Private Tours of Grand Lake Colorado

When you think about going to the mountains in colorado usually people think about the big ski resorts like vail or breckenridge but there is a special place that is a bit quieter and arguably more beautiful called Grand Lake. We at Winter Wagon absolutely love this area and we want to take you there on a private tour so you can see exactly why it is one of our favorite spots in the rocky mountians. It is not just about getting from point A to point B for us it is about the whole experience of seeing the scenery and relaxing while someone else handles the stress of the roads.

Grand Lake is often called the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and it has a totally different vibe than the busy side over in estes park. When you book a private tour with us we can pick you up from denver or the airport or even if you are staying in winter park and want to just come up for the day to explore. We make it super easy for you to just sit back and look out the window at the trees and the snow or the lake depending on when you come visit.

Why Choose a Private Tour to Grand Lake

There are a lot of ways to get around colorado but honestly taking a private car or van is the best way to do it especially if you want to see the sights on your own schedule. When you go with a big shuttle bus you are stuck on their time and you have to wait for other people to load their luggage and sometimes that takes forever. With our private tours it is just you and your group and our driver who is there to make sure you have a great time.

If you want to stop and take a picture of a moose on the side of the road we can do that because we aren’t rushing to get to a bus stop on a schedule. That is the beauty of hiring Winter Wagon for a private tour because we are flexible and we know the area really well. We know where the good spots are to get coffee or where the best views of the frozen lake are if you are visiting in the winter time.

The Drive from Denver to Grand Lake

The drive up to Grand Lake is actually part of the fun if you aren’t the one driving on the icy roads. You usually head west out of denver on I-70 and then turn off to go over berthoud pass which is a huge mountain pass that has some of the most incredible views you will ever see. But it can be kinda scary if you aren’t used to driving in the mountains which is why it is better to let us do the driving for you.

Once you get over the pass you go through winter park and fraser and granby before you finally turn north towards grand lake. It is a beautiful drive through the valley and you can see the continental divide stretching out along the side of you. We love pointing out the different peaks and landmarks along the way to our guests because there is so much history in this valley.

What to Expect in Grand Lake

So when we get you to Grand Lake the first thing you notice is the historic boardwalk which looks like something out of an old western movie. It is really charming and there are tons of little shops and restaurants that you can check out. A private tour gives you the time to walk up and down the street and grab an ice cream or a hot chocolate depending on the weather without worrying about missing your ride.

The lake itself is the deepest natural lake in colorado and it is stunning to look at no matter what time of year it is. In the winter it freezes over and people go ice fishing or snowmobiling on it which is crazy to see if you aren’t from around here. In the summer it is full of boats and people enjoying the water but it is always surrounded by these massive mountains that make for perfect photos.

Rocky Mountain National Park

One of the big reasons people book a private tour to Grand Lake is to go into Rocky Mountain National Park from the west side. The west side is way less crowded than the east side and it is famous for having a lot of moose. We see moose all the time over here and they are massive animals that are really cool to see from the safety of our vehicle.

We can drive you up into the park on trail ridge road as far as it is open which depends on the snow levels. There are some great pull offs where you can get out and stretch your legs and breathe in that fresh mountain air that you just cant get in the city. It is so peaceful up there and having a private driver means you don’t have to worry about parking which can be a nightmare in the national parks these days.

Our Vehicles and Drivers

At Winter Wagon we pride ourselves on having nice vehicles that are comfortable for long drives because we know you don’t want to be cramped up in a tiny back seat. We use suvs and vans that have plenty of room for your legs and your gear if you bring any. We keep them clean and ready for you so when we pick you up you feel like a vip.

Our drivers are also really friendly and they know the roads well which is important when the weather gets bad in the mountains. They check the weather reports and the traffic so you don’t have to stress about it. If there is a storm coming in we know how to handle it and we will get you to your destination safetly. We want you to feel like you are riding with a friend who just happens to be a really good driver.

Customizing Your Day

The best part about a private tour is that we can customize it to what you want to do. If you want to spend the whole day shopping on the boardwalk we can do that. If you want to spend the whole day looking for wildlife in the park we can do that too. Or if you want to combine it with a stop in winter park to see the ski resort we can easily make that happen.

We work with you to figure out the best plan for your day so you get the most out of your trip to colorado. We know that every group is different and some people have kids who need breaks and some people want to go go go all day long. We are happy to accomadate whatever style of travel you prefer because it is your private tour.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

I mentioned the moose earlier but there is actually a lot of other wildlife you might see when you come on a tour with us. There are elk and deer and sometimes even foxes or bears if you are lucky although bears are usually sleeping in the winter. The Kawuneeche Valley inside the park is one of the best places in the entire state to see wildlife because it is so lush and has the river running through it.

Our drivers keep an eye out while they are driving so you don’t miss anything. We have spotted so many cool animals over the years and it never gets old. It is always exciting to see a big bull elk standing in a meadow or a moose wading in the water. These are the memories that you will keep forever and we are glad we can help you find them.

Dining and Food in Grand Lake

You are probably going to get hungry while you are exploring and Grand Lake has some surprisingly good food for a small mountain town. There are places to get great barbeque and burgers and pizza. There is even a really nice lodge nearby that serves amazing meals with a view of the lake.

