Lakes & Rivers

Grand County has the most accessible water in Colorado. From swimming and paddleboarding to boating and fishing — the list of ways to enjoy our waterways is endless.
Waterways in Grand County
- Grand Lake
- Lake Granby
- Shadow Mountain Lake
- Monarch Lake
- Wolford Mountain Reservoir
- Green Mountain Reservoir
- Colorado River
- Fraser River
- Blue River
- Williams Fork Reservoir

Grand Lake
With over 4 miles of shoreline, Grand Lake is the largest and deepest natural body of water in Colorado.
Details
Lake Granby
Lake Granby is the third-largest body of water in Colorado and was created in 1950 by the Granby Dam and the Colorado-Big Thompson Project.
Details
Shadow Mountain Lake
Shadow Mountain Lake is a high-elevation reservoir near the headwaters of the Colorado River — and it’s beloved by boaters and anglers.
Details
Monarch Lake
Monarch Lake, in the Arapaho National Recreation Area, is a serene waterfront retreat amid craggy peaks, dense forests and abundant wildlife.
Details
Wolford Mountain Reservoir
Located on Muddy Creek, Wolford Mountain Reservoir offers plenty of recreation on the water and in the surrounding wilderness.
Details
Green Mountain Reservoir
Green Mountain Reservoir serves the Western Slope community by providing water from the Colorado River, but it is also the perfect location to enjoy the great outdoors.
Details
Colorado River
The 1,450-mile Colorado River passes through seven U.S. states and two Mexican states — and it all starts right here in Grand County.
Details
Fraser River
The Fraser River is the first main tributary river to the Colorado River, and it offers Gold Medal waters for anglers.
Details
Blue River
The Blue River, a spur from the Colorado River, is a Gold Medal fishery, and one of the most scenic waterways in Colorado.
Details
Williams Fork Reservoir
Surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, the 1,860-acre Williams Fork Reservoir — created by a dam in 1959 — serves both as a peaceful escape for boating, fishing and camping, and as a functional exchange reservoir.
DetailsSplash-worthy Adventures
Looking for more river-rafting routes, kayaking lakes and swimming spots? Check out these summer trip ideas.
Learn MoreGet Inspired
Whether you’re seeking an adventure, a relaxing retreat or some family fun, we have all the inspiration you need to plan your trip to Grand County.
Getting Around
Once you get to Grand County, use one of our local transportation options to navigate from town to town.
Maps & Guides
Find your way around Grand County towns.
Request Info
Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter. Learn about updates, trip planning ideas, specials and events in Grand County, Colorado.