RAFTING NEAR GRAND LAKE, COLORADO
An hour from Colorado's largest natural lake to its wildest whitewater.
Grand Lake is the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and home to the largest and deepest natural lake in Colorado. Its historic boardwalk, summer theatre, and miles of shoreline make it one of the state's most charming mountain towns.
What many visitors miss is the whitewater just down the valley. Our Kremmling put-in is about an hour southwest, where the Upper Colorado runs as a scenic family float and Gore Canyon offers some of the most serious commercial rapids in the country. Clear Creek's runs near Idaho Springs sit farther east for those chasing fast, continuous water.
Trade flat water for moving water for a morning, then come back to Grand Lake for an evening on the boardwalk. Hard to beat.
Getting Here
44 miles · about 1 hour — Kremmling, CO
US-34 South → US-40 West → Kremmling (400 Park Ave)Prefer Clear Creek?
The Clear Creek runs near Idaho Springs are about 2 hours east — a longer haul, but the move to fast Class III–IV water can be worth it for thrill-seekers.
Which Trip Is Right For You
Explore Grand Lake
Everything you need to build the perfect day around your time on the water.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Grand Lake is the park's western gateway and the start of Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America.
Grand Lake & Marina
Colorado's largest natural lake — rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard and spend the day on the water.
Historic Boardwalk
Wooden sidewalks, candy shops, galleries, and the historic Grand Lake Theatre line the walkable downtown.
Kauffman House Museum
A preserved 1892 log home telling the story of the town's earliest settlers.
Sagebrush BBQ & Grill
A boardwalk institution for barbecue, ribs, and steaks for over 20 years.
Historic Rapids Lodge
Riverside dining inside a log lodge open since 1915.
One Love Rum Kitchen
Caribbean-inspired sandwiches, salads, and cocktails on Grand Ave.
Huntington House Tavern
Lake-view dining and drinks at the historic Grand Lake Lodge.
Adams Falls & East Inlet
A short, scenic hike to a dramatic waterfall and gateway to longer RMNP routes.
Kawuneeche Valley
Prime wildlife viewing — moose and elk along the Colorado River headwaters.
Grand & Shadow Mountain Lakes
Connected lakes for boating, paddleboarding, and trophy fishing.
Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Broadway-caliber musicals all summer — one of Colorado's most-awarded small-town theatres.
Galleries & Grand Lake Theatre
Art galleries and a historic theatre along the boardwalk.
Grand Lake Lodge
A historic lodge above the lake with cabins and the Huntington House Tavern.
Historic Rapids Lodge
A century-old riverside inn in the heart of town.
Western Riviera Lakeside
The only lakeside boutique lodging in Grand Lake, right on the water.
Cabins & Rentals
Grand Lake is full of cozy cabins and vacation rentals for every group size.
Make a Day of It
Your Grand Lake adventure, start to finish — with your river trip as the centerpiece.
Hit the Water
Raft the Upper Colorado or Gore Canyon from our Kremmling put-in, about an hour southwest. Book your trip →
Refuel in Town
Lunch on the boardwalk — Sagebrush BBQ & Grill or the Historic Rapids Lodge.
Explore the Park
Drive Trail Ridge Road or hike to Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Wind Down
Dinner by the lake, then a Broadway-caliber show at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre.
How Far Is the River?
Click any city to see how far it is from our two locations. Most of Colorado is closer than you think.