Colorado's Oldest Lake Is A Scenic Gateway To the Rockies
Colorado's Grand Lake - the largest, deepest, and oldest natural lake in the state - rests in the heart of the Rockies. Known as "Spirit Lake" by the native Ute Tribe, this ancient, high-altitude gem connects to Rocky Mountain National Park, marks the headwaters of the nation-spanning Colorado River, and contributes to the Colorado-Big Thompson Project (C-BT) - i.e., one of America's most intensive water diversion efforts. But big pictures aside, Grand Lake is a destination unto itself. The eponymous and idyllic town on its northern shore facilitates four-season fun, whether around the shores, on the water (or ice), or deeper into the protected wild spaces that sprawl for miles in all directions. Let's dive in and learn more about Grand Lake: Colorado's gateway to the Rockies.
Grand Lake's Specs
- Elevation: 8,367-8,369 feet (2,550 meters) above sea level
- Max Length: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
- Max Width: 1 mile (1.6 km)
- Surface Area: 507 acres
- Volume: 68,621 acre-feet
- Max Depth: 389 feet (119 meters)
- Total Shoreline: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Geography
Grand Lake is in north-central Colorado's Grand County, about 100 miles northwest of Denver. Here, in the shadow of Shadow Mountain and at the head of the Colorado River, it is fed by the North Inlet and East Inlet tributaries. The waters of Grand Lake then flow into (or vice versa, depending on the will of the C-BT) Shadow Mountain Lake (a man-made reservoir to the southwest), which then continues south via the Colorado River, into another artificial reservoir, Lake Granby.
Grand Lake is encompassed on all sides (save for the west) by Rocky Mountain National Park (aka "ROMO"). In fact, ROMO's west entrance (i.e. the quieter side of one of America's most popular parks), along with the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, is a mere mile north of the Town of Grand Lake.
Given its premier location, Grand Lake is perfectly suited for scenic relaxation or a whole host of adventures in the immediate surroundings. Three ROMO trails begin from its shores, as does the famed Trail Ridge Road (i.e., America's highest continuous paved road), which begins at Grand Lake and crosses the Continental Divide en route to Estes Park. And speaking of which, Grand Lake is also a Continental Divide Trail town.
Rocky Mountain National Park is far from the sole natural playground in these parts. Along with the aforementioned partner lakes to the south (and the various campgrounds, boat launches, parks, and picnic areas they host), the Arapaho National Forest, Arapaho National Recreation Area, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, and Grand Lake Metropolitan Recreation District all await within shouting distance - eager to show off more alpine lakes, snow-smeared peaks, wooded trails, iconic wildlife, and more.
History
Colorado's Grand Lake is a product of the most recent Ice Age, formed over 12,000 years ago during the Pinedale glaciation (i.e. 30,000 to 10,000 years ago). As massive glaciers carved through the mountains, they left behind a deep basin that filled with meltwater to create what is now Colorado’s oldest natural lake. This ancient, high-altitude landmark has remained relatively unchanged, offering a glimpse into the dramatic forces that shaped the Rocky Mountains over millennia.
Grand County's archeological record picks up soon after the great North American glaciers receded. Artifacts indicate that Paleo-Indians occupied this region from about 11,000 years ago until 7,500 years ago (a range covering the Clovis, Folsom, and Plano periods). Flash forward to the 16th century, when the hunter-gatherers Utes migrated into the Colorado mountains, representing the first known modern Native American tribe to utilize the resource-rich region. The Spaniards then shifted into the area in the 17th century, followed by the Arapaho and Cheyenne people by the early 1800s.
The first permanent European settlers arrived in the late 19th century. Joseph L. Wescott was the first to build a cabin on Grand Lake's shore, which he did in the year 1867. Silver was discovered in the late 1870s, and the resulting mining boom transformed the lakeside village into the prosperous Town of Grand Lake in 1879. Then, in 1881, it became the seat of Grand County.
The Colorado-Big Thompson Project, initiated in the 1930s and completed in the 1950s, diverts water from the Colorado River Basin and, in the process, connects Grand Lake with Shadow Lake and Lake Granby (which, recall, are both artificial reservoirs). While this intervention does supply much-needed fresh water for agricultural and municipal purposes, the fluctuating water levels also negatively impact Grand Lake's ecology (and sometimes natural beauty). Efforts are ongoing to balance this imperfect equation.
