In August my husband and I would like to visit Colorado and perhaps rent a condo right on a lake. We would then do day trips from there and also have some R&R. My husband will golf and I would like to renew my soul staring at the water. Which site would you choose if you were me and why? We are in our early 60's and have never been to Colorado. Thanks for your help. H

I would pick Grand Lake. It seems to be quieter than Lake Dillon (IMO), and you will have easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park, which is a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing. I don't know about golf in the area.

Reeder,

This is a tough one. If I were to pick one lake solely to "stare at the water and renew my soul" it would definitely be Grand Lake. However, when you throw golf, daytrips and the fact you've never been to Colorado before into the mix, I might opt for Lake Dillon.

The reason I say this is that Grand Lake is fairly remote whereas Lake Dillon is surrounded by mountain towns. Frisco is one of my favorite mountain towns and is right on Lake Dillon. Breckenridge is fifteen minutes away; Denver (if you wish to take a daytrip to explore) is only an hour and a half away.

Furthermore, I believe there is really only one golf course in Grand Lake and it is still 15 - 20 miles even from there. I honestly don't even know if it's a good course or not. Near Lake Dillon, on the other hand, you have golf courses in Keystone, Breckenridge, Dillon, Copper Mountain (ten minutes), Vail (45 minutes) and Beaver Creek (1 hour)--just to name a few.

Both are beautiful lakes with gorgeous surroundings, it just depends on your personal tastes, what kind of exploring you wish to do and how important the golf is.

If you opt for Lake Dillon here is a web site to get you started: http://www.resortquestdillon.com/dillon/index.

I don't know anything about condo rentals on Grand Lake as I generally stay in one of the lodges there.

AL

Personally, I'd choose Grand Lake. It's a much more spectacular mountain setting IMHO than Lake Dillon. There are two other lakes that almost connect to it: Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby. But Grand Lake is a natural lake that is stunning.

If you sit on the veranda of the Grand Lake Lodge, you could renew your soul staring at the water forever! Also a great restaurant at the Lodge which has veranda seating. Not sure about condo rentals at Grand Lake, but I'm sure you can find them by searching. Very nice homes line the lake shore, not sure about renting those, but some must be available. Also try Grand Lake Lodge, but it rents out quickly. More rustic cabins in the woods there.

The Grand Lake golf course is just outside town, about 10 minutes away. We haven't golfed there, but we do cross-country ski there every winter. It's very pretty, don't know how it's rated as a golf course, though. There's a nice clubhouse and grill there, too, where you can sit by the windows or on the deck with a book and enjoy the scenery if you aren't golfing. Or walk the course and enjoy the outdoors.

The Dillon area feels like a suburb of Denver to me-- yech, urban sprawl into the mountains. So many new homes, new developments, fast food joints, etc. Really don't like it there. Yes, you can do Breckenridge and Vail from there, too, but it's mostly on I-70 and not very atmospheric IMHO.

Grand Lake, on the other hand, is 'down-home' Colorado. A corny little town, really, but it's authentic and less crowded since it's a bit off the beaten track.

From Grand Lake, you can do a day-trip over the beautiful Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park and into Estes Park. You can also drive to Steamboat, but that's probably at least an hour's drive each way. You can drive into Winter Park, about 45 minutes' each way.

There's a very good nationally- known golf course, Pole Creek, that's between Grand Lake and Winter Park, probably 30 minutes' drive. It, too, has a little clubhouse and grill where you can sit and enjoy the scenery.

Either place you choose, you will fall in love with Colorado-- guaranteed!

I would choose Grand Lake as well... for all the reasons already mentioned.

MaureenB,

You've certainly talked me into it! I now vote for Grand Lake as well.

You're right, it's simply one of the most beautiful areas around.

AL

Yep, Al, I think we're both right. Comparing the natural beauty of Grand Lake to the reservoir of Lake Dillon is apples to oranges.

Topping for Reeder.

We had our wonderful, annual dinner at the Grand Lake Lodge this weekend. Love that place for its log atmosphere, rustic round fireplace in the 'lobby', unbelievable views from its porch.

This year something new in the restaurant-- buffet dining. The food is still excellent, and now you can have all-you-can-eat, if you don't mind serving yourself. The price is $19.95/per, plus $2.50/per for 'premium' seating on the porch (that, too, is new). Highly recommend calling to reserve a porch table.

They have three entrees, two starches, two vegies, plus a dessert table. The night we were there featured citrus-marinated salmon with a pineapple salsa, a carving station with beef tenderloin and sauce au poivre, chicken breasts with a fruit sauce, summer grilled vegies, rice pilaf, roasted red pepper mashed potatoes, chocolate mousse, fresh-from-the-oven cherry and apple pies, tira misu... need I say more?

The historic Lodge is up for sale, in case anyone's interested! We heard the town hopes the new buyer will winterize the place and keep it open year-round.

If you decide on Grand Lake, Reeder, I picked up a free map that includes most of the places for rent on the lake shore. I can look up some names of cabins/condos if you need them.

MaureenB,

As much as we both love Grand Lake Lodge, what do ya say we pool our resources to buy it?

AL

Ok, AL-- let's do it. Now, do you have a cool $3 or $4 million laying around?? Seriously, let's hope it retains its flavor once it changes hands. I imagine as a historic property, it can't be altered too significantly.

MaureenB,

Amen!

AL

I am so curious to know if that lady and her husband went to Grand Lake, and if they enjoyed it? I think I would have to choose Grand Lake over Dillon as well, although I used to LOVE Dillon, CO before they got rid of the old town and built the dam over it...the fishing was great, and it was very rustic....but now? Its so full of homes, condos, townhomes, a few hotels/motels...and it is just really difficult to get around town there. However, in Grand Lake, we always stayed at little cabins there...I don't think we have ever been in the Lodge...we fished a lot at Dillon, but Grand Lake wasn't as easy...just down the road is Granby, which has a really nice little cafe off the main road...(it did, anyway.) And Winter Park is close to Granby, altho not a lot to do there if you aren't a skier...and who would be skiing in the Summer?

I would LOVE to know if that couple did go to Grand Lake and how they liked it, or disliked it...These were interesting comments...I was just looking to see why Lake Dillon was so low...lol

Check out www.vrbo.com for vacation rentals. There are many listed in between Grand Lake and Dillon: Sol Vista, Winter Park, Fraser and Granby which may also work as a good "base" location.

If you are thinking of vacationing in either area, please be aware that the trees on many of the hills surrounding both of these lakes are victims of the pine beetle. Check with your accommodations to see if that will affect your view of your surrounding--if that matters to you.

Check out the maps on this website to see where it is the worst. . http://csfs.colostate.edu/pages/moun...ne-beetle.html

The mountains and the lakes are still gorgeous, however.

You all realize that this is a six year old posting that Mary woke up out of curiosity. The op could be dead.