Heather’s guidebook
Nature
COLORADO RIVER IN RMNP
The Colorado River inside of the Park is another section of stream that looks like it belongs on a postcard. In fact, this is where the mighty Colorado River that flows through the Grand Canyon originates. It is also home to native brook, brown, and the occasional cutthroat trout. If you are looking for the most genuine Grand Lake fishing experience, this is a great spot for you. Simply park your vehicle at any of the campgrounds or trailheads in the main Colorado River valley and hike across the meadow to the river. The river levels are also typically best here from the middle of June to the beginning of August.
COLORADO RIVER BELOW SHADOW MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR
This is another spot that is practically a stone’s throw away from downtown Grand Lake. Making the short drive down to the western side of Shadow Mountain Reservoir will lead you to a parking lot where the Colorado River leaves the reservoir. For roughly two miles, this section of river flows through public land before it enters Lake Granby. When the flows are up (above 400 cfs) the best thing to do is follow the trail down the river a couple hundred yards and fish for the abundance of rainbow trout that move up out of Lake Granby.
COLORADO RIVER AT BYERS CANYON
Byers Canyon is an adventurous fishing spot 20-30 minutes outside of Grand Lake near the town of Hot Sulphur Springs. Due to the difficulty of access, Byers Canyon is best for the nimble footed angler. Reaching the river requires scrambling down steep boulder fields. That being said, the rewards are highly worth it. This public section of river doesn’t see all that many anglers, and the brown and rainbow trout are plentiful. Fishing stonefly nymphs and emergers will yield high numbers of fish here all summer long.
COLORADO RIVER AT PUMPHOUSE
If you have done any amount of research on fly fishing the Colorado River, you have likely heard of this place called “Pumphouse,” or you may have already fished here yourself. This boat ramp is located just outside of Kremmling and is where most of our guided float fishing trips originate from. However, there is also great DIY wade fishing to be had at this spot. The best thing to do is to park at the Pumphouse parking lot and hike a couple hundred yards up Gore Canyon before you start fishing. There are a high concentration of healthy sized browns and rainbows in this section of the Colorado River, and the views are textbook Colorado fly fishing.
31 helybéli ajánlásával
Colorado River
COLORADO RIVER IN RMNP
The Colorado River inside of the Park is another section of stream that looks like it belongs on a postcard. In fact, this is where the mighty Colorado River that flows through the Grand Canyon originates. It is also home to native brook, brown, and the occasional cutthroat trout. If you are looking for the most genuine Grand Lake fishing experience, this is a great spot for you. Simply park your vehicle at any of the campgrounds or trailheads in the main Colorado River valley and hike across the meadow to the river. The river levels are also typically best here from the middle of June to the beginning of August.
COLORADO RIVER BELOW SHADOW MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR
This is another spot that is practically a stone’s throw away from downtown Grand Lake. Making the short drive down to the western side of Shadow Mountain Reservoir will lead you to a parking lot where the Colorado River leaves the reservoir. For roughly two miles, this section of river flows through public land before it enters Lake Granby. When the flows are up (above 400 cfs) the best thing to do is follow the trail down the river a couple hundred yards and fish for the abundance of rainbow trout that move up out of Lake Granby.
COLORADO RIVER AT BYERS CANYON
Byers Canyon is an adventurous fishing spot 20-30 minutes outside of Grand Lake near the town of Hot Sulphur Springs. Due to the difficulty of access, Byers Canyon is best for the nimble footed angler. Reaching the river requires scrambling down steep boulder fields. That being said, the rewards are highly worth it. This public section of river doesn’t see all that many anglers, and the brown and rainbow trout are plentiful. Fishing stonefly nymphs and emergers will yield high numbers of fish here all summer long.
COLORADO RIVER AT PUMPHOUSE
If you have done any amount of research on fly fishing the Colorado River, you have likely heard of this place called “Pumphouse,” or you may have already fished here yourself. This boat ramp is located just outside of Kremmling and is where most of our guided float fishing trips originate from. However, there is also great DIY wade fishing to be had at this spot. The best thing to do is to park at the Pumphouse parking lot and hike a couple hundred yards up Gore Canyon before you start fishing. There are a high concentration of healthy sized browns and rainbows in this section of the Colorado River, and the views are textbook Colorado fly fishing.
