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| Shadow Mountain Lake |
The Arapaho National Recreation Area (ANRA) contains one of the best clusters of mountain lakes in Colorado. The water acreage and shoreline miles contained within offer many paddling options. With lodging in Grand Lake, Granby, and nearby Winter Park, as well as abundant camping in the surrounding Arapaho National Forest, the lakes of Grand County make a great summertime getaway within a couple hours of the Front Range cities.
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| Vicinity Map |
Grand Lake
Grand Lake is naturally occurring and lies in a very scenic valley at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. The town of Grand Lake sits right on the lake’s north shores and offers dining, shopping and wandering very close to the water. Numerous private docks and boathouses ring the lake’s southwest and south flanks. Access points are through the town’s park system which means the Arapaho National Recreation Area use fees do not apply here. Moose live in the area and sometimes go up to or in the water; exercise caution.
Grand Lake is naturally occurring and lies in a very scenic valley at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. The town of Grand Lake sits right on the lake’s north shores and offers dining, shopping and wandering very close to the water. Numerous private docks and boathouses ring the lake’s southwest and south flanks. Access points are through the town’s park system which means the Arapaho National Recreation Area use fees do not apply here. Moose live in the area and sometimes go up to or in the water; exercise caution.
Grand and Shadow Mountain Lakes
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| Grand & Shadow Mountain Lakes |
Location Info [key]:
(Grand / Shadow Mtn)
Scenery: 4 / 4
Shoreline Interest: 2 / 4
Use: Moderate-high
Fee: $5/vehicle where posted
Access: Paved
Full elev = 8367;
Negligible water level change
Rec info
Rec info
Shadow Mountain Lake
Shadow Mountain Lake features a series of parallel islands and channels that are excellent on a paddleboard, canoe or kayak. These areas are marked as non-motorized or no-wake zones (refer to boating map). The larger, northern part of the lake is open to motorized traffic, but the connecting channel to Grand Lake is also a no-wake zone. Shadow Mountain and Grand Lakes are not subject to water level fluctuations and have mostly consistent shoreline conditions throughout the season.
Lake Granby is the largest lake in the system. Many of its shoreline miles have lots of open water exposure with limited wind protection. However there are a couple areas at its far east end that are great waters for paddleboards under full water conditions. Arapaho Bay is a protected area at the east end of the lake where the valley sides funnel down. It is just southeast of the Roaring Fork Boat Ramp and Arapaho Bay campground. Further southeast, the water body narrows to a couple hundred feet where Arapaho Creek flows into the lake. At high water, there are islands and lagoons. Be mindful of private property along the shore in this area. Both of these areas can be informally accessed at the bridge where County Road 6 crosses over Arapaho Creek.
Lake Granby (Arapaho Inlet) & Monarch Lake
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| Lake Granby Arapaho Inlet & Monarch Lake |
Location Info [key]:
Lake Granby:
Scenery: 4
Shoreline Interest: 4
Use: Moderate
Fee: $5/vehicle
Access: Paved
Full elev = 8280;
Shoreline Interest: 4
Use: Moderate
Fee: $5/vehicle
Access: Paved
Full elev = 8280;
Best near full
Current level
Monarch Lake
Scenery: 4
Shoreline Interest: 2
Use: Moderate-high
Fee: $5/vehicle
Access: Gravel + 500' walk
Full elev = 8350;
Shoreline Interest: 2
Use: Moderate-high
Fee: $5/vehicle
Access: Gravel + 500' walk
Full elev = 8350;
negligible water level change
Monarch Lake
Naturally occurring Monarch Lake is is located beyond the far east end of Lake Granby. The lake is in a pristine, scenic area that requires a 500’ carry from the parking area along a trail. There are no motorized boats here. The Monarch Lake Trailhead is a major access point to the western Indian Peaks Wilderness, so parking right at trailhead may be scarce in the summer.
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| Monarch Lake |
Willow Creek Reservoir
This lake is non-motorized only and receives notably less visitation than the 3 lakes along highway 34. It can be a good alternative on busy weekends. The main channel of the lake meanders westward to a second basin at the upstream end.
This lake is non-motorized only and receives notably less visitation than the 3 lakes along highway 34. It can be a good alternative on busy weekends. The main channel of the lake meanders westward to a second basin at the upstream end.
Willow Creek Reservoir
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| Willow Creek Reservoir |
Location Info [key]:
Scenery: 3
Shoreline Interest: 3
Use: Moderate
Fee: $5/day
Access: Gravel
Full elev = 8130; best near full:
Shoreline Interest: 3
Use: Moderate
Fee: $5/day
Access: Gravel
Full elev = 8130; best near full:
The five locations described above offer some great choices for paddling in the Grand County area. Meadow Creek Reservoir--accessed through Tabernash--is a sixth lake within the recreation area. Look for future update posts.
While some areas may be popular on summer weekends, there are plenty of less-visited places close by. All of these lakes are large enough to get significant wind exposure on breezy days. Be sure to check the detailed forecast to best anticipate timing of front passage or afternoon storms. Also be aware of fast-moving boats and wakes in the motorized areas of Shadow Mountain and Granby. Wear a PFD as the waters are cold most of the year. Have fun and stay safe!
Please feel free to add observations of current conditions to the comments!
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