Are you having a case of the “been there, done that” winter blues? Adventure burnout is real, but here in Grand Lake, it’s just a myth. Located on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the world’s best outdoor attractions, we are spoiled with miles upon miles of pristine wilderness, rugged terrain, stunning vistas and powdery snow–perfect for endless winter exploration. Here are our top tips for expanding your winter bucket list, refreshing your adventure inspiration and rediscovering your inner child in the new year.
If you ask us, the trails in Grand Lake never get old, but if you’re feeling a little bored with basic hiking we suggest you try hopping on a fat bike at the East Shore trailhead. This multi-use trail offers a rolling, winding singletrack route that hugs the frozen shoreline of Shadow Mountain Reservoir along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. This activity proves to be the perfect blend of quiet, forest immersion with the delight and novelty of pedaling through the powder, allowing you to travel further than you probably would on foot. Plan to travel from the trailhead to the Shadow Mountain dam and back (about six miles, round-trip).
If biking sounds about two speeds too slow, rev up the thrill level with a visit to On The Trail Rentals so you can see for yourself why Grand Lake is known as the “Snowmobile Capital of Colorado” by zooming across more than 130 miles of groomed and backcountry trails in the sprawling Arapaho National Forest. Whether you opt for a guided snowmobile tour with the safety of a seasoned professional, or choose to explore on your own sled, we promise this unforgettable experience will take your breath away.
For a true taste of “Never Summer” culture, don’t miss the chance to try ice fishing on the largest natural alpine lake in Colorado. Grand Lake is surrounded by the majestic, snow-covered peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park, and each winter anglers are lured from all around to drill a hole and drop a line in its icy waters and compete for cash and prizes in annual ice fishing tournaments. The 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Tournament, scheduled this year for January 24-26, 2025, is the longest-running fishing contest in the West. On February 22, the Ice Addiction Tournament hosted by Tightline Outdoors promises fun for the whole family. Even if you don’t manage to catch anything, we know you’ll be hooked on this unique winter pastime.
Are you a devoted downhill skiing fanatic, but your knees just aren’t feeling it this year? Reinvigorate your enthusiasm for schussing with a visit to the Grand Lake Nordic Center where you can feel the icy wind on your face and work up a sweat on more than 35km of groomed classic and skate ski trails with epic views (and great apres offerings, too.) Nearby Rocky Mountain National Park also offers amazing ski trails, for both skinning and skating through some of the most insane backcountry terrain in the state. The park also provides ranger-led guided cross-country skiing and snowshoe treks on weekends for a wild time in the wild west (advanced registration required)
Finally, for a true change of scenery, don’t forget to bundle up and step outside after dark to witness our awe-inspiring, star-filled skies. Grand Lake is on its way to becoming an official DarkSky Colorado destination to properly honor our astronomical star gazing. Whether you head out to snuggle up around a bonfire, take a twirl on the ice-skating rink or go for a moonlit ski or snowshoe trek, the night sky in Grand Lake is sure to inspire your next adventure!
