Summer may be officially over, but Grand Lake is still in full swing with fun fall festivals, events and activities for the whole family! September is arguably one of the best months of the entire year in Grand Lake for hiking, mountain biking, paddling and wildlife watching, plus ongoing opportunities for live music, patio dining, parades and fireworks. Fall foliage is expected to peak in the second half of the month, when the Aspen trees transform into vibrant autumn hues that range from bright yellow to deep scarlet. Here are a few ways we love to soak up the final days of summer and witness this mesmerizing time of year:

Take a Scenic Drive: 

Grand Lake is situated along not one, but TWO, state-designated scenic byways offering direct access to some of the most stunning drives in the country! The Colorado River Headwaters National Scenic Byway (also a designated electric byway) stretches south from Grand Lake on Highway 34 through ranchlands, canyons and along the banks of the mighty Colorado River to the town of Bond in Eagle County (this route is 80 miles long, one way). Turning north on Highway 34 from Grand Lake you’ll venture into Rocky Mountain National Park on Trail Ridge Road for a 48-mile journey to Estes Park that will take your breath away–literally! This route travels over the Continental Divide and tops out at 11,796 feet in elevation, giving passengers a glimpse of the unique alpine tundra climate with 360-degree views as far as the eye can see. There is also a good chance you’ll encounter elk, moose, marmot and other wildlife along the way.

 

Grand Lake city limit sign in the fall colors with elevation 8369

Go on a Hike: 

Hiking to Adam’s Falls is an iconic Grand Lake experience and one that is especially memorable in autumn when the dirt trail becomes sprinkled with multi-colored leaves and the meadow grasses turn golden. The East Inlet trailhead is located just 2.5 miles from downtown Grand Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park (read about park fees/permit requirements here) and the trek to the waterfall is just 0.3 miles from the parking lot along a rocky path on a moderate incline. Beyond the falls the trail flattens into a beautiful meadow and continues for many more miles climbing up to a series of remote alpine lakes.

 

Road over bridge in the fall

 

On the Water:

Monarch Lake is a serene, non-motorized body of water nestled in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest area about 20 miles from downtown Grand Lake. Don’t be deterred by the drive–it’s just as beautiful as the lake itself, and offers views of Lake Granby along the way as well as numerous beaches and trails to explore. After paying the U.S. Forest Service day use fee, you can park just steps away from the boat launch beach on Monarch Lake (also a great place for a picturesque picnic!)

 

A fall aerial view of Grand Lake, the Channel and rainbow bridge