Nestled in the Rocky Mountains a two-hour drive from Denver is the cute little town of Grand Lake, Colo. The western-style town — complete with wooden-boardwalk sidewalks, a couple of peanut-strewn saloons and a popular go-kart track — is located on the shore of Grand Lake, the state’s largest natural body of water and the headwaters of the Colorado River. The town is also the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, so it’s a bustling place on summer weekends.
Moms and daughters are ready to ride at Winding River Resort. I’m riding Lady and Avery is on Midnight. The two-hour rail ride took us into Rocky Mountain National Park, where we saw deer and a herd of elk.
We were fortunate to visit mid-week with friends from Denver and had our pick of activities. We explored town, went horseback riding at Winding River Resort, introduced the children to go-karting (sadly, no images. They loved it!) and motored around the lake on a posh pontoon boat. Since pictures sometimes speak louder than words, here are some visual highlights from our time in Grand Lake.
Bennett loves horses, but he’s not quite ready to handle his own mount so Blake led him around Winding River Resort on a 30-minute pony ride.
This is Bennett’s second time horseback riding this summer. He’s a natural, no?
On the trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. The girls were up by our guide, Aubry, while my friend Becky and I brought up the rear.
After the rides the kids got to hang out with calves, chickens, piglets, sheep and more horses, all on resort property next to the stables.
After horseback riding and go-karting it was lake time. The water is a freezing 62F (16C) so we opted to stay atop it in a “poshtoon” boat. Everyone got a chance to drive, including Avery and Bennett. All we were missing was a cooler of beer and some tunes.
Enjoying the scenery, which includes towering mountains and giant lakefront log “cabins” complete with boat houses.
Sunset over neighbouring Shadow Mountain Lake. We already miss Colorado!
We had such a great time in Grand Lake. Special thanks to our friends Becky, Ryan, Annie and a very tolerant Percy James (their golden retriever that Bennett repeatedly tried to “dogback ride”) for hosting us on the Colorado leg of our road trip. Up next… Utah!
Drink - Play - Love 