Arapaho National Recreation Area

The Arapaho National Recreation Area encompasses 36,000 acres of alpine terrain with five lakes, including Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Lake, and Monarch Lake.

The United States Forest Service established this recreational destination in 1978 to protect the natural resources and provide outdoor activities for the public.

The lakes within the recreation area form part of the Great Lakes of Colorado, reflecting the regional importance of water resources in the mountain west.

Visitors need permits for boating activities, and all watercraft undergo mandatory inspection to prevent the spread of invasive species in the lakes.

Lake Granby connects to Shadow Mountain Lake through a canal system, creating an interconnected waterway spanning over 8,600 acres of surface water.

Location: Grand County

Inception: 1978

Operator: United States Forest Service

Website: https://fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/recarea/?recid=81813

GPS coordinates: 40.18333,-105.85056

Latest update: March 4, 2025 02:37