Photo by Avis Gray

A charming village, an endless range of mountains, and Colorado's largest natural lake…

The village of Grand Lake is a mountain resort popular for its sunny days, low-key tempo, family-owned shops and fine restaurants. Stroll leisurely along the boardwalk, meander down to the lake front, feel invigorated by your time spent with the friendly, warm people of Grand Lake.

Grand Lake is in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, less than 2 hours west of Denver. The village sits on Grand Lake, overlooking Rocky Mountain National Park. (Referred to by many as the quite side of the Park.)

With nearby man-made Shadow Mountain and Granby Reservoirs, the three recreational lakes offer more than 150 miles of scenic shoreline for camping, fishing or hiking.

There is more to do in the mountains than you could accomplish in an entire lifetime. Pick many activities or choose to just relax in the beauty of our spectacular settings. Stroll the lake boardwalk on a clear mountain summer day. Rent a boat or take a tour around the lake. Skip stones across the water. Play on the sandy beach. The water is cold, but not too cold to dip one's toes. The flat grassy area on the lake's edge is favored by picnickers and sunbathers. A great spot to watch the sail boats glide across the lake.

The west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road is about 1-1/2 miles from the town of Grand Lake on US Highway 34. Stop first at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center that has hands-on exhibits, ranger-led interpretive hikes during the summer and ranger-sponsored programs. This entrance is less crowded than the eastern side.

The village of Grand Lake makes for a perfect winter setting with lights illuminating the shore of the lake and the snow-covered peaks providing a spectacular backdrop. The area is ideal for ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and winter activities. Grand Lake's shops are open all year.

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE WINTER AT GRAND LAKE'S "SNOWSHOE FESTIVAL" in JANUARY.

Compared to the hustle and bustle of many winter vacation spots, the Village of Grand Lake is a quiet, peaceful winter wonderland where a thick blanket of snow changes the town into a pastoral scene. In fact, it is not uncommon to have a moose or two wander down the main street.

Like the cowboys of old, today's snowmobilers can ride right down the street and hitch up in front of any store. The Village of Grand Lake is one of the few towns anywhere that allows snowmobilers on city streets, even leaving the streets snow packed to accommodate these popular winter vehicles.

With more than 150 miles of trails, Grand Lake has one of the largest snowmobile trail systems in the state. It rightly deserves the title of "SNOWMOBILE CAPITAL OF COLORADO" and was voted by Sno West Riders as Colorado's best and one of the top ten places in the region to snowmobile.

Trails range from tracks through the forest to wide-open mountain meadows surrounded by towering peaks, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Snowmobile rentals include protective clothing and helmets. Some lodging facilities offer their own sled rental fleet, allowing snowmobiling from the doorstep of many motels, cabins and vacation homes.

Grand Lake is the gateway to numerous cross-country ski trails that are designated specifically for cross-country skiers.

The Old Fashioned Christmas Yuletide includes visits from Santa, a holiday family melodrama, sleigh rides, songfests, caroling, a live Nativity play, snowman contest, and a full moon ski event.

928 Grand Ave, PO Box 57, Grand Lake Colorado 80447-0057; 800-531-1019; 970-627-3372.