Tucker & Maki (aka Taki)
Things To Do
Rocky Mountain National Park
It's a short 15 minute drive to Rocky Mountain National Park from Grand Lake. We love coming here in September for the elk rut (see link below), which we view in Kawuneeche Valley before dusk. Before dawn is the other opportunity to witness. Also, this is a great area to see moose! A park pass is required to enter RMNP. The timed-entry system can be confusing - basically, if you want to enter at peak hours between 9a - 2p you need a timed entry pass and must enter in the designated window; but, no matter your pass, you can enter any time before 9a or after 2p (which would apply for elk rut timing).
Lake Activities
The lake is beautiful! It's the largest natural lake in Colorado, and you can rent a boat, paddle board, kayak, etc. Or enjoy from shore at the beach or Point Park - we love picnicking at Point Park and watching boats navigate the channel between Grand Lake and connected Shadow Mountain Lake. There are some pretty amazing lodging rentals right on the lake, if you'd like to enjoy it right out your window/door!
Leaf Peeping
Leaf peeping is our most basic hobby - we don't care if you judge us, but we'd rather you join us ;) You'll have great views on the drive from Winter Park to Grand Lake (especially between Granby and Grand Lake), and the colors around town should be peak. In our experience, our wedding weekend will be towards the end of peak colors for Grand Lake, and colors will start popping the prior weekend. If you can spend some extra time in town, plan for earlier rather than later (we will be there earlier!).
Extending Your Trip
In the Sep 20 - Oct 5 timeframe, we spend as much time in the mountains as possible. If you can extend your stay, it will be worth it! Generally speaking, northern / higher elevations peak earlier, and southern / lower elevations peak later (see colors timing map link below). Where to spend time before the wedding: If you can stay extra time in Grand Lake, earlier would be better for peak colors. Steamboat Springs is another amazing town that peaks earlier, and we've often paired with our annual Grand Lake weekend. We particularly love Strawberry Hot Springs in Steamboat for soaking in the water and colors! Before or after: The I-70 corridor should be peaking both before and after, including Frisco, Breckenridge, Vail, etc. After: Crested Butte is our absolute favorite, and where we got engaged! We always spend a night near Redstone, and hike Crystal Mill the next day before taking Kebler Pass to Crested Butte. Happy to give more recs if extending your trip!
Meandering Moose Mini Golf
This is our favorite mini golf spot in the mountains and of course, given our competitive nature, we take it seriously when we play. The view is the best part as it overlooks the town and you can see the mountains and aspens.
Sagebrush BBQ & Grill
Our go-to spot for bbq (hard to surpass KC bbq though) and football, either to watch the Dawgs or Chiefs play. 🏈