Twin Lakes
Deep in Colorado, discover a picture-perfect view: two large, sparkling glacial lakes reflecting some of the nation’s highest peaks. 📷: @saratrankler / Instagram
Peaceful Stays in Twin Lakes
Stay in this historic village and start your morning by watching the sun rise over the lakes, looking for wildlife on the marshy shores, taking photographs, or enjoying a quiet breakfast on your porch. Or sleep under the stars in nearby campgrounds and wake to views of the lakes.
Tour the village, described in 1885 as “the most charming summer mountain resort in Colorado” to find a general store, hotel, blacksmith shop, and schoolhouse from the mining days, all listed on the National Historic Register. Inns, a restaurant, and an art gallery and gift shop are all within a short walking distance.
Campgrounds are available at Twin Lakes, with dispersed camping allowed in some areas nearby. No camping or fires are allowed on the Southeast side of the Twin Lakes dam. Please check for fire restrictions and other updated info on our Camping page.
Adventuring on the Lakes
Rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard to float on the lake, or take a guided boat tour to the former Interlaken resort. Please note there are no fires, camping, or parking on beaches on the Southeast side of the dam at Twin Lakes. U.S. Forest Service signs are posted in this area.
Hikes and Bikes to Remember
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Feeling adventurous? Get up early to bag 14er Mt. Elbert (14,438’), Colorado’s highest peak, or cycle up Independence Pass.
Or choose a hike or mountain bike ride on the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail: a sage-studded route around the lake, a lake-shore trip to Interlaken, or a rolling path through aspen groves. Rent an e-bike on which to explore. For a scenic workout, make the climb up Hope Pass that is part of the famed Leadville Race Series 100-mile trail run.
In the winter, the road is plowed through Twin Lakes, so you can access these trails for magical snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.
Ideal Base Camp for Day Trips
For mining history, antiquing, shops, and restaurants, plan a day trip to Leadville or Buena Vista, each just half an hour away.
In summer, drive the National Scenic Byway that twists and turns up to 12,095’ Independence Pass, ringed with high peaks. To explore Aspen, continue on, just an hour’s drive from Twin Lakes. (The pass is open Memorial Day to October.)
Trip Planning Tips
Stop by the Twin Lakes Visitor Center for in-person tips from friendly locals. Or visit the Twin Lakes website to learn more about the history, businesses, and lodging in Twin Lakes, plus plenty of fun things to do. See you at the lakes!
Care for Colorado!
Please always
- Check for Fire Restrictions — and Follow Them!
- Take Care with Fire
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
And please take our Adventure by Nature Pledge.
Thank you for helping to protect our forests and homes!
Winter & Spring Trips
Visiting in winter or early spring? Please check our Colorado Backcountry Winter Safety Resources and the current avalanche forecast before you head into the backcountry!