As of 2020, the town's population was a modest 410, but given the 4+ million annual visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park (established on Jan 26th, 1915), year-round tourism easily supports the community.
Wildlife
Privileged by its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and other protected wilderness spaces, Grand Lake is a haven for wildlife. For instance, a total of 280 species of birds (such as the golden eagle, white-tailed ptarmigan, Steller's jay, prairie falcon, etc.) have been recorded within ROMO, many of which are oblivious to the invisible boundaries separating the national park from Grand Lake. Likewise, the classic Rocky Mountain mammals such as moose, elk, deer, black bears, foxes, marmots, beavers, otters, ducks, and maybe even the odd mountain lion or gray wolf wander these interconnected woods. As luck would have it, one of the best places to spot such wildlife is just north of Grand Lake, within Kawuneeche Valley.
Outdoor Recreation
While there's nothing wrong with simply enjoying a coffee on Grand Lake's scenic shoreline, visitors with an active lifestyle are particularly well catered to. Here is a snapshot of the seasonal options.
Summer/Fall
Fishing: Grand Lake is stocked with five species of trout, kokanee (aka sockeye), salmon, and bass.
Paddling/Boating: Head by Grand Lake Marina to rent a kayak, stand up paddleboard, sport boat or pontoon. This alpine waterworld is also home to Grand Lake Yacht Club - the highest elevation yacht club in the world.
Beach Days: The Town Beach is one of the rare sandy spots to be found in Colorado. So bring a towel, a bathing suit, and maybe a volleyball to bat around.
Camping: Backcountry, frontcountry, public, and private campsites are all within reach.
Hiking: Jump on the three ROMO trails (East Shore, East Inlet, and North Inlet), the Grand Lake Metro Trail, or wade into Arapaho National Forest or Indian Peaks Wilderness for some unstructured exploration. The options are endless, whether you crave short, flat, and scenic or immersive and intensive.
Epic Drives: The 48-mile Trail Ridge Road is easily one of the most scenic road trips to take in the Rockies. Its western terminus begins right in Grand Lake and goes all the way to Estes Park (i.e. another ROMO basecamp). Almost a quarter of the drive is spent above the treeline. Alternatively, the 19.7-mile Stillwater Pass leaves pavement behind in order to take adventurers deeper into the rugged wilderness. OHVers should aim for the Idleglen and Supply Creek trails.
Horseback Riding: Another creative way to explore the mountainscape is by horseback. Those new to the scene can join a guided tour through Thunder Hose Outfitters or Winding River Resort.
The Fall Changeover: While summer may boast better days at the lake, autumn brings out the golden Aspen trees and meadow grasses. It is also the rutting season, as evidenced by bugling elk.
Winter/Spring
Again, summer may seem like the prime time around Grand Lake, but the so-called "off-season" unveils many special sides to well-dressed residents/visitors. Grand Lake is known as the "Snowmobile Capital of Colorado," thanks to its large network of groomed trails. Likewise, the Grand Lake Nordic Center maintains 22 miles of groomed XC ski trails. And let's not forget about the snowshoeing, sledding, tubing, sleigh riding, and skating opportunities that the natural landscape affords. Grand Lake even hosts a Pond Hockey Classic each February (Feb 1st & 2nd, 2025). The Winter Carnival kicks off the following week, helping everyone to stave off cabin fever. And finally, to end where we began, anglers can try their hand at ice fishing - a tough but rewarding pastime that is aided by huts on the lake.
Grand Lake: A Timeless Rocky Mountain Landmark
Molded by prehistoric glaciers, flanked by the continent's favorite mountain range, and blanketed by coniferous forests, Grand Lake is one of Colorado's most captivating natural features. Record-setting specs aside, this slice of paradise acts as a gateway to the trails, roadways, and wildlife hotspots of Rocky Mountain National Park. At the same time, thanks to the charm and amenities of Grand Lake's titular town, there is no need to stray from the shoreline to reap the many rewards of the Rockies.
