Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest natural lake.

As Colorado’s oldest resort community, Grand Lake has tried to preserve its unique heritage. The area is known for fishing, hiking, horseback riding and for its many dude ranches. Biking, boating, water-skiing, camping, rafting and bird-watching are also favorite activities. The Grand Lake Golf Course ranks as one of the top ten in Colorado.

Grand Lake Golf Course

In the winter, alpine and cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling and ice fishing attract many to the area. There are three major downhill ski areas all within an hour’s drive, and Nordic Ski trails can be found at the Grand Lake Nordic Center and in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park Ranger-led Snowshoe Progarm

The first “tourists” to the area were probably Indians who arrived around AD 900 to 1300. They probably came and stayed during the summer and late fall in a setting of beauty with a climate that is unsurpassed even today. Game, fish and other foods were no doubt plentiful as they still are today. Elk and deer still choose this area as a favorite home and may be seen at any time. Beaver still swim in the rivulets and along lake shores. Fish abound in the many lakes in the area, and giant native trout are still taken along with stocked game fish.

Grand Lake is the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and is situated at the headwaters of the Colorado River. Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road on the continent) opened up some of the most interesting scenery to modern-day visitors. Winding your way from Grand Lake to Estes Park, drive past the snowcapped ranges you have seen on travel folders. On a mid-July day you can stop on the top of the pass in the cool, fresh air, have a snowball fight, view the snowfields and gaze at the panoramic views of the mountains.

Elk & Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park

With Grand Lake in our front yard and Rocky Mountain National Park in our backyard, the lakes, rivers and trails here provide the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts of every age in every season. So breathe deep and make your plans to hike it, boat it, fish it, photograph it, snowmobile it, cross-country ski it, snowshoe it, be it, and live it! And, when you’re ready to bed down after an exhilarating day, Western Rivera is here for you and your family.

Rejuvenate your soul in the peace and solitude of nature wrapped in snow covered trails and the warmth of crisp Colorado blue skies. Hear the trill of migrating birds, see the footprints of wildlife and experience the adventures of Grand Lake, the Soul of the Rockies.

The post Grand Lake: The West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park appeared first on Western Riviera.

A toast with the bride & groom on the deck at Western Riviera Lakeside Venue

Bride & Groom at Point Park

Imagine mountain vistas reflecting off Colorado’s largest natural lake at the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park surrounded by the beauty of nature as the setting for your wedding. Think about a venue that provides lodging within walking distance to your party so no one has to drive. How about an onsite caterer, and a florist and photographer right down the street? You can plan your dream wedding right here in Grand Lake in every season!

Point Park provides the perfect setting for your vows followed by a boat ride to Western Riviera’s Lakeside Venue where your guests can greet you as you walk up from the shores of Grand Lake.

Wedding Ceremony at Point Park

Western Riviera Lakeside Venue’s finely finished 2,000 sq. ft. interior space accommodates up to 122 guests, and includes a great room, bar and restrooms. The great room and 1,000 sq. ft. outdoor deck space are perfect for casual or formal events, boasting lake views throughout both the great room and deck! Your guests will be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring mountain vistas reflecting on Grand Lake while watching boats and people along the waterfront. Our staff is available to answer questions for you and will work hard to make your wedding the perfect occasion!

Western Riviera Lakeside Venue

July 4th, Constitution Week Celebrations and New Year’s Eve boast fireworks over the lake during your reception!

Fireworks over Grand Lake

The post Lakeside Weddings near Rocky Mountain National Park appeared first on Western Riviera.

The lakes, rivers and trails in Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park provide the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts of every age in every season.

Grand Lake is Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake.

Spring is in the air offering the first glimpse of offspring — moose, elk, black bear, deer — and the return of nesting birds such as the Osprey and Hummingbirds.

Come on up and rejuvenate your soul on trails, rivers and lakes in the Rockies!

The post Grand Lake & Rocky appeared first on Western Riviera.

Get Married at Western Riviera Lakeside Venue in Grand Lake, Colorado

Imagine mountain vistas reflecting off Colorado’s largest natural lake at the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park surrounded by the beauty of nature as the setting for your wedding. Think about a venue that provides lodging within walking distance to your party so no one has to drive. How about an onsite caterer, and a florist and photographer right down the street? You can plan your dream wedding right here in Grand Lake.

Wedding Ceremony at Point Park in Grand Lake, Colorado

Point Park provides the perfect setting for your vows followed by a boat ride to Western Riviera’s Lakeside Venue where your guests can greet you as you walk up from the shores of Grand Lake.

July 4th, Constitution Week Celebrations and New Year’s Eve boast fireworks over the lake during your reception!

The post Colorado Lakeside Weddings appeared first on Western Riviera.