Hiking in Grand Lake
Hiking in Grand Lake offers unique access to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), with the town surrounded by park land on three sides. While the main RMNP entrance at Kawuneeche Valley provides vehicle access, hikers can also start their adventures directly from town at three RMNP trailheads: East Inlet, East Shore, and North Inlet. These trails lead to breathtaking waterfalls, alpine lakes, and viewpoints that showcase the park's incredible beauty.
In addition to RMNP, Grand Lake is home to trails in the Grand Lake Metropolitan Recreation District and in Arapaho National Forest, part of the U.S. Forest Service. Here, you’ll find diverse terrain perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. With a mix of national park and forest service trails, Grand Lake offers something for everyone, from easy shoreline strolls to challenging mountain hikes.
The AA Barn is a charming reservable day-use site ideal for group picnics and gatherings. Situated next to the Colorado River, the barn is conveniently located near attractions such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Lake Granby, and Grand Lake. It lies…
The Adams Falls section of the East Inlet Trail offers a brief and easy hike to a scenic waterfall. Starting from the East Inlet Trailhead, the path winds through a forested area with minimal elevation changes. This trail is open year round and accessible in the winter months…
The Big Meadow hike on the Green Mountain Trail offers a 3.5-mile out-and-back hike in RMNP near the Grand Lake entrance. This moderately challenging route typically takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. It’s a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so…
The hike to Big Meadow from the Kawuneeche Visitor Center offers an 8.4-mile loop that provides a scenic and moderately challenging route through diverse landscapes. This trail features an elevation gain of 680 feet and can also be accessed from the Green Mountain Trailhead…
The Cascade Falls hike spans 6.8 miles out-and-back and is generally considered a moderately challenging route. This popular trail, which typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, is a favored destination for backpacking, camping, and fishing. As a result, hikers…
The Coyote Valley Trail is a 1.9-mile out-and-back route located in Rocky Mountain National Park. Generally considered easy, this trail typically takes around 30 minutes to complete and offers a pleasant experience for hikers of all ages. It is a popular spot for birding…
The 7.3-mile loop trail offers a moderately challenging hike, typically taking around 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete. This trail is a versatile choice for hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing, providing opportunities for solitude, especially during quieter times of the…
The East Shore Trail offers a 5.4-mile out-and-back route along the eastern edge of Shadow Mountain Lake. This trail, with an elevation gain of 416 feet, provides an easy hiking experience with scenic views of the lake and its surroundings. As with all trails in RMNP, dogs are…
The Granite Falls via Green Mountain Trail, a 10.1-mile out-and-back route in RMNP. Known for its moderate difficulty, this trail is a favorite among backpackers, campers, and anglers, yet you can still find solitude during quieter times of the day. The optimal time to tackle…
The Haynach Lake Trail, a 17.1-mile out-and-back route in RMNP is renowned for its difficulty and is ideal for seasoned backpackers, campers, and anglers seeking solitude. With a typical completion time of just under 8 hours, it offers a challenge but rewards with stunning alpine…
The Lake Nokoni Trail is a strenuous 19.0-mile out-and-back route in RMNP. It is well-suited for experienced backpackers and campers seeking a less-traveled path. With a typical completion time of about 8.5 hours, this trail offers a rigorous but rewarding hike. The best time to…
The Lake Verna Trail, a 13.5-mile out-and-back route in RMNP offers a challenging hike with rewarding views. This trail is popular for backpacking, camping, and fishing, though you can still find some solitude, especially during quieter times of the day. It typically takes around…
The Little Yellowstone Trail is a 12.2-mile out-and-back route in RMNP. This challenging hike typically takes around 5.5 hours to complete and is suitable for hiking and horseback riding. It's a less trafficked trail which offers a more secluded experience. The best time to…
Lone Pine Lake via the East Inlet Trail is a 10.3-mile out-and-back in RMNP. This challenging route, averaging 5 hours to complete offers stunning scenery and is popular for backpacking, camping, and fishing. While open year round, this trail is best visited from May to…
The trail to Lulu City is a 7.3-mile out-and-back trail in RMNP. This moderately challenging route takes about 3 hours to complete and is popular for fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Best visited from May to October, this trail offers a quieter alternative in…
The Monarch Lake Loop is a 4.0-mile trail that offers an easy hike through Arapaho National Forest and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. This scenic loop takes approximately 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete. It provides extraordinary views of north-central Colorado and follows…
The Red Mountain Trail is a 6.4-mile hike via the Grand Ditch in RMNP. This challenging out-and-back trail takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete, offering an excellent opportunity for hiking, horseback riding, or running with minimal crowds. The trail is best visited…
The Shadow Mountain Lookout Tower Trail is a 9.6 mile trail located in RMNP. This moderately challenging hike takes about 5 hours to complete and is popular for hiking, XC skiing, and snowshoeing. The trail is open year-round, offering views of Shadow Mountain Lake, Grand Lake…
The hike to Spirit Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park follows the East Inlet Trail and is about 13.5-miles out-and-back. This route offers a challenging but rewarding adventure. Popular for backpacking, camping, and fishing, this trail takes about 6 hours to complete and is…
The Stillwater Pass Trail is an 18.1-mile out-and-back route located near Grand Lake, Colorado. This moderately challenging trail is accessed via the Idelglen Staging Area, which offers facilities such as restrooms and an information kiosk. To reach the trailhead, take Highway 34…
The Strawberry Lake Trail is a 3.7-mile out-and-back route located near Granby, Colorado. This moderately challenging hike typically takes about 2 hours to complete. The trail is popular for birding, hiking, and photography in the warmer months. Dogs are welcome on the trail but…
Experience the 10.2-mile Timber Lake Trail near Grand Lake, Colorado, a challenging hike that takes about 6 hours. Popular for backpacking, camping, and fishing, this trail offers some solitude, especially during quieter times. As with all trails in RMNP, dogs are not…