The hike to Adams Falls begins from the East Inlet Trailhead near the town of Grand Lake on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. After turning into the Grand Lake area from Hwy 34 / Trail Ridge Road, drive three-tenths of a mile on West Portal Road until you reach a split in the road. Stay left at this junction and continue on West Portal Road for another 2 miles to reach the trailhead.
The East Inlet Trail is an excellent example of National Park Service naturalistic design work. Both the National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps built naturalistic designed trails that required the use of local materials, such as rock, wood and dirt, in order to harmonize with the local environment. It also required a maximum grade of 15%, a width of 3-4 feet, and has to meet sustainability standards through the use of stone steps, log checks, and log or stone culverts. As a result, the East Inlet Trail was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
51 helybéli ajánlásával
Adams Falls
The hike to Adams Falls begins from the East Inlet Trailhead near the town of Grand Lake on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. After turning into the Grand Lake area from Hwy 34 / Trail Ridge Road, drive three-tenths of a mile on West Portal Road until you reach a split in the road. Stay left at this junction and continue on West Portal Road for another 2 miles to reach the trailhead.
The East Inlet Trail is an excellent example of National Park Service naturalistic design work. Both the National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps built naturalistic designed trails that required the use of local materials, such as rock, wood and dirt, in order to harmonize with the local environment. It also required a maximum grade of 15%, a width of 3-4 feet, and has to meet sustainability standards through the use of stone steps, log checks, and log or stone culverts. As a result, the East Inlet Trail was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Scenic trails of the Rocky Mountains filled with mountain flowers, scampering wildlife and gentle flowing streams await you! Offering 1 & 2 hour trail rides, pony rides, and horse drawn hay rides.
14 helybéli ajánlásával
Winding River Resort Stables
1447 Co Rd 491Scenic trails of the Rocky Mountains filled with mountain flowers, scampering wildlife and gentle flowing streams await you! Offering 1 & 2 hour trail rides, pony rides, and horse drawn hay rides.
High Country Trails -- Take a trip back in time and experience a true Rocky Mountain cowboy adventure!
Start your ride in the country at Shadow Mountain Guest Ranch near Granby, not in town. We take our time with each guest to make sure your experience is the highlight of your vacation. Our favorite trail takes you to the top of the mountain where you can see Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs and Grand Lake. Our trail rides can be as short as an hour and as long as 6 hours depending on your experience and comfort on a horse.
We must have at least 4 people on each trail ride. We can accommodate 20 people for horseback rides, and up to 100 for a BBQ.
7 helybéli ajánlásával
High Country Trails
85 CO-125High Country Trails -- Take a trip back in time and experience a true Rocky Mountain cowboy adventure!
Start your ride in the country at Shadow Mountain Guest Ranch near Granby, not in town. We take our time with each guest to make sure your experience is the highlight of your vacation. Our favorite trail takes you to the top of the mountain where you can see Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs and Grand Lake. Our trail rides can be as short as an hour and as long as 6 hours depending on your experience and comfort on a horse.
We must have at least 4 people on each trail ride. We can accommodate 20 people for horseback rides, and up to 100 for a BBQ.
Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park's heavily traveled highway to the sky, inspired awe before the first motorist ever traveled it. "It is hard to describe what a sensation this new road is going to make," predicted Horace Albright, director of the National Park Service, in 1931 during the road's construction. "You will have the whole sweep of the Rockies before you in all directions."
6 helybéli ajánlásával
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge RoadTrail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park's heavily traveled highway to the sky, inspired awe before the first motorist ever traveled it. "It is hard to describe what a sensation this new road is going to make," predicted Horace Albright, director of the National Park Service, in 1931 during the road's construction. "You will have the whole sweep of the Rockies before you in all directions."
Bear Lake Trailhead
Bear Lake RoadIncredible hike inside RMNP
Shadow Mountain Dam
An abundance of Rainbow Trout to fish!
