1. Grand Lake is 8000 feet elevation. To avoid altitude sickness, drink plenty of water. I would recommend holding off from too much booze until you get to Grand Lake, where your body can acclimate to the elevation. 2. While driving to Grand Lake, you will go through Berthoud Pass (before getting to Winter Park). This mountain pass has a lot of switchbacks and steep drop offs. Drivers - do not text or sight see while driving! There are plenty of pull offs where you can pull over and enjoy the views. You can also use these pull offs if there are cars behind you that would like to pass.