Grand Lake

Grand Lake is one of the best places in Colorado for swimming, fishing, boating, and sunbathing. This massive lake, the state's largest natural body of water, is less than 3 miles southeast of the Grand Lake entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and about 100 miles northwest of Denver. There will be plenty of kids playing, adults sunbathing, and possibly even a moose or two testings the waters on the lake's sandy shores. Visitors praise the area's upkeep and appreciate the designated picnic areas. Not to mention the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains reflected in the lake, which is sure to elevate your beach day to new heights.

There is a marina on the lake where visitors can rent motorboats or kayaks to explore the water. There's even a yacht club on Grand Lake. During your visit, you can enjoy a variety of cafes, restaurants, shops, and museums in the small town surrounding the water, also known as Grand Lake. Even if you visit Grand Lake in the winter, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. When the lake freezes over, two popular activities are ice fishing and ice hockey.