Adventure
If you are in Grand Lake, you have quick and easy access to the entire western slope of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. While there are many bigger rivers that offer great fishing a couple hours west of Grand Lake, we focus primarily on the Colorado River and smaller local streams.
Kirk's Flyshop Grand Lake
612 Grand AveIf you are in Grand Lake, you have quick and easy access to the entire western slope of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. While there are many bigger rivers that offer great fishing a couple hours west of Grand Lake, we focus primarily on the Colorado River and smaller local streams.
Renting from Trail Ridge Marina allows you to use both Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake through a pass. Renting from GL only technically allows you to stay in GL. Pontoon Rental.
20 helybéli ajánlásával
Trail Ridge Marina
12634 US-34Renting from Trail Ridge Marina allows you to use both Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake through a pass. Renting from GL only technically allows you to stay in GL. Pontoon Rental.
Mountain Paddlers
1030 Lake AveKayak rentals!
Located on the shores of Grand Lake, CO, the historic Grand Lake Marina & Boater's Choice has been the reliable choice for lake recreation since 1972. Rent your own pontoon boat, sport boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
38 helybéli ajánlásával
Grand Lake Marina
1132 Lake AveLocated on the shores of Grand Lake, CO, the historic Grand Lake Marina & Boater's Choice has been the reliable choice for lake recreation since 1972. Rent your own pontoon boat, sport boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
Owned & operated by the town of Grand Lake, Headwaters Marina offers scenic lake tours, sunset cruises, pedal boat rentals, crest liner rentals, and pontoon rentals on an hourly basis.
6 helybéli ajánlásával
Headwaters Marina
1030 Lake AveOwned & operated by the town of Grand Lake, Headwaters Marina offers scenic lake tours, sunset cruises, pedal boat rentals, crest liner rentals, and pontoon rentals on an hourly basis.
White water river rafting!
Generally, April through September are the best times to have a whitewater adventure. However, the weather and level of snow-melt greatly impact which rivers you should raft and kayak during the season. Typical best times to visit Grand County Rivers follows, but be sure to check your current river conditions days before you head out.
Blue River— from the east side of the Gore Range to Kremmling waters are best explored during June.
Colorado River— can be enjoyed throughout the season, May through September. The upper Colorado is known for calmer waters, while the lower offers faster moving rapids.
Clear Creek— is also open to rafting the whole season, May through September. The upper portion is best for more advanced rafters, while the lower is less demanding.
Arkansas River— this river is unique in that it begins near the Continental Divide and offers Classes I-IV from May through September.
9 helybéli ajánlásával
Mad Adventures - Family Rafting Trips
Park AvenueWhite water river rafting!
Generally, April through September are the best times to have a whitewater adventure. However, the weather and level of snow-melt greatly impact which rivers you should raft and kayak during the season. Typical best times to visit Grand County Rivers follows, but be sure to check your current river conditions days before you head out.
Blue River— from the east side of the Gore Range to Kremmling waters are best explored during June.
Colorado River— can be enjoyed throughout the season, May through September. The upper Colorado is known for calmer waters, while the lower offers faster moving rapids.
Clear Creek— is also open to rafting the whole season, May through September. The upper portion is best for more advanced rafters, while the lower is less demanding.
Arkansas River— this river is unique in that it begins near the Continental Divide and offers Classes I-IV from May through September.
All snowmobile and ATV rides are completely unguided through 130 miles of scenic groomed trails (only in winter months) in the Arapahoe National Forest.
Guided snowmobile tours available November 26th, 2021 - April 3th 2022 (Weather permitting).
Also, 1/2 mile from North Star Lodge.
31 helybéli ajánlásával
On The Trail Rentals
1447 Co Rd 491All snowmobile and ATV rides are completely unguided through 130 miles of scenic groomed trails (only in winter months) in the Arapahoe National Forest.
Guided snowmobile tours available November 26th, 2021 - April 3th 2022 (Weather permitting).
Also, 1/2 mile from North Star Lodge.
Great golf in the summer and great cross country skiing in the winter!
