Boating in Grand County

Where to Boat in Grand County

Is there anything better in summertime than boating on a mountain lake? In Grand County, 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.

Boat Rentals & Outfitters

Grand Lake

Grand Lake Colorado's largest natural lake also competes for Colorado's prettiest. With the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park serving as a backdrop — and regular moose sightings in the shallows — Grand Lake is a wonderful place to set sail on a summer's afternoon. As an added bonus, the charming town of Grand Lake resides on its northern shore and provides ample dining, shopping and local character. Embrace the solitude of Grand Lake from a sailboat or a lake kayak. At dusk, the peaks that adorn the eastern horizon often catch the sunsets golden rays, creating a beautiful spectacle.

Shadow Mountain Lake

Shadow Mountain Lake is often overlooked by its neighbors to the north and south — Grand Lake and Lake Granby. But Shadow Mountain Lake is a beautiful hidden gem with easy access off of Hwy. 34 as well as from Grand Lake. Since Shadow Mountain Lake is connected to Grand Lake, you can enjoy both bodies of water from the same boat. Start your day early in the morning with a spin around the lake's uninhabited western shore. You can also camp on the lake shore at Green Ridge Campground near the dam.

Lake Granby

Lake Granby is a 7,000 acres, one of Colorado's largest bodies of water. Its numerous coves and marinas make it a justly popular place for sailers, boaters and jet-skiers. For fisherman, the lake's appeal lies in what lurks in the deep — lake trout. Known as one of the best "mackinaw" fisheries in the country, the reservoir also harbors a healthy population of Kokanee salmon. For those just interested in tooling around on the water, rent a pontoon boat from one of the lake's marinas, and enjoy the company of friends on this scenic lake. Lake Granby's campgrounds offer so many scenic sites to pitch a tent and wake up to shimmering waves.

Wolford Mountain Reservoir

Wolford Mountain Reservoir is located in the northern section of Middle Park just beyond Kremmling on Hwy. 40. Take a boat out and gaze at windswept mountain plains and sage-dotted land surround its shores. Boaters can dip a line and go fishing for rainbow and brown trout, as well as Kokanee salmon. With its beautiful location and gorgeous views of the nearby Gore Range, Wolford Mountain Reservoir offers sublime camping.

Williams Fork Reservoir

Williams Fork Reservoir is located well off the beaten path, appealing to those looking for some peace and quiet, and a lot of hungry fish. Deep in the reservoir waters lurk several trophy-sized northern pike. (Please note that the lake's boat ramps don't accommodate all motorboats. Check out the latest information on boat requirements. Due to its exposure and location between several distant mountain ranges, Williams Fork Reservoir gets a lot of wind — much to the delight of windsurfers. Because of the chilly snowmelt-fed waters, a wetsuit is not just recommended; it's virtually required.