Local Area Attractions Near Grand Lake / Rocky Mountain National Park KOA Journey

Located next to the WEST entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, nested in the beautiful mountain town of Grand Lake is a quiet place to camp in the mountains. The campground offers spacious back-in RV sites, rustic cabins, and tent sites. We also offer a general store, 24 hour laundry, a TV lounge and game room. Grand Lake is a classic when it comes to mountain towns. With its wooden sidewalks and wonderful restaurants, it also offers swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, motor sports, fishing and, of course, the magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park with hundreds of miles to hike and explore. And if you want a star show, the Milky Way in all her splendor is easily visible from the campground.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado spans the Continental Divide and encompasses protected mountains, forests and alpine tundra. It's known for the Trail Ridge Road and the Old Fall River Road, drives that pass aspen trees and rivers. The Keyhole Route, a climb crossing vertical rock faces, leads up Longs Peak, the park's tallest mountain. A trail surrounding Bear Lake offers views of the peaks.

16018 US-34

Grand Lake, CO 80447

970-627-3471

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Grand Lake Area Historical Society

Grand Lake Area Historical Society

The Grand Lake Area Historical Society runs the Kauffman House Museum and the Smith Eslick Cottage Court in Grand Lake, CO, featuring historic artifacts and preserving history within the buildings. We are an all volunteer organization.

610 Center Dr

Grand Lake, CO 80447

970-627-8324

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Grand Lake Visitor Center

Grand Lake Visitor Center

The quaint village of Grand Lake is situated on the serene shores of the largest natural lake in Colorado, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. With the breathtaking backdrop of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, Colorado, is the ideal basecamp for outdoor adventure, family fun and mountain memories in the making.

14700 US-34

Grand Lake, CO, CO 80447

970-627-3402

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Jeep Tours

Jeep Tours

It's a Jeep and the breath-taking scenery of the Rocky Mountains.  Nuff said.

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Trail Ridge Road via Rocky Mountain NP

Trail Ridge Road via Rocky Mountain NP

Oh, the views you will have!

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Whitewater Rafting/Kayaking

Whitewater Rafting/Kayaking

Gore Canyon is a 3-mile, isolated canyon along the upper Colorado River, just southwest of Kremmling. The canyon was created by the Colorado River after many years of passing the northern end of the Gore Mountain Range. The walls of Gore Canyon are roughly 1000 feet on both sides and make for an awe-inspiring view. The canyon is road-less and is inaccessible by most traffic, although Amtrak's California Zephyr travels through the canyon, if you would like to take a unique train adventure. Gore Canyon is known for its class V whitewater rapids. In the 19th century, many considered Gore Canyon unnavigable by boat. Today, expert kayakers and rafters frequent the canyon, and now even hold a river festival, including races and other river celebrations. Each year, the Gore Canyon Whitewater Festival is held on the third Saturday in August and is also the host of the US National White Water Rafting Championship. Some say that Gore Canyon has the wildest commercially available whitewater rafting in the state of Colorado, and perhaps in the nation. New to Gore Canyon is the Gore Canyon Whitewater Park at Pumphouse. This is a “park and play” whitewater feature on the Colorado River. Kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders, boaters and fisherman can explore and enjoy the diverse rapids of the upper Colorado River.

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Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Adventure to cowboy country and live the excitement of the real American West. Horseback riding has always been more than just a recreational pursuit in Grand County — Here, it's a way of life. But with so many trails to ride, where should you start? Check out our recommendations for the top 4 trails to ride in Colorado. Whether you have your own horse and trailer, or are riding with one of our experienced outfitters, you're sure to enjoy the entire ride.

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Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing

For the more adventurous souls, test your rock climbing abilities.

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Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Grand County provides some of the best mountain biking opportunities in Colorado. Winter Park, Colorado alone boasts over 600 miles of marked, mapped and user-friendly trails, contributing to its apropos nickname, Mountain Bike Capital, USA™. From high mountain peaks to beautiful river valleys, single tracks to back country roads, there are opportunities for all ages and skill levels.

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Stargazing

Stargazing

You'll have no problem satisfying your nocturnal pursuit of Cassiopeia or the Big Dipper when you situate yourself next to Grand Lake. Aside from the charming atmosphere of the town of Grand Lake, very minimal light stands in the way of ideal stargazing, making any view a good one. During the winter months, ice skate under the stars at Devil's Thumb Ranch, or try night skiing at Ski Granby Ranch. It's hard to beat the number of stars you'll see on your lift ride up the mountain. Getting There: Located at 3530 County Road 83, Grand Lake.

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Paddle boarding on Grand Lake

Paddle boarding on Grand Lake

Home of the Colorado River headwaters and Colorado's largest natural lake, Grand County has the most accessible water in Colorado to play in: swimming, boating, fishing, and even stand-up paddle boarding—there's almost no limit! Stand-up paddle boards (SUP) offer a fun and relaxing way to play on the lakes of Grand County. With as little as a board and a paddle, you can glide across the tranquil lakes amidst the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and get up close and personal with nature and wildlife. Although relaxing, SUP is still a sport, so you will be getting a full-body workout. Plan a relaxing evening in town after your day out on the lakes. From Shadow Mountain Lake to Lake Granby to Grand Lake, visitors can get up and paddle through the calm waters of Grand County to experience the fastest-growing water sport in the area. And with unsurpassable, expansive Rocky Mountain views, you might be tempted to take a break, relax, and take in the beauty of your surroundings from a new perspective that only a SUP can offer.