40 helybéli ajánlásával
Grand Lake Nordic Center
1415 County Road 48Great golf in the summer and great cross country skiing in the winter!
Grand Lake Marina
1132 Lake AveHighest recorded yacht club in the US.
Byers Canyon
Great fishing outside Grand Lake in the town of Hot Sulphur Springs.
Pumphouse Lake
Great fly fishing!
Within walking distance of North Star Lodge! Great activities offered including horse back riding!
14 helybéli ajánlásával
Winding River Resort Stables
1447 Co Rd 491Within walking distance of North Star Lodge! Great activities offered including horse back riding!
High Country Trails
85 CO-125Horseback riding!
Devils Thumb
Great restaurant, XC skiing, sleigh rides!
Sombrero Stables at Snow Mountain Ranch
1101 Co Rd 53Horseback riding!
Rusty Spurr Ranch
387 County RoadHorseback riding!
Trestle Bike Park
85 Parsenn RdGreat mountain biking in Winter Park, CO!
Hot Sulphur Springs
Hot springs year round!
YMCA of the Rockies - Snow Mountain Ranch
1101 Co Rd 53Great activities year-round!
Winter Park Street
Winter Park StreetAn aerial-adventure park with 24 challenge elements and ninja-like obstacles!
Lovely food, XC skiing, sleigh rides, and full-service spa.
133 helybéli ajánlásával
Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
3530 County Rd 83Lovely food, XC skiing, sleigh rides, and full-service spa.
City/town information
Known as the "Western Gateway" to Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake has something for everyone, and the charming lakeside setting makes folks feel right at home.
At an elevation of 8,369 feet, the lakeside scenery is unmatched with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by abundant wildlife and sprawling greenery.
https://gograndlake.com
https://www.visitgrandcounty.com/explore/towns/grand-lake
204 helybéli ajánlásával
Grand Lake
Known as the "Western Gateway" to Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake has something for everyone, and the charming lakeside setting makes folks feel right at home.
At an elevation of 8,369 feet, the lakeside scenery is unmatched with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by abundant wildlife and sprawling greenery.
https://gograndlake.com
https://www.visitgrandcounty.com/explore/towns/grand-lake
It's safe to say the word is out. Colorado’s best-kept-secret is on the map as the two-time winner of the #1 Ski Resort in North America title, thanks to USA Today readers. Is it the 3,000 acres of wide-open trails, legendary moguls, and famous tree runs? Incredible views of the Continental Divide? Maybe it’s just the Colorado craft beer, but we’ll let you be the judge!
https://www.winterparkresort.com/discover/winter
42 helybéli ajánlásával
Winter Park
It's safe to say the word is out. Colorado’s best-kept-secret is on the map as the two-time winner of the #1 Ski Resort in North America title, thanks to USA Today readers. Is it the 3,000 acres of wide-open trails, legendary moguls, and famous tree runs? Incredible views of the Continental Divide? Maybe it’s just the Colorado craft beer, but we’ll let you be the judge!
https://www.winterparkresort.com/discover/winter
Food scene
Sagebrush BBQ & Grill
1101 Grand AveGreat BBQ with a very full menu of options!
Grand Pizza
1131 Grand AveGreat pizza!
Huntington House Tavern is a lovely spot to eat in the historic Grand Lake Lodge.
37 helybéli ajánlásával
Grand Lake Lodge Hotel
15500 US-34Huntington House Tavern is a lovely spot to eat in the historic Grand Lake Lodge.
Grand Lake Chocolates
918 Grand AveYummy treats & ice cream!
Tabernash Tavern
72287 US-40Very yummy food!
Fat Cat Cafe
185 East Agate AvenueGreat brunch with all kinds of delish offerings!
Lovely food, XC skiing, sleigh rides, and full-service spa.
133 helybéli ajánlásával
Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
3530 County Rd 83Lovely food, XC skiing, sleigh rides, and full-service spa.
Entertainment
Colorado's premiere summer musical company, which produces 3 Broadway musicals each summer.
46 helybéli ajánlásával
Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
800 Grand AveColorado's premiere summer musical company, which produces 3 Broadway musicals each summer.
Sightseeing
The Gondola Lift
222 Sunspot WayIncredible views of the valley!
Spa Treatments
Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
3530 County Rd 83