Summer Activities & Things to Do in Grand Lake, Colorado

Grand Lake is a premier summer destination thanks to the boating and fishing opportunities on our three lakes, countless hiking trails, and access to Colorado’s largest national park. Downtown comes alive during the warmer months with shaded patios and hand-scooped ice cream—the perfect way to end a day. Consider this your handy guide to a summer getaway, including all-important travel tips. 

Beaches & Water Activities in Grand Lake

Grand Lake will make you forget Colorado is a landlocked state. Here’s what you need to know about our three lakes. 

Grand Lake

Not only is the 500-plus-acre Grand Lake our namesake attraction, but it’s Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake. The public beach lies just one block from downtown, and visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. A narrow channel connects Grand Lake to Shadow Mountain Reservoir; its shallow waters are especially popular with kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders

Lake Granby

Nestled against the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Lake Granby enjoys steady winds, making it an ideal spot for watersports like sailing, tubing, and water skiing. Motorized and non-motorized boating is permitted, and boat-in campsites are a unique offering. Fishing fans have good odds for reeling in a lake trout or kokanee salmon.

Monarch Lake

Monarch Lake is among Grand Lake’s most scenic settings. It’s surrounded by the 4.2-mile Monarch Lake Loop trail (leashed dogs allowed!) and the rugged summits of Indian Peaks. Non-motorized activities, like swimming, kayaking, and fishing are allowed, and the adjacent Arapaho Bay Campground is easily accessible. 

Tips: Make the most of your time on the water by reserving your boat or kayak at the closest marina in advance. Planning on fishing? A Colorado fishing license is required.  

Rocky Mountain National Park in the Summer

Grand Lake is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park’s quieter western entrance. 

Hiking and camping are among the most popular summer activities. RMNP encompasses more than 350 miles of trails, with options for beginners to multi-day backpackers. For a more relaxed outing, visit the Holzwarth Historic Site or drive Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in the U.S., which is only open in the summer.  

Wildlife is particularly abundant on our side of the park. Moose, elk, and black bears roam the area’s wetlands and forests, and more than 280 bird species, including eagles, ospreys, and songbirds, fly overhead. 

The Colorado River headwaters and the park’s alpine lakes are rich with a number of trout species: greenback cutthroat, brown, brook, and rainbow. Catch-and-release fishing is preferred. 

Make a Reservation

Timed entry permits are required for visits to RMNP between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., from late May through mid-October. Visitors must enter the park within a two-hour window of their permit time. Reservations are available online on a first come, first served basis.

Planning Your Summer Getaway

Make the most of your visit to Grand Lake by following these three pieces of advice:

• Book lodging early. Summer is the peak season in Grand Lake. Book your lodging a few months in advance to guarantee your dates and enjoy your choice of accommodations. We offer everything from local hotels to cozy mountain cabins to scenic campgrounds. 
• Avoid crowds by planning ahead. If you’re hitting the trails, head out early; you’ll benefit from cooler temperatures and easier parking at the trailhead. Aim to visit popular tourist sites—like Adam Falls—mid-week. Staying for the weekend? Seek out less-well-known trails or drive a little farther from RMNP’s entrance and you’ll be rewarded with fewer people.
• Pay attention to the weather. The high-elevation sun can feel especially warm, but the temperature can swing throughout the day and drop at night. Wear sunscreen, pack layers and bring plenty of water for your chosen activity. In the summer, afternoon thunderstorms are likely, so it’s smart to plan your outdoor adventures for the morning.