Grand Lake
Grand Lake is Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake, and is a breathtaking gem nestled against the western boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for its sparkling waters and serene beauty, this lake offers endless recreation, from fishing, swimming, and all types of boating to simply enjoying the view. The exclusive Grand Lake Yacht Club, one of the highest yacht clubs in the world, adds a touch of history and charm, while two marinas conveniently located on Lake Avenue, by Gene Stover Lakefront Park, provide easy access to rentals and docking.
Public docks also line Lake Avenue for day use, offering plenty of places to tie up—though overnight mooring isn’t permitted. The lake plays a crucial role in the Big Thompson Water Project, where water from nearby reservoirs is pumped through the historic Adams Tunnel on its northeast side, near the boat ramp and East Inlet Trailhead. For centuries, Grand Lake has been a special place for Native tribes, including the Ute and Arapaho, and its beauty and resources drew in settlers who established the Town of Grand Lake on its shores, creating a rich cultural heritage that endures today.
The lake plays a crucial role in the Big Thompson Water Project, where water from nearby reservoirs is pumped through the historic Adams Tunnel on its northeast side, near the boat ramp and East Inlet Trailhead. For centuries, Grand Lake has been a special place for Native tribes, including the Ute and Arapaho, and its beauty and resources drew in settlers who established the Town of Grand Lake on its shores, creating a rich cultural heritage that endures today.
Originally called Spirit Lake by the Ute Tribe, Grand Lake is a sacred body of water with great historical significance. Formed by glaciers less than 12,000 years ago, Grand Lake is most famous for being the largest and deepest of all the natural lakes in Colorado, covering more than 500 acres and plunging almost 400 feet deep. The lake is surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park and is fed by the Colorado River headwaters (the geological origin point of the river is located inside the park, about 20 miles north of the lake itself).
The picturesque waterfront is the main attraction for those visiting the town of Grand Lake, Colorado. Located just one block from downtown Grand Lake, the public beach near the Headwaters Marina is the center of the action. In the summer, you can swim, boat, paddle, fish, sunbathe and picnic. In the winter, there’s ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. One of Grand Lake’s most treasured past times is simply strolling along the docks with an ice-cream cone in hand.