Since you are on a private tour we can drop you off right at the front door of the restaurant so you don’t have to walk in the cold if it is snowing. We can wait for you while you eat or come back and pick you up when you are done. It is that door to door service that really makes a difference especially when it is chilly outside.

The History of the Area

Grand Lake has a really rich history that goes back a long time before tourists started coming here. It was originally a gathering place for the Ute and Arapaho tribes because of the water and the hunting. Later on miners and trappers came through and then eventually it became a tourist destination.

You can still see some of the old architecture in the town and there are museums if you are interested in learning more about the past. Our drivers know a bit about the history too and can share some fun facts with you while we drive. It adds a nice layer of depth to the tour when you understand the stories behind the places you are looking at.

Connecting Winter Park and Grand Lake

A lot of our clients stay in Winter Park because there is so much lodging there for the ski resort but they want to see Grand Lake too. It is only about a 45 minute drive between the two towns so it is a perfect day trip. You can ski in the morning and then head up to Grand Lake in the afternoon for a totally different scenery.

We can pick you up from your condo or hotel in Winter Park and drive you up there and bring you back whenever you are ready. It is a nice break from the ski slopes and lets you see more of the county. Grand County is huge and there is so much more to it than just the ski hill so we highly recommend getting out and exploring.

Safety and Comfort

We take safety really seriously at Winter Wagon because driving in the mountains can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. Our vehicles are equipped with good tires and we carry emergency supplies just in case. We monitor the road conditions constantly so we don’t put you in a bad situation.

Comfort is also a big priority for us because we want you to relax. The seats are comfy and the heat works great which is vital in the winter. You can connect your phone to play your own music if you want or we can just enjoy the quiet. It is your space for the duration of the tour so we want you to feel at home.

Perfect for Families and Groups

Our private tours are ideal for families because you don’t have to worry about your kids bothering other people on a public bus. You can stop for bathroom breaks whenever you need to which is a life saver with little ones. We can also handle larger groups if you have a big family reunion or a wedding party that wants to do something fun together.

We have moved all kinds of groups over the years and we know how to handle the logistics of getting everyone organized. It takes the stress off the group leader when they know the transportation is handled by pros. You just tell us where to be and we will be there ready to go.

Year Round Tours

Even though our name is Winter Wagon we actually operate all year round because colorado is beautiful in every season. The summer is amazing for hiking and boating and just being outside in the sun. The fall is spectacular with the aspen trees turning yellow and gold all over the mountains.

Spring is a bit muddy but it is also when the baby animals start showing up which is really cute. And of course winter is our namesake and we love the snow. Grand Lake is known as the snowmobiling capital of colorado so if you are into that we can get you there. No matter when you visit we are ready to take you on a tour.

Why We Love Grand Lake

I guess if I had to sum it up I would say we love Grand Lake because it feels real. It isn’t as polished and fake as some of the big resort towns can feel sometimes. The people are friendly and the nature is right there in your face.

When you walk out on the pier at point park and look across the water at mount craig it just takes your breath away. It is a place where you can really disconnect from the world and just be present. That is why we love taking people there because we get to see them experience that feeling for the first time.

How to Book Your Tour

Booking a tour with us is super simple you just have to reach out and let us know your dates and how many people you have. We will work with you to build an itinerary that fits your needs and your budget. We are pretty responsive so you wont be waiting days to hear back from us.

We recommend booking in advance especially during the busy seasons like july and christmas because we do get booked up. But if you have a last minute request definitely try us because we might have an opening. We always try our best to fit everyone in because we hate saying no to people who want to explore.

Final Thoughts on Exploring Grand Lake

So if you are coming to colorado and you want to see something truly special you should definately put Grand Lake on your list. And if you want to see it in style and comfort you should give Winter Wagon a call. We are passionate about what we do and we want to share this amazing place with you.

Don’t settle for a crowded bus or a stressful rental car experience when you can have a private driver taking care of everything. You are on vacation after all so you should treat yourself to a relaxing day. We promise you wont regret making the trip up to the high country to see the lakes and the peaks.

It really is one of those places that stays with you after you leave. The smell of the pine trees and the crisp air and the friendly faces are all part of the charm. We look forward to driving you up there and showing you around our backyard.

A Few More Tips for Your Visit

Just a couple things to keep in mind when you come visit us. The altitude is high here like over 8000 feet so make sure you drink a lot of water. It helps with the headaches and keeps you feeling good. Also the weather changes super fast so bring layers even in the summer because it can get cold at night.

And bring your camera because you are going to want to take a lot of pictures. The light in the mountains is beautiful especially in the early morning or late afternoon. If you are into photography let your driver know and they can take you to some scenic overlooks that have great angles.

Relax and Enjoy the Ride

At the end of the day we just want you to have a good time. We started Winter Wagon because we love driving and we love these mountains. It makes us happy to see our guests happy.

So let us worry about the traffic and the parking and the directions. You just bring your family and your sense of adventure and get ready for a great day in Grand Lake. We will take care of the rest and make sure you get back to your hotel safe and sound.

Thanks for considering us for your private tour needs. We know you have choices but we think our personal touch and local knowledge sets us apart. We hope to see you soon in the rocky mountains!