All About Twin Lakes

The breathtaking natural beauty of Colorado's largest glacial lakes, reflecting some of the nation's highest peaks, makes Twin Lakes one of the world's most scenic places.

A fifteen-minute drive from Leadville, or hour-long journey during the summer over Independence Pass from Aspen, will take you to a peaceful world of pristine mountain landscapes.
The Historic Village of Twin Lakes, once busy as a mountain transportation hub between Aspen and Leadville during the gold rush days, was described in 1885 as "the most charming summer mountain resort in Colorado." Very little has changed in Twin Lakes since then.

The Red Rooster Tavern and Brothel is now home to the Twin Lakes Visitors Center. The general store, hotel, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and vacation homes of the early miners are part of the National Historic Register. The yearround population is less than 50, but you'll find hotels, lodges, cafes, gift shops, kayak and canoe rentals, boat tours, and art galleries all within a short walking distance.

The world-famous Interlaken Hotel,
one of the state's most impressive
resorts in the 1880s, once boasted a hotel, hotel annex, tavern, barn, and pool hall. Quite notable for its time, the resort also offered a unique sixsided privy with a separate room and door for each side reserved for hotel guests. The hotel, which is now maintained by the u.S. Forest Service, is undergoing restoration and can be accessed by trail or boat for a fascinating trip back in time.

For Outdoor Enthusiasts,
there's No Better Place to be…

For hiking: the Colorado Trail, Continental Divide Trail, a spectacular 12-mile trail around the lake, the Mount Elbert Trailhead (14,433') and numerous local trails are all centered from the Village. The Twin Lakes Visitor's Center staff can direct you to the trailheads.

For camping: in addition to dispersed camping, there are five National Forest Service developed campgrounds in the Twin Lakes area: Dexter, Lakeview, Parry Peak, Twin Peaks and white Star. Campsites at Dexter, Parry Peak and Twin Peaks Campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Lakeview and white Star Campgrounds have a combination of reservable and nonreservable sites.

For fishing: formed by glacial activity, the Twin Lakes cover 1,700 acres & are a year-round favorite with anglers. The area is also home to many smaller lakes and streams which offer incredible views along with the catch of the day.

Visitors will find the central location of Twin Lakes makes it an ideal place to stay while taking day trips to Aspen, Leadville an Buena Vista. In May 2007, Independence
Pass was added to the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. with a summit at 12,095 feet, this Pass connects Twin Lakes and Aspen, and is open during the summer months. Independence Pass is ringed with 13,000-foot peaks, including Mt. Champion, Geissler Mountain, Twining Peak, Grizzly Peak and Casco Peak.

Today, Twin Lakes is experiencing a renaissance as more & more people seek its peacefulness & slower pace. As winter sports & outdoor activities continue to grow in popularity, Twin Lakes is also becoming more of a year round destination. It's an ideal setting for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, & the occasional round of ice golf.

Surrounded by undeveloped public lands, every day in Twin Lakes can be a new experience. Ghost towns, lake & stream fishing, hidden beaver ponds, bagging 14ers, touring historic mines, wildlife viewing, summer snow sliding, canoeing & windsurfing are just a few of the activities that make Twin Lakes one of Colorado's best-kept secrets.