The town of Grand Lake sits on the western end of Rocky Mountains National Park, and is the gateway to the park for those entering on the west side of the continental divide.
The lake known as Grand Lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado and lies at an elevation of 8367 feet. Grand Lake is known as the headwaters of the Colorado River.
We spent three nights in Grand Lake, and used it as a base for our forays into Rocky Mountains National Park. It has more of an “outdoorsy” feel than some of the other towns we visited, and we enjoyed it very much.
We were a little concerned when we found out that our motel didn’t have air conditioning. There are few places where we would want to not have it. But the first night we were there the temperature dipped into the 30s, so all we needed to do was keep the windows open!
Your images stir the desire to visit Grand Lake again. It’s been a few years.
I liked the more laid back vibe, although I certainly enjoyed Estes Park and Fort Collins too. Might be worth a drive.
I have enjoyed seeing the past few posts about Colorado. It is a state I haven’t been to since I was a kid. This town looks quite nice, not so “touristy” it seems from the photos.
Thanks, Mark. I know a good guide there but he’s kind of expensive. You have to buy him coffee or pizza. 🙂
I’ll keep that in mind, and save my pizza coupons.
When we visited Rocky Mountain NP we stayed in Estes Park on the eastern side. No particular reason for that, I guess. But the hotel did have AC (didn’t need it, though). I have to say that Rocky Mountain NP isn’t my favorite NP – maybe not even in my top 10. Probably just because it’s all mountains and no desert!
Looks like you had some great weather there, though. And I didn’t know that Grand Lake was the location of the headwaters of the Colorado River. I think if I’d known that I might have stayed there.
I know there is a lot more to see in Colorado than RMNP proper, but that had specifically been on my to-do list since I was a teenager, for many reasons.
Regarding Grand Lake, I hadn’t realized that it was the headwaters of the Colorado either, and my “data” is a sign posted at the lake, but I think it is accurate.
We stayed in Estes Park for 3 nights after we left Grand Lake. The “west” side of the park is a little more wild than the east, and a bit less crowded. We really liked Estes Park too, and as a place to live (if we were so inclined) would probably choose Estes Park. But we liked Fort Collins too! All subjects for upcoming posts, as soon as I can get the “film” developed! 😉