Welcome to the Arapaho National Recreation Area (ANRA) - a 36,000 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 lakes: 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".

USDA Forest Service manages the ANRA to provide high quality recreation, conservation of scenic and historic values, and stewardship of natural resources. Maintenance of water quality and quantity are paramount in the multiple-use management of the ANRA and surrounding national forest lands.