Get Wet and Wild in Rocky Mountain Lakes

By Christine Loomis

AIN'T IT GRAND?: Sunset over Grand Lake, Colorado (courtesy, Colorado Tourism)

The 36,000-acre Arapaho National Recreation Area near the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park has five major lakes: Granby, Shadow Mountain, Monarch, and Willow Creek and Meadow Creek reservoirs. At ANRA's border is Grand Lake, the state's largest natural lake.

Arapaho National Recreation Area: Day-Tripping FAQ

Distance from Denver: 97 miles Attractions: Lakes, water activities, wildlife, recreation facilities Ages: All More Info: Grand Lake Travel Guide

This is a water wonderland with facilities for boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and lakeshore camping. Word to the wise: Arapaho National Recreation Area sits at elevations of between 8,200 to 11,000 feet, so drink lots of water and slather on that sunscreen. There's an annual combo pass for ANRA and Rocky Mountain National Park. After you've exhausted yourself exploring the outdoors, recharge your legs with a gentle stroll around the eclectic shops and galleries in the town of Grand Lake.

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