{"id":2349,"date":"2019-05-08T00:00:01","date_gmt":"2019-05-08T00:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitgrandcoun.wpengine.com\/articles\/guide-to-boating-on-grand-countys-lakes\/"},"modified":"2025-11-19T14:52:36","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T21:52:36","slug":"guide-to-boating-on-grand-countys-lakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/blog\/guide-to-boating-on-grand-countys-lakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Boating Lakes in Grand County, Colorado"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>While Colorado has dozens of great reservoirs and lakes to set sail on, few destinations offer so many choices in one place as Grand County. To help you navigate some of the best boating lakes in Colorado, we compiled a guide below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MLP_GC_TrailRidgeMarina-20234245_websize-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A boat moves across Grand Lake in the direction of evergreen-covered hills.\" class=\"wp-image-4104\" style=\"width:840px;height:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MLP_GC_TrailRidgeMarina-20234245_websize-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MLP_GC_TrailRidgeMarina-20234245_websize-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MLP_GC_TrailRidgeMarina-20234245_websize-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MLP_GC_TrailRidgeMarina-20234245_websize-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MLP_GC_TrailRidgeMarina-20234245_websize-1290x860.jpg 1290w, https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MLP_GC_TrailRidgeMarina-20234245_websize-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MLP_GC_TrailRidgeMarina-20234245_websize-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/MLP_GC_TrailRidgeMarina-20234245_websize.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Colorado Boating Lakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#grand-lake\">Grand Lake<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#shadow-mountain-lake\">Shadow Mountain Lake<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#lake-granby\">Lake Granby<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#williams-fork\">Williams Fork Reservoir<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#wolford\">Wolford Mountain Reservoir<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"grand-lake\">GRAND LAKE BOATING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What makes it special:<\/strong>\u00a0Colorado&#8217;s largest natural lake also competes for Colorado&#8217;s prettiest. With the high peaks of\u00a0<a href=\"\/places-to-go\/natural-attractions\/parks-national-forests\/rocky-mountain-national-park\/\">Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a>\u00a0serving as a backdrop and regular moose sightings in the shallows, <a href=\"\/places-to-go\/natural-attractions\/lakes-rivers\/the-grand-lake\/\">Grand Lake<\/a> is a wonderful place to set sail on a summer afternoon. As an added bonus, the charming\u00a0<a href=\"\/towns-communities\/grand-lake\/\">town of Grand Lake<\/a>\u00a0resides on its northern shore and provides ample dining, shopping and local character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best way to enjoy it:<\/strong>\u00a0Embrace the solitude of Grand Lake from a\u00a0<a href=\"\/things-to-do\/outdoor-adventures\/boating\">sailboat or lake kayak<\/a>. At dusk, the peaks that adorn the eastern horizon often catch the sunset&#8217;s golden rays, creating a beautiful spectacle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"shadow-mountain-lake\">SHADOW MOUNTAIN LAKE BOATING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What makes it special:<\/strong>\u00a0Often overlooked for its neighbors to the north and south \u2014 Grand Lake and Lake Granby \u2014 <a href=\"\/places-to-go\/natural-attractions\/lakes-rivers\/shadow-mountain-lake\/\">Shadow Mountain Lake<\/a> is a beautiful hidden gem with easy access off of Highway 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best way to enjoy it:<\/strong>&nbsp;Start your day early in the morning with a spin around the lake&#8217;s uninhabited western shore. You can also camp on the lake shore at&nbsp;Green Ridge Campground&nbsp;near the dam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lake-granby\">LAKE GRANBY BOATING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What makes it special:<\/strong>\u00a0At 7,000 acres, <a href=\"\/places-to-go\/natural-attractions\/lakes-rivers\/lake-granby\/\">Lake Granby<\/a> is one of Colorado&#8217;s largest bodies of water. Its numerous coves and marinas make it a justly popular place for sailors, boaters and jet-skiers. For\u00a0<a href=\"\/things-to-do\/outdoor-adventures\/fishing\/\">fishermen<\/a>, the lake&#8217;s appeal lurks in the deep \u2014 lake trout. Known as one of the best &#8220;mackinaw&#8221; fisheries in the country, the reservoir also harbors a healthy population of kokanee salmon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best way to enjoy it:<\/strong>&nbsp;While Lake Granby offers a wide array of camping and home-rental options nearby, it is best enjoyed with a pontoon boat. Rent one from one of the lake&#8217;s marinas and enjoy the company of friends on this scenic lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"williams-fork\">WILLIAMS FORK RESERVOIR BOATING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What makes it special:<\/strong>\u00a0Located well off the beaten path, <a href=\"\/places-to-go\/natural-attractions\/lakes-rivers\/williams-fork-river\/\">Williams Fork Reservoir<\/a> appeals to those looking for some peace and quiet and a lot of hungry fish. Deep in the reservoir\u2019s waters lurk several trophy-sized northern pike. The lake&#8217;s boat ramps don&#8217;t accommodate all motorboats.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.denverwater.org\/recreation\/williams-fork-resevoir\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See the official website for more information<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best way to enjoy it:<\/strong>&nbsp;Due to its exposure and location between several distant mountain ranges, Williams Fork Reservoir gets a lot of wind \u2014 much to the delight of windsurfers. Because of the chilly snowmelt-fed waters, a wetsuit is not just recommended, it&#8217;s virtually required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best way to enjoy it:<\/strong> Due to its exposure and location between several distant mountain ranges, Williams Fork Reservoir gets a lot of wind \u2014 much to the delight of windsurfers. Because of the chilly snowmelt-fed waters, a wetsuit is not just recommended; its virtually required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wolford\">WOLFORD MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR BOATING<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What makes it special:<\/strong>\u00a0Located in the northern section of Middle Park just beyond Kremmling on Highway 40, <a href=\"\/places-to-go\/natural-attractions\/lakes-rivers\/wolford-mountain-reservoir\/\">Wolford Mountain Reservoir<\/a> offers a stark beauty that is unique to Colorado. Windswept mountain plains and sage-dotted land surround its shores. Out on the water, boaters can enjoy fishing for rainbow and brown trout, as well as kokanee salmon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best way to enjoy it:<\/strong>\u00a0With its beautiful location and craggy views of the nearby Gore Range, Wolford Mountain Reservoir offers next-level\u00a0<a href=\"\/lodging\/campgrounds-rv-parks\/\">camping<\/a> right by the marina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-deep-teal-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-077a987cb3ede2e4d5b6800711dcf716\">Need a Boat Rental? We&#8217;ve Got You Covered<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nearly every lake on this list has outfitters and marinas nearby where you can rent a vessel. Check out this guide to Grand County\u2019s <a href=\"\/things-to-do\/outdoor-adventures\/water-sports\/\">Colorado boat rentals<\/a> for spots where you can buy boats by the hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-deep-teal-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-07632feacf4cfff982fbf2c227dfade8\">More Colorado Lake Activities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for more things to do by the water? Check out these activities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/things-to-do\/outdoor-adventures\/kayaking-rafting\/\">Get all the information you need to spend a day kayaking or rafting<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/things-to-do\/outdoor-adventures\/paddle-boarding\/\">Enjoy a tranquil day on a stand-up paddleboard<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/things-to-do\/outdoor-adventures\/hot-springs\/\">Spend an afternoon soaking at these hot springs and spas<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Grand County is a boater&#8217;s paradise. This guide highlights the best lakes for motorized boating, sailing, jet skiing, and kayaking. Find marinas, rental information, and safety tips for cruising the clear waters of Lake Granby and Grand Lake.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2839,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2349"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2349\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11709,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2349\/revisions\/11709"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2839"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}