Town-Base Snowshoeing: Step Out from Grand Lake into Arapahoe National Forest

GRAND LAKE WINTER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

Town-Base Snowshoeing: Step Out from Grand Lake into Arapahoe National Forest

Rent snowshoes in downtown Grand Lake and access hundreds of miles of winter trails that thread Arapahoe National Forest and the edges of Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Town-Base Snowshoeing: Step Out from Grand Lake into Arapahoe National Forest.

Duration
All day
Location
Grand Lake
Operator
On The Trail Rentals
Category
Winter Activities

Adventure brief

Town-Base Snowshoeing: Step Out from Grand Lake into Arapahoe National Forest

From a single shop on West Portal Road you can outfit the whole family and set off into the high-country silence of Arapahoe National Forest and the larger network of trails around Grand County and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Discover a fun and accessible way to explore Colorado’s winter landscapes with snowshoe rentals from On The Trail Rentals in Grand Lake. Located near the breathtaking Arapahoe National Forest, this experience invites you and your family to venture through hundreds of miles of scenic trails under a blanket of snow. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, snowshoeing opens up peaceful backcountry paths, frozen lakeshores, and panoramic mountain views otherwise unreachable in the winter months. Grand Lake itself offers a charming base with cozy shops and dining to warm up after a day on the trail. Plus, the proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park gives visitors an extra dose of awe-inspiring nature. Renting from On The Trail Rentals makes gearing up easy and affordable, ensuring a smooth start to your winter adventure. Embrace the crisp air, quiet forests, and expansive snowy fields with confidence, knowing you have quality equipment and local knowledge supporting your journey. Snowshoeing is a great way to get outside, get moving, and enjoy some of Colorado’s purest natural beauty in winter.

Route Schematic

Typical route schematic

Start at the rental shop, pass the kiosk outside the gate, then choose from connector trails that fan into the forest and regional network.

  1. Rental pickup — 347 West Portal Road

    Collect snowshoes and any rental paperwork at the town location before stepping toward the nearby trail access.

  2. North Supply Kiosk (Stillwater OHV Trail System)

    The kiosk is located outside the rental shop gate and is a recognizable local landmark and trail junction for immediate exploration.

  3. Connector trails into Arapahoe National Forest and beyond

    From the kiosk and nearby paths you can follow numerous routes that link into hundreds of miles of trails around Grand County and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Routes and availability vary with season and conditions; call the operator for current access and multiday arrangements.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE BASE

A single, convenient pickup in town

Snowshoe rentals are available only at the Grand Lake town location, making gear pickup simple and the trailhead effectively at your doorstep at 347 West Portal Road.

THE TRAILS

Immediate access to a vast winter network

From the shop you can snowshoe into Arapahoe National Forest; the North Supply Kiosk (part of the Stillwater OHV Trail System) sits just outside the gate and connects to hundreds of miles of trails around Grand County and Rocky Mountain National Park.

THE PRACTICALS

Flexible rental terms for day or multi-day use

All-day rentals are offered, and multiday rates are available for two or more consecutive days; call the operator for pricing and details (rates do not include taxes or fees).

What the day feels like

What it feels like to set out

You pick up snowshoes in town, step out a few blocks, and quickly find yourself on wide, quiet trails that thread forest and high meadows—routes that tie local connector trails to longer corridors around Grand County and into the edges of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this rental setup is right for

1
FamiliesDesigned to outfit entire families from one town location—rentals accommodate family outings and easy access to nearby trails.
2
Day hikers and casual explorersAll-day rentals let you sample local trails without long-term commitment; pick up and return is handled at the single Grand Lake storefront.
3
Backcountry day usersWith immediate access to connector trails and the forest, the setup suits those who want to head into Arapahoe National Forest for a day of travel on snowshoes.
4
Multiday itinerantsMultiday rates are available for two or more consecutive days, making extended self-guided itineraries possible—call for pricing and details.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Rentals are available for all-day use; multiday rates apply for consecutive-day bookings—contact the operator for availability and seasonal conditions.

What to Bring

Snowshoes are provided by the rental; confirm any additional personal gear recommendations with the operator when you call for pricing and details.

Meeting & Pickup

All rentals are picked up at 347 West Portal Road in Grand Lake—this is the only rental location listed.

Pricing Notes

Multiday rates are available for two or more consecutive days; rates do not include taxes or fees—please call for exact pricing.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where do I pick up snowshoe rentals?

Rentals are available only at the Grand Lake town location: 347 West Portal Road, Grand Lake, CO 80447.

How long can I rent snowshoes for?

All-day rentals are offered, and multiday rates are available for two or more consecutive days; contact the operator for pricing and details.

Can I snowshoe into Arapahoe National Forest from the rental shop?

Yes — you can snowshoe from the town location into Arapahoe National Forest, with the North Supply Kiosk (Stillwater OHV Trail System) located outside the shop gate.

Do rental rates include taxes and fees?

No — rates do not include taxes or fees.

How do I get pricing or make arrangements?

Please call the operator for pricing and details regarding rentals, multiday rates, and availability.

Are rentals available anywhere else?

Snowshoe rentals are now available only at the town location on West Portal Road in Grand Lake.

How this guide was prepared

This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.

  • Verified: 2026-08-13T01:13:50.126Z

Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.

Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.

Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.

Town-Base Snowshoeing: Step Out from Grand Lake into Arapahoe National Forest