Grand Lake Colorado Provides Ingredients for Great Family Vacation

Like many families with children, our family vacations have been those filled with amusement parks, water slides and big city entertainment. This year was different. Anxious to get back in touch with nature and inspired to instill our children with the sense of wonder the Rocky Mountains provide, we packed the car and headed out west to the charming town of Grand Lake, Colorado.

Settled on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, Colorado offers a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Quaint shops, wooden boardwalks and plentiful restaurants invite visitors to slowly stroll through this delightful town.

As home to the largest natural lake in Colorado, Grand Lake offers the perfect combination of breathtaking mountains views, stunning lake vistas and all the modern day conveniences we've come to expect.

Ingredients for a Great Family Vacation in Grand Lake Colorado

The magic of beautiful places like Grand Lake, Colorado is they do not require roller coasters, televisions and video games for entertainment. The only ingredients required for a great family vacation are an open mind, willingness to explore, sense of adventure and being willing to let the simple moments of life change you forever.

Things to Do in Grand Lake, Colorado

No matter what time of year you visit, Grand Lake, Colorado offers something for everyone to enjoy. The winter invites you to explore the outdoors by skiing, ice-fishing or exploring over 300 miles of snow mobile trails. And the spring and summer are alive with sailing, hiking, and fishing. Fall delights visitors with a landscape painted in shades of yellow, red, orange, green and brown complemented by a brilliant blue sky.

No trip to Grand Lake, Colorado is complete without exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. As the ultimate playground, the Rocky Mountain National Park provides something for everyone. From the thrill of watching the Elk graze in their natural habitat, discovering an Osprey flying overhead or watching a chipmunk eating a berry just below your feet provide unforgettable moments for individuals young and old.

If you plan to cross through Rocky Mountain National Park to the eastern side near Estes Park, keep in mind that the upward regions of Trail Ridge Road are closed after the first heavy snowfall (late September-early October) until Memorial Day. The lower region of Trail Ridge Road on the western side stays open year around giving you plenty of opportunity to explore the western side of the park.

If visiting Grand Lake in the summer, be sure to hike up to Adam's Falls. The trails is located just outside of Grand Lake and relax during the evening while watching the sun set along Grand Lake or by catching one of the evening performances by the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre which has performances Monday through Saturday nights during the summer.

Where to Eat in Grand Lake, Colorado

Grand Lake is home to several restaurants to fit any budget or appetite. Some of our family favorites include the Bear's Den Restaurant and Bar with its log cabin, western motif and family-friendly menu. The Sagebrush BBQ and Grill is a fun place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner and features a bit of history with original Grand Lake jail doors and other Western Memorabilia. For a sweet treat of ice cream or homemade candies, be sure to stop by Polly's Sweet Shop located along the Main Street Boardwalk.

Where to Stay in Grand Lake, Colorado

There are several lodges, resorts, and condos available for rent in the Grand Lake and surrounding area. To get the full mountain experience, there also year-around camping at the Timber Creek Campground located in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

For additional lodging information contact the Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce at (970) 627-3402 or visit their web site at www.grandlakechamber.com.

Sources:

Rocky Mountain National Park Web Site - http://www.nps.gov/ROMO/index.htm

Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce - www.grandlakechamber.com

Personal experience