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Grand Lake
Visiting Grand Lake is like being on the set of a western movie. As Colorado's oldest resort village, the western atmosphere is preserved with broad wooden boardwalks and split, lodgepole pine storefronts. After a gold rush in 1879 and a brief period as a supply town, by 1902 the area was attracting families who built summer homes along the shores of the lake. Although it was then a two-day drive from Denver, Grand Lake soon became a favorite vacation destination. Many of the homes around the lake have been in the same family for generations, giving the town a tradition that cannot be duplicated by other mountain communities. Grand Lake's interesting history would make a great Western classic because it has all the characters - Indians, trappers, miners, ranchers and even a storied gunfight at the old icehouse. This history is on display at The Kauffman House Museum, an early residence and tourist hotel built in 1892. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places because of its log architecture. Its first owner was a typical example of the men who joined the westward movement.
In the summer, the lake is a favorite spot for boating and has the highest registered yacht club in the world. The famous Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, a historical landmark, is in the town square. The theatre's professional actors and musicians come from across the U.S. to present three live Broadway musicals during the summer and one musical in the fall.
In the winter, the Grand Lake area offers numerous cross-country ski trails and boasts one of the largest snowmobile trail systems in the state, making it the Snowmobile Capital of Colorado™. The village of Grand Lake is one of the few towns to allow snowmobilers on city streets. In 2007 Grand Lake was chosen as the host site for Snow Shoot 2008, an event previewing the major snowmobile manufacturers' new machines. Media representatives and snowmobile manufacturers will return in March 2008 for Snow Shoot 2009.
Near Grand Lake is the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park where you can often say hello to the neighbors - the elk and moose.
- 102 miles northwest of Denver on US Hwy 34
- Population 447
- Elevation 8367ft
Travel Tidbits:
- The key to safe mountain driving is to slow down and look further ahead than in normal driving. Most accidents occur because drivers are either driving too fast, and/or are following too closely to the car in front of them.
- Unique mountain hazards include wildlife that can dart out in front of you, scenic overlooks that attract traffic, and heavy truck traffic that speeds up on downhill sections while slowing down going uphill.
- Four-wheel drive vehicles or SUVs can lead to a false sense of security in rain, snow and ice. SUVs do not stop any differently than conventional cars.
- Observe posted speed limits on curves. Keep to the right of your lane when rounding a curve to put as large a cushion of safety as possible between you and oncoming traffic. According to the Colorado State Patrol, a large percentage of high country accidents are caused by drivers who don't stay on their side of the road.
- Blue Light warning! Colorado's snowplows use distinctive amber and blue lights to warn you well in advance that snow removal operations are underway. When you see these lights, slow down and use caution.
- Cell phones don't always work in the mountains. If you have to use one for an emergency, a higher ridge line will give you the best reception. If you call 911, tell them you are in Grand County. Depending on where you are, you may reach an emergency center for a different county.
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