At a Glance
- Drive from Cabins: ~20 min
- Lake Size: 7,256 acres
- Fee: None (Arapaho NRA)
- Key Draw: Kokanee fishing
Lake Granby Overview
Lake Granby is Colorado's second-largest reservoir with over 7,000 acres of water surface. It's located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area south of Grand Lake — a 20-minute drive from Grand Lake Cabins properties. The lake offers a different character than Grand Lake: larger, more open, and oriented toward motorized boating and fishing.
The lake is surrounded by forested ridgelines with the Indian Peaks Wilderness forming the southern boundary of the recreation area. It's a less well-known destination than Grand Lake but equally beautiful in its own way.
Recreation at Lake Granby
Boating, waterskiing, and jet skiing are permitted on Lake Granby — activities not common on the smaller, quieter Grand Lake. Multiple boat ramps provide access around the lake. Fishing for kokanee salmon is the primary draw for serious anglers, with the lake holding one of Colorado's better kokanee populations.
Camping at the Arapaho Bay campground and other sites provides an alternative to cabin lodging for those who want a more traditional camping experience. The campground is on the southern shore of the lake with access to Indian Peaks Wilderness trails.
As a Day Trip from Grand Lake
Lake Granby makes an easy day trip from a Grand Lake cabin stay. Drive south on Highway 34 through Granby and follow signs to the recreation area. Combine a morning of kayaking or fishing on Lake Granby with a visit to the Monarch Lake area for a hike into Indian Peaks.
The variety between Grand Lake (intimate, national park adjacent) and Lake Granby (expansive, recreation-focused) makes visiting both worthwhile during a multi-day stay.