Gateway to the 'crown jewel' of Colorado offers unlimited summer fun

Home to the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park as well as the largest natural lake in Colorado, Grand Lake serves as the ultimate base camp for outdoorsy summertime adventures.

A outdoor recreation lovers' dream, Grand Lake and its national park entrance provides access to more than 265,000 acres of wilderness. Local outdoor activities include prime hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. You might even get to see a moose, as the species has a booming population in this part of the state.

The town's namesake water feature, Grand Lake, offers a plethora of aquatic activities. Visitors to the Grand Lake Marina can find boat rentals (starting May 17), including pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and paddleboards. There's also a beach area ideal for swimming and relaxing. And you can find fishing access and picnic sites at the picturesque Point Park.

As well as the lake, the town of Grand Lake has plenty to offer. Although it's only about one square mile, the town is filled with activities perfect for summer fun. Guests can admire the Wild West-style architecture of the Grand Lake boardwalk (which dates to 1881), and check out plenty of local shops, galleries, restaurants, and watering holes. There are also lots of unique events, including Fourth of July fireworks, arts and crafts fairs, and the Buffalo Days event, which features features things like painting and line dancing.

As a gateway to the "crown jewel" of Colorado's outdoors, Grand Lake offers nearly everything you could look for in a summer vacation.

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