My Experience:

At an elevation of 8,300 feet, and surrounded on three sides by the Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is stunning.  Even more so is Grand County covering over 1,870 miles of forests, lakes, valleys and mountains.

Those of you might recall I made my first visit to Grand Lake in the summer, and found it so appealing and fun, that I was hoping to return in the winter, more so to also prove that Grand Lake/Grand County is a year round destination.

Invited back for the annual Winter Carnival in Grand Lake, once again I stayed at the Western Riviera Lakefront Motel, steps from the main street filled with shops, restaurants, a theater, bowling alley and night life.  Also steps from the lake, which was right out my front door.

The Winter Carnival brings this small winter wonderland to life with snow mobile races on the frozen lake, tea pot curling on the ice rink in town, plus bed sled races, human bowling, snow golf, and an evening party topped off with fireworks bursting over the lake.

What a wonderful time I had, and now I see why those who love winter, Nordic cross country skiing, snow mobiling, snow shoeing, and good old fashion fun flock each year to Grand Lake for the Winter Carnival.

This California girl had the time of her life and met town folks with a kindred spirit that embodies living life to the fullest.  So remember, Grand County isn’t just for the summer, enjoy this Colorado playground year round!

In Part Two – we’ll visit my next stop in Grand County – Latigo Trails Dude Ranch.