Lake escape

Sunset, August, 2006

Grandeur comes in degrees, but by any account, Grand Lake, Colorado, is off the charts. Surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park, it's the largest natural body of water in Colorado, with meandering creeks and cool, verdant meadows all around. High-country wilderness hiking adventures are yours for the taking here, but most people can't resist the siren call of Grand Lake proper.

Much of the 150 miles of scenic shoreline is easily accessed for hiking and fishing. Take a break on sandy beaches, or rent kayaks and paddle past the circa 1902 yacht club. Then, as night falls, dine on the expansive deck of the Grand Lake Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, and watch the placid lake reflection of 10,154-foot Shadow Mountain--as striking a landscape as we've ever seen. www.grandlakechamber.com or 970/627-3402.