Plan Your Day in Grand Lake, Colorado
7 Memorable Days
Grand Lake, Colorado, located at the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, has so many things to do, places to go. here are a few suggestions for how to spend your day. Mix and match from the Grand Lake itineraries or make up your own memorable adventures.
Grand Lake Day Planner #1
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at one of the many restaurants on the historic boardwalk and spend the day hiking and fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Grab a quick bite for dinner, and be at the Town Park Pavilion by 7:30 p.m. for Bingo.
Grand Lake Day Planner #2
Rent a pontoon boat and spend the morning exploring Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake. Have lunch on one of the patios on the boardwalk, then browse the shops and galleries. For dinner, choose a riverside or lakeside restaurant setting, and end your night with star-gazing.
Grand Lake Day Planner #3
In the morning, go into Rocky Mountain National Park for one of the ranger-led nature programs. When you’re done, come back to Grand Lake. Point Park for a picnic lunch next to the lake. In the afternoon, tool around Grand Lake on a rental scooter or mountain bike. In the evening, attend a steak fry or go for a wagon ride at one of the local ranches.
Grand Lake Day Planner #4
Grab a cup of coffee at one of the many coffee shops in town, then drive into Rocky Mountain National Park and head to the Alpine Visitor Center at the crest of Trail Ridge Road. Return to Grand Lake in time for lunch at one of the historic . Old West restaurants on the boardwalk. For dessert, treat yourself to an ice cream cone, and enjoy it on the beach at Grand Lake. For your evening entertainment, go bowling at the only alley in Grand County.
Grand Lake Day Planner #5
Rise and shine early to make your tee time at one of the four 18-hole golf courses in or near Grand Lake. Lunch at the clubhouse, rest in the afternoon, and treat yourself to a steak or seafood dinner at one of Grand Lake’s fine restaurants. Cap off the day by watching the sunset over the lake.
Grand Lake Day Planner #6
Pack breakfast, lunch and snacks, and embark on an all-day hike from one of the trailheads in Rocky Mountain National Park or in and around Grand Lake. If you’e up for a 3.3 mile hike (one-way), head to the Shadow Mountain Fire Lookout, which will provide stunning 360 degree views, perfect for snapping award-winning photographs! Grab dinner in town and stay well into the night for live music at one of Grand Lake’s bars or saloons.
Grand Lake Day Planner #7
Sleep in, eat brunch in town, then go horseback riding on a guided tour. After you return from your wilderness trail ride, explore the unique shops and galleries along the historic boardwalk. Enjoy a quick snack of sweets or salty treats, then head to Adams Falls on the east side of Grand Lake. After an early dinner, take in a musical at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre.
Distances to Grand Lake
- Grand Lake is 98 miles from the Denver metro area.
- Grand Lake is 167 miles from Colorado Springs.
- Grand Lake is 46 miles from Estes Park (via Trail Ridge Road, which cuts through Rocky Mountain National Park).
- Grand Lake is 83 miles from Boulder (via Trail Ridge Road, which cuts through Rocky Mountain National Park).
- Grand Lake is 35 miles from Winter Park Resort.
- Grand Lake is 94 miles from Steamboat Springs.
- Grand Lake is 171 miles from Aspen.
- Grand Lake is 109 miles from Vail.
