About Arapaho National Recreation Area
Welcome to the Arapaho National Recreation Area (ANRA) - a 35,000 acre scenic water wonderland in the upper reaches of the Colorado River Valley. The ANRA was established by Congress in 1978 and contains five major reservoirs: Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Lake, Monarch Lake, Willow Creek Reservoir and Meadow Creek Reservoir. Grand Lake, adjacent to the ANRA, with its deep, clear blue waters, is the largest natural lake in Colorado. Together, the lakes and reservoirs are often referred to as the "Great Lakes of Colorado." The ANRA is a world-class place to boat, camp, hike, fish, ice fish, snowmobile, view wildlife, horseback ride and hold events.The ANRA’s campgrounds include Arapaho Bay, Green Ridge, Sunset Point, Stillwater, Willow Creek, and the Cutthroat Group Campground. Dispersed camping is allowed near Meadow Creek Reservoir, along some of the eastern shore of Lake Granby (Map, pdf 4 MB) and along other roads within the recreation area identified for dispersed camping on the Sulphur Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map.PLEASE NOTE: Visitors that hike trails leading west from the Monarch Lake, Roaring Fork or Junco Lake Trailheads are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness regulations and permit requirements.All vehicles (including automobiles, RVs, ATVs, and snowmobiles) must display a valid pass. Campground fees are additional. Passes are required on long-term moored boats. Boats trailered in for short periods are covered by the vehicle pass. ANRA fees are covered under Interagency Passes properly displayed on the vehicle dashboard or from a mirror hangtag with the signature side visible to enforcement personnel. Fees are also required to use the waters of Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Lake Granby.
