Grand Lake

About Grand Lake

Grand Lake is largest and deepest natural lake in Colorado, and is part of the headwaters of the Colorado River, sitting at 8,369 feet (2,551 meters) high. The town of Grand Lake was originally an outfitting and supply point for the mining settlements of Lulu City, Teller City, and Gaskill, but today is a tourist destination adjacent to the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, which surrounds the lake and the town on three sides. It’s population was 410 at the 2020 U. S. census. Due to its elevation, Grand Lake has a subalpine climate with a short growing season, averaging just 49 days per year. Temperatures are chilly at night even through the summer months; only three months have an average temperature of above 50°F (10 °C). With that note, year round temperatures range from single-digit to 0° lows fahrenheit (-18°C) in January to the warmest readings of 70°F+ highs (21°C) in July. Annual snowfall is significant, often exceeding 80 to100+ inches (203 cm to 254 cm+) , while summer brings moderate temperatures and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.