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.
Upcoming Events in Grand Lake, Colorado
Fall Foliage Awaits
Here are a few ways we love to soak up the final days of summer and witness this mesmerizing time of year!
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.
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.
Paddle: 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!)
Alternatively, a visit to the Grand Lake Lodge, a historic hotel located just outside the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, offers a front row seat to this magical change of season with sweeping views of Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain and all of the fall foliage you can feast your eyes on. Whether you snuggle up by the fire pit on the Lodge’s Deer Deck by the outdoor pool, sip a craft cocktail from the Lodge Bar on a porch swing, or enjoy a locally-sourced gourmet meal at the Huntington House Tavern–there are NO bad views! If you visit during the evening, listen for the soulful sound of elk bugling, as fall is mating season for these magnificent creatures that call Rocky Mountain National Park home.
Sneak Peek into October in Grand Lake
On October 5th the Grand Lake Creative District is bringing the Denver-based Cleo Parker Robinson Dance to the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater for a special performance to celebrate the company’s 54th anniversary. A limited number of tickets are on sale now to experience the beauty of modern dance featuring works of a wide range of choreographers during this intimate and inspirational evening.
Don’t miss the Town of Grand Lake’s Ghosts & Gourds Gathering on Saturday, October 26. With family-friendly fall activities including a pumpkin patch, carnival games, costume contest, face and pumpkin painting, plus trick-or-treating at the boardwalk shops, this Halloween is sure to go down in history!