Summer Road Trip To Twin Lakes!

For a great road trip, head to Twin Lakes, Colorado, this spring! Set near the edge of two of Colorado’s largest glacial lakes, this historic village is both picturesque and welcoming. Businesses in Twin Lakes, and the jaw-dropping drive over Independence Pass, re-open by Memorial Day weekend, depending on snow conditions.

TOP OF THE ROCKIES SCENIC BYWAY

The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, also known as Highway 82, is a popular route between Twin Lakes and Aspen. This twisty-turning road climbs to the summit of Independence Pass, with jaw-dropping views at 12,905’. It’s open only in the summer months. Please check Colorado Department of Transportation for road conditions.

On the east side of the pass, businesses in Twin Lakes open for summer by Memorial Day Weekend, and so do the Twin Lakes campgrounds. Come see this peaceful, historic village!

EARLY SPRING

The Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon is open through March for weekend lodging, Friday and Saturday nights for dinner (4:30-8 p.m.) and brunch Saturdays and Sundays (9:30 a.m. -1 p.m.). The nearby Mt. Elbert Lodge, which offers B&B rooms in the main lodge as well as cabins, is also open all winter. Check out great places to stay in Twin Lakes, Colorado.

7 FUN SUMMER THINGS TO DO

Here are seven things you can do in Twin Lakes:

1) Get caffeinated. Jump start your day with a hot cuppa joe from Perkolated Peak’s Coffee Van—great coffee with a Colorado vibe.

2) Get the scoop on what to do in Twin Lakes. Head to the Red Rooster Visitor Center for visitor info with a smile. If you’ve been out of cell phone range, you can use the Wi-Fi to check in—and post that amazing lake pic on Instagram.

3) Find unique local art. A small-town treasure shop, the Shooting Star Gallery features pottery, photography, and paintings, fiber arts, wood carvings, jewelry, and much more by local artists.

4) Pick up souvenirs, camping supplies, and locals’ tips. Stop by the Twin Lakes General Store for gas, food, snacks, one-of-a-kind cool souvenirs, camping supplies, wine and beer. You can also find great advice for how to enjoy Colorado’s tallest mountain and largest glacial lakes.

5) Grab lunch to go—then sit by the lakes. If you’re hankering for burgers, smoked pulled pork, a Reuben, ribbon fries, or more, Punky’s Food Truck is ready with a scrumptious hot lunch!

6) Have a scrumptious sit-down lunch or dinner. The Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon will open for lunch Friday through Sunday, and dinner every night of the week. Salads, soups, entrees, and desserts so delicious that you’ll want to stay another day! The Inn also offers lodging every night starting Memorial Day weekend.

7) Take a boat ride. Head for open water with Twin Lakes Interlaken Boat Tours. These fascinating narrated tours take you to Interlaken, a ghost resort on the lake’s far side, accessible only by foot or by boat. Call (903) 930-1568 to confirm the opening date and reserve your spot.

MORE ABOUT TWIN LAKES

Want to learn more about these gorgeous lakes and this friendly town? Check out 10 more reasons to visit Twin Lakes.

Now Open for Summer! Leadville and Twin Lakes Colorado

Memorial Day has arrived and it is officially summer in Colorado’s high country! Visit Leadville-Twin Lakes for zipline adventures, scenic train rides, fascinating museums, live music, delicious food, comfortable cabins, […]

High Country, High Standards: Enjoy Leadville Responsibly This Summer

Summer in Leadville and Twin Lakes is a spellbinding time of year. As the snow continues to melt, wildflower-filled meadows come to life, wildlife becomes more active, and frozen streams […]

Pedal Power: The Best Road Biking Routes & Races in Leadville

Leadville and Twin Lakes offer some of the most scenic and rewarding road biking in the state. We’ve rounded up the best routes and races in the area, sorted by […]

Elevate Your Summer: Raft, Reel, Repeat in the Arkansas River Valley

Welcome to your perfect summer escape — where mountain peaks meet rushing rivers and anglers and paddlers alike find their paradise. Whether you’re in search of thrills on whitewater rapids […]

Stargaze In Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado

If you dream of mystical dark skies full of stars, plan a visit to Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado! Here you can peer deep into the universe, see the Milky Way, and make […]

Highways to Heaven: Experience the Roads Before the Crowds

Looking for that magical moment when you feel like the mountains are all yours? There’s a sweet time of year on the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, before the […]

Experience Colorado’s Two-Season Spring in Leadville Twin Lakes

In most places, spring means saying goodbye to winter. But in Leadville and Twin Lakes, it means you can get both seasons in one incredible day! Here, snowshoes and sun […]

Spring into Stewardship: Your Guide to Slush, Mud, and Mountain Magic

Springtime in Leadville and Twin Lakes is a season of contrasts. As the snow begins to melt under the warming sun, the landscape transforms into a unique blend of lingering […]

Goggle Tans & Goodbye Runs

Saying Farewell to Ski Season in Leadville As the snow starts to melt and the goggle tans become badges of honor, it’s time to celebrate the end of another epic […]