Overview

Lake Granby is not only a beautiful lake near the Winter Park area, but it is also a reservoir, serving the Front Range/Greeley area since its creation in 1940. With forty miles of shoreline, fishing is a huge draw, especially since it is regularly stocked and subsequently has a thriving population of mackinaw (lake trout), browns and rainbows, as well as salmon. As part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area, Lake Granby is the second largest body of water in Colorado, and it is over 220 feet in some places.

Location/Directions

Lake Granby is the first lake you'll see after traveling from the Winter Park area toward the town of Grand Lake; it's about a 25 minute drive. Drive north on US Highway 40 from Winter Park through Granby, and then turn right onto Highway 34, East toward Grand Lake. The Arapaho Bay sign is on the right, and County Rd. 6/Forest Rd. 125 indicates the first turnoff for this lake.

Activities

A popular spot for water recreation, fishing (including ice fishing), and camping; boaters, fishermen, campers and sightseers flock to Lake Granby. The Continental Divide towers on the horizon, making for an impressive backdrop. Boat docks are available and all watercraft is welcome. Fishing licenses are required; Lake Granby is known for its record-size trout, some weighing in over 30 pounds and measuring over three feet in length!

Campgrounds

There are five campgrounds in the Arapaho National Recreation Area; the three listed below are the closest to Lake Granby. For more information regarding reservations, rates and availability, contact the Sulphur Ranger District/USDA Forest Service. The address: 9 Ten Mile Drive, Box 10, Granby, CO 80446. Office Hours: M-F from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone: 970-887-4100 or 970-887-4101.

• Stillwater campground has many campsites right on the shores of Lake Granby and offers hot water showers, some electric hook-ups and a dump station. Directions: From US Highway 40, take Highway 34 and drive East for 8.6 miles to campground sign. Make a right into campground.
• The Arapaho Bay campground is ideal for RV's and tent campers alike; it has grills and picnic tables available, but no hot showers or dump station. Directions: At intersection of Highway 40 and Highway 34, drive East on Highway 34 about 5.5 miles to the Arapaho Bay sign (County Rd. 6/Forest Rd.125). Turn right onto Forest Rd. 125 and travel for 8.9 miles. Campground will be on left.
• Sunset Point campground offers majestic views of the Rocky Mountain National Park and the lake; no toilets or hot showers are available but you can access the dump station at the Stillwater campground.

Lake Granby Marinas

Fishing by pontoon boat continues to draw people throughout the summer season to Lake Granby. Beacon Landing Marina rents pontoon boats and provides dock space throughout the season. There is a huge demand for boats on Lake Granby, and boats are reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Early reservations are recommended. Fishing licenses are available at Beacon Landing or other sporting good stores found throughout Grand County, Colorado.

Contact the marinas directly for watercraft rental information.

• Lake Granby Marina: 970-887-3456
• Highland Marina on Lake Granby: 970-887-3541