Summer in Grand Lake, Colorado

Summers in Grand Lake are iconic for a reason – it’s like summer camp for all ages! With Rocky Mountain National Park steps away from the Town of Grand Lake, and three gorgeous lakes to play on, you will delight in endless outdoor fun while enjoying all the perks of small-town shops and restaurants.: 

Summer Temps: 85F-45F, with the occasional late spring snow!

Time of Year: June-August

Pack list tip: bathing suit, durable shoes suitable for rocky trail hiking, water-resistant layer and an extra layer of light insulation for colder night temps.

Travel tip: Grand Lake is a popular summer vacation spot, even though we’re a small town. Be prepared for crowds at peak times, but know there’s room for everyone if you plan, make reservations, and reach out to the GL Visitor Center for hidden gems only locals would know about

The Beach

Grand Lake is a bit of a mountain beach town, with a true sand beach one block from the boardwalk on Lake Avenue, with a backdrop of Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy the location all summer by setting up picnics, renting nearby SUPs and kayaks, and taking a cold dip into the shallow swim zone.

Boating

Float your boat on any of the three lakes around our mountain town. Rent kayaks, SUPs, and pontoons near Town Beach with the Headwaters Marina or Boater’s Choice. Explore more open waters on Lake Granby with the Headwaters Marina or Beacon’s Landing. Make a trip out of it by renting from Trail Ridge Marina on Shadow Mountain Lake, as they’re the only marina that allows renters to travel through the channel that connects Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain.

Golf

Play a full round at the top of the Rockies at the Grand Lake Golf Course. With an on-site restaurant overlooking the beautiful vistas of the Never Summer Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll never want to play anywhere else. Or, try your luck at Meandering Moose Mini Golf or Grand Lake Mini Golf – both on Grand Avenue.

The Boardwalk

Cruise Grand Lake’s historic boardwalks on Grand Avenue and take in the shops, restaurants, and parks located in Town. Every business in Grand Lake is locally owned, with lots or heart and intention poured into each space. You’ll find something new each time you walk the Town! Check out our business directory to see what’s in town.

Hiking

Grand Lake is a unique gateway into a national park in that we have multiple access points into the park that are outside of the main Kawuneeche Valley gate. Popular hikes are Adams Falls, the Firetower, and the North Inlet hikes whose trailheads all depart close from town. We also have hundreds of miles of dog-friendly trails in the Arapaho National Forest,Indian Peaks Wilderness, and the Never Summer Wilderness. Learn more about hiking here

Buffalo Days

Join us for our yearly Buffalo Days event. This weekend-long festival is everything western-themed to celebrate Grand Lake’s mountain man history. Join in our Buffalo Stampede 5k fun run, lakefront music festival, corn hole tournament, the Buffalo Herd Parade, kids water zone, and outdoor movie on the beach and more!

Scenic Drives

Take Trail Ridge Road (aka Hwy 34) from Granby through Rocky Mountain National Park as one of Colorado’s Scenic Byways. Spot large wildlife from the road, such as moose and elk at the lower elevations and access the Alpine Visitor Center at the top of the pass to spot rare tundra wildflowers. Drive west towards Steamboat Springs for the day to see faraway peaks on the horizon while feeling the expansive western landscape. Trail Ridge Road closes 10 miles into RMNP at the Colorado River Trailhead from mid-October until mid-May due to snow at the high elevations. Call the status number before you go 970-586-1222