Lake with water foul

Grand Lake Vacation Rentals

Grand Lake, Colorado, United States
40.2506° N, -105.8231° W
Grand Lake
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Colorado’s largest natural lake and the world’s highest registered yacht anchorage, Grand Lake sits at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Just steps from the historic boardwalk of Grand Lake village, this glacier-carved waterbody sparkles at 8,369 feet. Visitors boat, sail, and paddleboard in summer, or snowshoe and ice fish in winter. The lake connects to Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby via a scenic channel. Anglers target mackinaw, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. Don’t miss sunset cocktails at The Rapids Lodge & Restaurant or a hike on nearby Adams Falls Trail. Grand Lake is where mountain elegance meets lakefront charm.

Surface area (mi)
1.27
Max depth (ft)
390.42
Elevation (ft)
8385.83
Shoreline length (mi)
3.98
Best time to go
Visit Grand Lake in late September, as autumn casts a golden glow over tranquil waters. This serene period, just after summer’s bustle, boasts crisp air, fewer tourists, and the vibrant hues of falling leaves, perfect for fishing and lakeside strolls.
Water Quality
Grand Lake's water is deep blue with a hue similar to Congress Blue, a light, cold azure shade. However, its clarity has diminished over time, with current measurements indicating a Secchi depth between 2 and 5 meters, reflecting a transition from its historically pristine condition.

Ideal for

  • Family friendly:
  • Pet friendly:
  • Romantic getaways:

Popular activities

  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Ice Skating
  • Cross-country Skiing
  • Swimming
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Marinas on Grand Lake

Nearby lakes

Where to stay

Musical living room. The brown couch pulls out into a double bed.
Steps to Lake Mcintosh, Basement 1BR
Longmont, Colorado, United States of America
$150 night

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Grand Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, you can swim in Grand Lake, but certain areas may be off-limits due to safety concerns, wildlife protection, or water quality. The water is cold, so it requires some bravery to enter.

  • Grand Lake is a popular destination because of its extensive outdoor activities. It offers boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on its three lakes, as well as numerous hiking trails and access to Rocky Mountain National Park. The area also features a public beach, a Nordic center for skiing, and a repertory theatre for cultural events.

  • For Grand Lake, Colorado, the bag limit for lake trout is four fish, with specific size restrictions: lake trout between 26-36 inches must be released, you can keep one longer than 36 inches. Currently, there are no length limits for keeping fewer than four lake trout, but release requirements apply for the 26-36 inch range.

  • The Beach at Grand Lake is best for families. It offers a sandy shoreline where kids can play with sand toys and swim in a designated swimming area. The beach also has picnic areas and is easily accessible from the town.

  • Towns near Grand Lake, Colorado, include Granby, Winter Park, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, and Fraser. These towns are all part of Grand County, which also features other smaller communities like Parshall and Tabernash. They are situated in the vicinity of Grand Lake, offering various outdoor recreation opportunities and scenic views.