- Shadow Mountain Lake is open to all watercraft; fishing requires a license and fishermen can expect to catch trout and salmon.
- This lake, along with Grand Lake and Lake Granby, make up the Three Lakes Region of Grand County.
- Of the three lakes, it is the shallowest.
Overview
Shadow Mountain Lake is one of the five lakes that comprise the Arapaho National Recreation Area, and of the three lakes considered to be in the Three Lakes Region of Grand County (Grand Lake, Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain), it is the shallowest, with a maximum depth of 24 feet.
Location/Directions
Of the three lakes, Shadow Mountain Lake is in the middle. From Winter Park, drive to Granby via US Highway 40, and then drive East on US Highway 34 for about 12 miles. The lake will be on the right.
Boating
Boating and fishing are main attractions; no boating restrictions other than to stay out of Osprey populated areas. One boat dock supplies an easy access to Grand Lake. Trail Ridge Marina: For information about dock and boat rentals, call 970-627-3586 or stop by the marina: 12634 US Hwy 34, Grand Lake, CO 80447.
Fishing
The best fly fishing in Arapaho National Forest can be found right below the nearby dam. Trout is best caught at the beginning of summer, with the best time to catch salmon being late in the summer. This lake tends to become weedy due to its shallowness, but its growth is managed with lake drawdowns and freezes. Sport fishing has become quite popular on the lake for its diverse trout species and kokanee salmon. The reservoir provides a healthy fishery for cutthroat, rainbow, brook and brown trout, along with arctic grayling and splake – a brook and lake trout hybrid.
East Shore Trail
The East Shore Trail is close by; this trail is part of the 3,20 mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
Camping
The Green Ridge campground is close to the lake shore but also offers RV and tent campsites that are a little more secluded in the forest. A dump station and flush toilets are available. Directions: At intersection of US Highway 40 and US Highway 34, drive east on US Highway 34 for 11.7 miles to campground sign on right (County Rd. 661/Forest Rd. 274). Make a right onto County Rd. 661/Forest Rd. 274 and drive for 1.5 miles until the next campground sign, and then make a left into the campground.
Additional Information
Contact the Sulphur Ranger District/USDA Forest Service for info regarding campsite availability and rates. Address: 9 Ten Mile Drive, Box 10, Granby, CO 80446. Phone: 877-444-6777 or 970-887-4100.