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Dining

Dining

In Grand Lake, eating out is an adventure in itself. There's no shortage of cafes, burger stands, happy hours, ice cream shops, bars and restaurants in Grand Lake to satisfy even the pickiest of palettes. Although the town is known for honoring the classics–namely burgers, fries and shakes–there's something to be devoured for every mood, occasion and craving, from gourmet dishes served riverside at The Historic Rapids Restaurant, to casual dining at the lively Sagebrush Bar & Grill. Prefer a picnic? Pop into Grand Lake's Mountain Market to assemble your own spread of salad and sandwich ingredients, or carry out from one of the many quick-service spots in town, like Blue Water Bakery.

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Hiking/Backpacking

Hiking/Backpacking

Discover the beauty of Grand County, Colorado on foot. Experience nature first hand with miles of scenic trails that are great for strolling or hiking. Whether you are up for a challenging overnight backpacking trek into pristine wilderness areas, or simply looking for a leisurely stroll through a wildflower-filled valley, you can have it your way on any of the hundreds of miles of trails available to hikers in Grand County, Colorado—no extra charge for the spectacular views!

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Boating

Boating

Is there anything better in summertime than boating on a mountain lake? If you ask us, the answer is "no, not really." Around here, it is the thing to do come May, June, July, August and September. While Colorado has dozens of great reservoirs and lakes to set sail on, few destinations offer so many choices in one place.

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Natural Hot Springs

Natural Hot Springs

Once frequented by the Ute and Arapaho Indians who referred to the warm waters as "Big Medicine," the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa today boasts twenty-two mineral indoor and outdoor hot pools and private baths, as well as a swimming pool in the summer. Come visit, relax, and enjoy the sacred waters where the Ute Indians once bathed, healed mind, body, and spirit.  The Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa is known as one of the nation's oldest, largest and finest natural hot mineral springs resort and spa. In addition, this spa offers classic services, like 30- to 90-minute massages, including favorites like hot stone, deep tissue massages and more, plus unique add-ons like "Rain-Drop Therapy." Or if you'd rather partake in a full-body treatment, like an exfoliating Salt and Citrus Glow treatment or a skin-purifying Moor "Mud" Body Mask, there are plenty of full-body relaxing experiences too.

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Shopping

Shopping

Whether you want to buy or rent equipment for your favorite sport, enjoy gourmet mountain cuisine, or pick out that perfect souvenir or a pair of Wranglers, Grand County, Colorado has you covered.

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ATV/OHV Riding

ATV/OHV Riding

Grand County, Colorado is the perfect place to start your engines, with hundreds of miles of breathtaking and exciting terrain practically made for ATV/Motorsports. Rent an ATV, motorcycle or OHV for the day or sign up for a guided tour through one of our knowledgeable outfitters. Whatever you choose to do, there is nothing quite like exploring Grand County, Colorado with a Rocky Mountain rush. For some of the best ATVing and OHVing around, check out some of Grand County's favorite trails:

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Hot Air Ballooning

Hot Air Ballooning

Adventure, excitement, romance. Leave your inhibitions on the ground as you peacefully soar over miles of open wilderness in your wind-guided craft. Let the wind take you where it may—each hot air balloon trip follows a unique path, dependant on the strength and direction of the wind that day. Although the route of the balloon might be different every time, one thing is for sure: a hot air balloon tour is one of the most unique ways to experience the beauty of Grand County, Colorado.

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Theaters

Theaters

There are several wonderful theater opportunities in Grand County.  Mountains and a show!  It doesn't get much better than that!

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Fishing

Fishing

With 1,000 miles of streams, 1,000 acres of high mountain lakes, and 11,000 acres of reservoirs, Grand County's abundant resources accommodate fishing of all kinds. Enjoy world-class fishing in our gold medal waters that flow throughout Grand County. Trout and salmon are the most sought after prizes in mountain fishing and all through Grand County, Colorado, lurking below the water's surface, you will find mackinaw and kokanee salmon, as well as rainbow, brook, German brown, and cutthroat trout. Grand County is the perfect place to dip your line. There is no end to the various shops, outfitters, guides, and anglers ready to prepare you for the fishing trip of a lifetime in Grand County, Colorado.

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Golfing

Golfing

Did you know that your golf ball travels an average of 20% further at altitude?  At 8,000 feet above sea level, the air is thin. And thinner air makes for a longer drive. Grand County is the perfect place to unwind with a round of golf. With four world-class courses, Grand County, Colorado is quickly becoming a mountain golf paradise.

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Visit our sister campground in Estes Park

Visit our sister campground in Estes Park

There are two wonderful sides to Rocky Mountain National Park with lots to explore.  Visit our KOA in Estes Park and enjoy the wonders on the East side of RMNP.

2051 Big Thompson Avenue

Estes Park, CO 80517

970-586-2888

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Autumn Colors

Autumn Colors

Autumn in the Rocky Mountains is unlike any other.  The Aspen & Cottonwood trees turn a splendor of gold sitting alongside the beautiful green of the Spruce and Pine tress framed by the exquisite Rocky Mountain National Park and topped with the Bluebird skies of Colorado.  If that sound like something you would enjoy, then this is the place. Come and see for yourself.  Words really don't do it justice.