Embrace Summer on the Water in Grand Lake
June in Grand Lake brings warm, sunny days and a whole new world to explore: water! The Grand Lake area, also known as the “Three Lakes” district, is home to its namesake waterbody–the largest, highest and deepest natural lake in the state of Colorado–plus offers quick and easy access to both Shadow Mountain and Granby reservoirs. Located at the headwaters of the Colorado River, Grand Lake also has several rivers and streams rushing throughout the region perfect for fishing, rafting or simply cooling off after a hot hike. Read on for the best ways to experience all things water in Grand Lake.
Sun, Sand, and Safety at Gene Stover Lakefront Park
Gene Stover Lakefront Park is Grand Lake’s summer headquarters, featuring a sandy beach perfect for soaking up the sun, a roped-off shallow swimming area for kids, picnic tables, restrooms and a grassy lawn for games. It is also home to the Headwaters Marina, offering boat rentals and an entertaining guided history tours of Grand Lake, and Miyauchi’s Snack Bar, a Grand Lake institution serving juicy burgers and refreshing ice cream cones from a charming takeout window reminiscent of a bygone era. This is also ground zero for Grand Lake’s famous fireworks displays, which blast off from a barge in the middle of the lake, shimmering and sparkling in color and light against the backdrop of Mount Baldy and the rugged peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Here, you’ll also find a station offering complimentary Personal Flotation Devices (also called PFDs, or life jackets), courtesy of the Christopher Mullinex Water Rescue Fund. Loaner life vests are also available at three other locations in the area: Hilltop Boat Ramp in Grand Lake, Stillwater Boat Ramp on Lake Granby, Sunset Point Boat Ramp on Lake Granby. Be sure to always wear a PFD when recreating on or near the water. Learn more about the importance of water safety in Grand Lake, where weather conditions often change rapidly, and the mission of the Water Rescue Fund here: https://www.co.grand.co.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=758.
From Kayaking to Wakeboarding: Grand Lake is the Ultimate Water Experience
One of the best ways to start a summer day in Grand Lake is by dipping a paddle into the lake’s serene surface. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and even pedal boats are all great ways to get out on the water, and the quiet nature of these watercraft allows you the best chance to spot wildlife, especially birds like pelicans, osprey and bald eagles. If you have your own vessel, the Hilltop Boating Site is a great place for launching portable, non-motorized watercraft (parking fee required). This site is located near the channel between Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Reservoir, offering a calm, shallow spot for paddlers to start exploring both lakes.
For kayak rentals, head to the Mountain Paddlers kayak shack by the Grand Lake beach, which has been serving the Grand Lake community since 2011. This year they have a brand new fleet of solo and tandem kayaks for rent by the hour, and those who rent for two hours will get a third hour free! All rentals include a PFD, safety whistle, paddle and dry bag. Rocky Mountain SUP is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for first come, first serve paddle board rentals by the hour, which includes a board, leash, PFD, safety whistle, waterproof watch, and a brief paddling demonstration.
These industry experts recommend all paddlers check the wind direction before heading out, and spend the first half of your journey paddling into the wind so when you are ready to come back (aka: you’re tired) just turn around and the wind will help blow you right back to where you started! They also note that the mornings are the best time for a paddling excursion, because conditions often become choppy in the afternoons.
Anglers will also adore the deep and varied waters for reeling in the big one. A Colorado fishing license is required for anglers over the age of 12, and can be purchased at Beacon Landing Marina on Lake Granby, or at Kirks Flyshop in Grand Lake. In addition to an awesome selection of outdoor gear for sale, Kirk’s also offers guided fly fishing and float trips throughout Rocky Mountain National Park and the upper Colorado River. Popular fishing spots for dropping a line from shore include the Gene Stover Lakefront Park and public docks, or along the channel at Point Park.
Take A Hike!
For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, there are many hiking trails that offer beautiful water scenery. The East Inlet trailhead offers access to a short but uphill hike to Adam’s Falls, one of Grand Lake’s most iconic landmarks (this hike does enter Rocky Mountain National Park, and appropriate permits/fees are required). Alternatively, the East Shore Trail hugs the shores of Shadow Mountain Reservoir, offering stunning and peaceful scenery with ample access to lakefront picnic spots and wildlife watching. The North Inlet Trail, which also enters Rocky Mountain National Park, meanders alongside the Colorado River on the way to Cascade Falls and numerous alpine lakes deep in the backcountry, with fantastic fields of wildflowers along the way.
Grand Lake Summer Traditions
Get ready for some bingo fun under the stars! Join the Rotary Club of Grand Lake every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. for Bingo in the Park, running from June 21, 2024, through August 31, 2024. Gather your friends and family for an exciting evening of games, laughter, and friendly competition in the beautiful surroundings of Town Park. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy the summer nights in Grand Lake while supporting a worthy cause with the Rotary Club!
