Grand Lake

Grand Lake is a natural body of water in Grand County, Colorado, formed by ancient glaciers and covering roughly 500 acres. The depth reaches nearly 390 feet (120 meters) in some parts, making it the deepest naturally occurring lake in the state.

European hunters reached this area in the 1880s and renamed the water after its size. Starting in the 1940s, a portion of the water began flowing through an underground tunnel eastward to supply farms and power plants on the other side of the Continental Divide.

The Ute people called this water Spirit Lake, believing that unseen forces dwell beneath its cold surface. Even in summer, few swimmers venture in because the temperature remains low and the water carries a dark, mountain-fed tint.

A yacht club runs docks and rentals along the western shore, where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and larger boats for a few hours or the full day. During calm morning hours the water usually stays flat, while wind picks up in the afternoon and can make paddling harder for less experienced visitors.

Regatta races take place here every August despite the altitude of over 8300 feet (2530 meters), which makes breathing harder while sailing. The races count among the highest organized sailing events in North America and draw competitors from several states.