rigorous or challenging — or costly. Breathe in some fresh mountain air while enjoying the outdoor playgrounds at Town Park or the Grand Lake Center. Plan a picnic with a view (pick up all your provisions at Mountain Market) on the sandy beach or at a picnic table at Gene Stover Lakefront Park, cast a fishing line from the shore of Grand Lake while unwinding at Point Park, or play fetch with Fido at the serene Veterans Memorial Park.
Discover Winter Activities
If you’re visiting or planning a trip during winter, this destination has plenty of ways to enjoy the season without spending a dime. At Town Park, a public ice rink serves as a hub for cold-weather fun, and the warming hut at Gene Stover Lakefront Park offers complimentary skates for all ages. When ice conditions allow, a natural rink also forms on Grand Lake, giving skaters a chance to glide directly on the frozen water.
Families can head to the Grand Lake Nordic Center, too, where a tubing hill adds to the snowy fun at no additional cost. Seasonal highlights, such as the Pond Hockey Tournament, Winter Carnival, and Grand Lake skijoring, bring the spirit of winter to town, all of which are open to the public.
Stroll the Historic Boardwalk
Our historic wooden boardwalk, originally built by shop owners to help customers get around, adds an extra dose of Old World charm to Main Street. Enjoy a leisurely walk while you window shop at the locally owned boutiques, people- and dog-watch, or make your way toward one of the many no-cost events, including concerts in Town Park, that take place throughout the year. In summer, the Grand Lake Rotary Club hosts Bingo in the park every Friday and Saturday evening, a family-friendly tradition that draws both residents and visitors.
Discover Local History on a Budget
Long a draw for recreationists wanting to fish and hike, Grand Lake was first settled by European hunters and miners in 1867, shortly before silver was uncovered in the surrounding rivers and mountains. Many area organizations have helped preserve the town’s rich history for modern visitors. The Grand Lake Area Historical Society hosts a weekly walking tour during the summer ($10 per person, $25 per family, with no charge for kids 12 and under). Make it a self-guided journey with the free, downloadable map and information packet.
The group also maintains two historic sites: the Kauffman House Museum, the last remaining log hotel built in town before the 1900s, and the recently restored Cottage Court Museum (admission to either is $5 for adults, while kids 12 and younger enter at no cost). In Granby, the Moffat Road Railroad Museum’s model train exhibitions and displays of full-size train cars are fun for the whole family ($4–$10, free for kids under 5).
Find fun, adventure, and joy no matter your budget during a getaway to Grand Lake. Build a cost-conscious itinerary from these free and low-cost ideas, or let us help you plan your trip to the heart of Colorado’s wilderness.