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One of Colorado’s largest reservoirs, Lake Granby is a glacial-blue expanse of over 7,200 acres nestled in the Arapaho National Recreation Area just outside of the town of Granby. Created by the Granby Dam as part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, the lake is fed by snowmelt from the nearby Continental Divide. Popular for sailing, pontoon cruising, and paddleboarding, Lake Granby is also one of the state’s premier lake trout fisheries. Anglers also catch kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. Three marinas—including Beacon Landing Marina—offer rentals and gear. The lake’s islands and long stretches of shoreline make it ideal for dispersed camping, while hikers can explore nearby trails like Monarch Lake Loop. In winter, the lake becomes a destination for ice fishing and snowmobiling. With Rocky Mountain National Park minutes away, Lake Granby blends high-country recreation with scenic solitude.
- Surface area (mi)
- 18.27
- Max depth (ft)
- 219.82
- Elevation (ft)
- 8284.12
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 39.77
Ideal for
- Family friendly:
- Pet friendly:
- Romantic getaways:
Popular activities
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Ice Skating
- Cross-country Skiing
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Help us improve by making a suggestion.
Marinas on Lake Granby
Nearby lakes
Where to stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Granby has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Granby. However, the lake’s cool temperatures make wearing a life jacket, especially for children, highly recommended.
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Lake Granby is a popular destination because of its extensive recreational opportunities. It offers 40 miles of scenic shoreline where you can engage in boating, kayaking, camping, fishing, and hiking. The lake is also the third largest body of water in Colorado and is known for its Gold Medal fishing and beautiful surroundings.
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The current bag and possession limit for lake trout in Lake Granby, Colorado, is 12 fish, with only one of these fish allowed to be greater than 24 inches in length. This change aims to restore the predator-prey balance and enhance the trophy lake trout fishery. Lake Granby has the largest and densest lake trout population in Colorado.
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The beach at Sunset Point campground is best for families. It is less crowded than other sites and offers a nice beach area for swimming and playing. This campground is part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area and provides a more relaxed atmosphere for family activities.
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Towns near Lake Granby include Granby, Grand Lake, and Winter Park. These towns are located in Grand County, Colorado, with Granby being the largest town in the area. They are all part of the local communities surrounding Lake Granby.