Twin Lakes, Colorado, is open! The area is back to normal now that the Interlaken fire near Twin Lakes is out. As of July 23, 2024, everything is open except for section 11 of the Colorado Trail.

Check out the many fun things to do in Twin Lakes, Colorado!

Photo: @supandcycle

WHAT TO DO

1) PADDLE AND FISH

Enjoy the water! Both lakes are open, and water sports are now allowed. Rent canoes and kayaks from Mt. Elbert Canoe and paddleboards and fishing equipment from SUP & Cycle.

Photo: @supandcycle

2) GO BIKING

Rent mountain bikes from SUP & Cycle and tour the areas north and west of the lakes! The only remaining closure as of July 23, 2024, is section 11 of the Colorado Trail (closed from the junction of Forest Road 399 to the Interlaken Trail). See the current map.

Photo: @mountain.ly

3) GO HIKING

Hike the trails to the north and west of the lakes for forests full of evergreens and aspen groves. Most area trails are now open, including the trail over iconic Hope Pass, along the route of the legendary Leadville Trail 100, a one-hundred mile run that happens each August. Or use Twin Lakes as a base camp for adventures on the Continental Divide Trail / Colorado Trail and nearby 14ers!

The only remaining closure as of July 23, 2024, is section 11 of the Colorado Trail (closed from the junction of Forest Road 399 to the Interlaken Trail). See the current map.

Photo: @etexag

4) TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE

The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, Highway 82, is fully open, offering a scenic drive past the lakes to Independence Pass and over to Aspen.

Photo: @mobileandmonitoring

5) GO CAMPING

Campgrounds near Twin Lakes are open., offering dark skies and starry nights. Attend a stargazing program! Please always practice fire safety and respect any fire bans.

WHERE TO SHOP

6) SHOOTING STAR GALLERY

The Shooting Star Gallery, featuring fantastic works from exclusively Twin Lakes artists, is in the heart of Twin Lakes village, just down the road from its original location. Turn between the Twin Lakes General Store and Twin Lakes Inn and go halfway up the block on County Road 26. You’ll find beautiful art inside!

7) TENDERFOOT SHOP @TWIN LAKES AND TENDERFOOT FARM

Be sure to visit Tenderfoot Twin Lakes. You’ll love the pasture-raised meats, gifts, artisan food, coffee, tea bar and courtyard!

On the way to or from Twin Lakes, stop by Tenderfoot Farm for farm tours. Bring home some goodies from the farm store. Find the farm at the junction of highways 82 and 24, at the turnoff to Twin Lakes.

8) TWIN LAKES GENERAL STORE

Stop by the Twin Lakes General Store for snacks, beverages, clothing, maps, books, souvenirs, and a warm welcome, and much more. Of course you have to meet shop dog Motu at this long-time store, established in 1879.

WHERE TO EAT

9) PERKOLATED PEAKS

Find a great cuppa joe at Perkolated Peaks, a VW-bus-turned coffee shop! Also offering teas, cold drinks, burritos, and snacks.

10) TWIN LAKES INN & SALOON

Savor tasty dinners featuring Colorado and American cuisine at the Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon. This full-service restaurant and bar serves up tasty meal choices and drinks within a true Wild West setting. Diners can enjoy tasty appetizers, drinks, and meals in the bar, the sunroom or in the Dayton Room.

11) TWIN LAKES INN PATIO FOOD COURT – INDY PASS PIES & PUNKY’S

Check out the patio food court at the Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon. Indy Pass Pies offers pizza with pizzazz. You’ll find their tasty pies at the patio food court at the Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon. They join with Punky’s–serving burgers, BBQ, ribbon fries, grilled sandwiches, and more–to offer great food options seven days a week. You can also find adult beverages from the Twin Lakes Inn’s takeout bar.

12) TWIN LAKES ROADHOUSE CAFE

Indulge with specialty coffees, soft serve ice cream, Belgian waffles and baked goods at the Twin Lakes Roadhouse Cafe. Enjoy a great snack and great views on the cafe’s porch!

WHERE TO STAY

13) MOUNT ELBERT LODGE

Mount Elbert Lodge has been serving guests for over 75 years. Situated at the base of Mt. Elbert’s Black Cloud Trail, the lodge is a perfect place to explore this beautiful part of Colorado.

14) STAY TWIN LAKES

Stay Twin Lakes are newly renovated cabins in the heart of Twin Lakes Village. They are brought to you by the owners of SUP & Cycle, who can recommend great ways to enjoy the lakes. You’ll find these cabins to be a great getaway for outdoor recreation and romantic scenery, with a welcoming local scene.

15) TWIN LAKES INN

Get a great night’s sleep at the Twin Lakes Inn, for a unique experience at this inn dating back to 1879.

16) TWIN LAKES ROADHOUSE LODGE

The Twin Lakes Roadhouse Lodge has new owners who invite you to check out the renovations! Don’t miss the decks with comfy chairs and lake views.

17) WINMAR CABINS

Relax in clean and cozy cabins with all the conveniences of home at the WinMar Cabins.

Photo: @madannhayes

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU

Come experience Twin Lakes, Colorado, in its summertime glory! We can’t wait to welcome you and make your trip a wonderful one!

Cover photo: Twin Lakes General Store