Grand Lake

The tiny town of Grand Lake, known to locals as Grand Lake Village, is doubly blessed by its surroundings. It's the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and also sits on the shores of its namesake, the state's largest natural lake and the highest-altitude yacht anchorage in America. With views of snowy peaks and verdant mountains from any vantage point, Grand Lake Village is favored by Coloradans for sailing, canoeing, waterskiing, and fishing. In winter it's the snowmobiling and ice-fishing destination. Even with its wooden boardwalks, Old West-style storefronts, and usual assortment of souvenir shops and motels, the town seems less spoiled than many other resort communities.