Denver Day Trip to Grand Lake

The joy of living in Denver or just visiting is the wealth of summer activities. One great day trip is to visit Trail Ridge Marina. The marina is located in Grand Lake, Colorado with access to Shadow Mountain Lake and Grand Lake. The marina rents everything from a pontoon boat that holds up to 12 people for scenic rides around the lake to a Sea-Doo for those who want a little more adventure. Renting a pontoon boat is wonderful adventure for one or two families. Your first step in arranging an unforgettable togetherness adventure is to make reservations for your boat.

Aboard your boat you'll be visiting the headwaters of the Colorado River and will experience the thrills and beauty of a high mountain lake that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Your boat trip starts on Shadow Mountain Lake where you'll cruise the shores of Rocky Mountain Park. Along your journey, you'll have a good chance at spotting deer, moose, elk and osprey. There are picnic benches on the islands for lunch or just relaxing.

Don't forget to head through the canal to Grand Lake. There are public docks at the town and you can stop in for some shopping or lunch at the many restaurants. While boating on Grand Lake you can explore the million dollar homes that line the shore and overlook the lake. Many boats on the lake are antique wooden Chris-Craft boats.

But a day trip to Trail Ridge Marina is not just a couple of hours on the lake. Getting there should be half the fun. Without stops it is a two hour drive. Here are some of the highlights and places you might want to stop along the way:

Road-cut on I-70 as you approach the Morrison exit

This road-cut was made in 1971 and reveals the extent of the uplift of land from the plains that was part of forming the Rocky Mountains . You'll see sedimentary rock pointing skyward at an angle of about 45 degrees. When these rocks were formed 95 to 140 million years ago dinosaurs walked the Earth. Stop in for a short hike up the hill.

Buffalo Herd Overlook

Just past the Genesee exit is a buffalo herd that is maintained by the City and County of Denver. The herd moves and may be found on either side of the highway.

Idaho Springs

On January 7, 1859 the discovery of gold in the valley led to the Rocky Mountain Gold Rush. There's evidence of gold mining in the hills all along I-70 near Idaho Springs. Mostly the evidence of former mines is in the form of mine tailings (crushed rock left over from mining activities). Keep your eyes peeled as you are likely to see Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep along the highway from Idaho Springs to Empire.

Exit 232 - Turnoff to Empire, Winter Park, Grand Lake, and Rocky Mountain National Park After Dumont get ready to turn off I-70 onto Route 40.

Empire and the Peck House

Empire was founded as a gold and silver mining town in the late 19 th century. The Peck House, built in 1862, located along the main highway is the oldest existing hotel in Colorado. The hills around Empire are home to a large herd of rocky mountain big horn sheep.

Berthoud Pass

Edward L. Berthoud, a railroad surveyor, and Jim Bridger discovered the pass in 1861. It began as a wagon road. At its highest point, the pass crosses the Continental Divide at 11,307 feet above sea level. There are nine switchbacks along the pass offering breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

Winter Park Ski Area

The oldest, continuously open ski area in Colorado. The summer offers an alpine slide, a ski lift for mountain biking and miniature golf.

Tabernash

An old railroading center during the time that rail traffic went over the Continental Divide pass instead of through the Moffat Tunnel (1928).

Granby

The commercial center of Grand County. The elementary school has a great play ground if you are traveling with little ones and need a break. If you want to rent ATVs then stop by Five Star Power Rentals in Power World.

Route 34 – As you leave Granby turn right on Route 34 towards Rocky Mountain National Park.

Lake Granby As you pass Lake Granby. Stop at one on the turn-off and see if you spot Abe Lincoln lying down on top of the mountain range to the east.

Trail Ridge Marina will be coming up next. Look for it on your right.

On your way home you can head back the way you came or head over Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park. You will drive through the park and then Boulder. It adds an hour but the views are unmatched. Grab dinner on the Pearl Street mall to finish your day trip with a street performance.

Don't want to go too fast? Turn your day trip into a weekend trip. Spend the night in Grand County and see even more. There are plenty of campgrounds or try a bed and breakfast for some mountain hospitality.