Top 11 Best Things to do In Twin Lakes Colorado

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It’s no secret that Colorado has some of the best camping and outdoor recreation, with numerous places to explore all over the state. A favorite that is a great spot to spend a day or weekend is Twin Lakes! In between Leadville and Aspen, the actual town is pretty small to say the least with a few lodging options, one restaurant, a food cart, and a general store. You’ll probably even see backpackers rolling through town that have been hiking the Colorado Trail.

Even though there isn’t much of a town, Twin Lakes still has a lot to offer and is a fun place to spend a weekend or even just a day in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. In this post I’ll be going over how to get to Twin Lakes, where to stay, what to do, and things to know before visiting this unique spot. Alright lets goooo.

Where is Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes is a very small town between Leadville and Aspen in the beautiful state of Colorado . In the summer when Independence Pass is open, you’re likely to drive through it on your way to Aspen or to the top of Independence Pass. Below I’ve listed times and distances from major areas in Colorado.

Denver- 2 hours and 15 min/117.5 miles/189 km

Summit County- 1 hour and 15 min/55.5 miles/89 km

Leadville- 27 min/22 miles/35.5 km

Aspen- 1 hour and 15 min/39 miles/63 km

Vail- 1 hour and 8 min/60 miles/95.5 km

Best time to visit

Twin Lakes is more of a summer destination place, so the best months for outdoor recreation here would be late May to early October. Campgrounds stop taking reservations around Labor Day through the end of September, however there is still BLM (dispersed) campsites around the lake or close by. Weekends will as expected be busier and campgrounds fill up quickly. Make sure to book reservations months in advance.

What to Pack

1. Sunscreen- If you’re outside in Colorado, especially at a higher elevation it’s important to protect your skin. I like Sun Bum, based out of California, because it is none greasy.

2. Sunglasses- Again, the sun will be more intense at a higher elevation so it’s important to have these on a hike or on the lake. Dragon is a favorite brand of mine for shades. They even make sunglasses that float in the water in case they fall off your face.

3. Teva Sandals- If you’re spending time on the lake, a pair of Teva’s are clutch. These sandals are also nice when you are just hanging out at the campsite.

4. Hiking Footwear- Avoid tennis shoes when hiking trails. Anything with good traction and support is what you’ll need. I recommend Merrell because they have many different styles and their soles are Vibram. Also make sure to pack socks that are not Cotton! I highly recommend Smart Wool because they will keep your feet dry and comfortable all day.

5. Rain Jacket- If there is one thing you shouldn’t forget in Colorado, it’s a rain jacket. You’ll want something that not only is waterproof, but also breathable. If you want to go the extra mile buy a jacket with Gore-Tex. There’s a lot of great brands out there however I like Burton rain jackets because they are packable and keep me dry on the trail.

6. Lightweight warm Jacket- Weather in the mountains can change quickly no matter what the weather channel calls for. Always bring a warm jacket. Down jackets are great for hiking because they are packable, lightweight, yet still really warm. I recommend the Baker Down because it packs into it’s left pocket and is great for when you’re doing longer hikes.

7. Headlamp- If you are camping, this is needed. I personally like Black Diamond. They will sell these at any outdoor store.

What to know ahead of time

• Due to weather, it’s not always safe to get on the lake. Keep this in mind if you’re interested in renting a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board for the day.

• Campsites book quickly, especially weekends. Make sure to book months in advance. You can make a reservation for campsite on recreation.gov.

• If you’re not into camping, there is lodging in town, however this needs to be booked ahead of time as well because options are limited!

• Download AllTrails for reviews, interactive maps, and trail information to navigate trails more easily.

• If you need to get food or supplies, do this in Leadville as there is only one small general store in town.

• If you need firewood, Campgrounds and the Twin Lakes General store both sell firewood, however it is more expensive and on days where it is really windy, they might not sell it. Point being, purchase firewood ahead of time if possible.

• Which brings me to my next point. There are times where Colorado summers are extremely dry and with those conditions come fire bans. There’s a chance you might not be able to have a campfire depending on fire danger.

Summer Activities at or near Twin Lakes

1. Hike the Interlaken Trail- This trail is great if you’re looking to do something different from most other Colorado hiking trails. The trail is right on Twin Lakes and will take you to a Historic group of buildings and a home. The buildings were once a place for the wealthier class to vacation at in the late 1800’s. Purchased by Millionaire James Dexter who built the home and had hopes of turning the area into a destination resort, eventually passed away, and with it the resort.

The trail is a little over four and a half miles out and back with 213 feet of elevation gain, perfect for families or people looking for an easier hike. The best time to hike this trail is late spring (May) through Early Fall (October). To get to the parking lot I would recommend AWD or having a vehicle with good tires as the road is somewhat rocky. For more details on this hike, I wrote a detailed blog post that you can find here.

2. Rent a kayak, Canoe or Stand up Paddle board- If the weather is good, a pretty fun thing to do for the day is to rent a kayak, canoe or stand up paddleboard. In town there is Twin Lakes Canoe and Kayak Adventures (also known as Johnny Canoe). There is also a second location right on the lake that is walkable from the White Star Campground. There will be parking close to Johnny Canoe that is paid. If you have a campsite, parking will be free. Just leave your parking pass on the dash.

A life jacket will be provided and I recommend bringing a dry bag to pack your lunch, a jacket, car keys, or even a camera. Hang out on the lake or paddle through the channel to Interlaken. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour one way to Interlaken. Rentals are offered in 2 hour and 4 hour increments.

3. Take a Scenic Drive to the top of Independence Pass- 17 miles west of Twin Lakes is the top of the Continental Divide where Independence Pass is. The drive alone is incredible, especially in the evening! It’s a perfect place to catch a sunset. There are no guardrails and the road itself has a number of switchbacks, so make sure to be careful and drive slowly!

Once you get to the top you will be at 12,095 feet so make sure to bring warm clothing and a rain jacket with you! Parking shouldn’t be an issue as there is a parking lot as well as restrooms at the top. Once you’ve parked, there will be a short paved path you can walk on that ends up overlooking the Sawatch Mountain Range. Peaks such as Ouray Peak, Star Mountain, and La Plata Peak can be see off in the distance.

What is the Continental Divide

The Divide is the topographic line that separates the drainages to either the Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean. This line runs down the Rocky Mountains between Alaska and Mexico. Your probably wondering “what does this have to do with Independence Pass?'“ Well Independence Pass is the highest paved road in North America that intersects with the Continental Divide.

The earliest recordings of travel over the pass were in 1879, when miners found gold near the pass. If you keep driving towards Aspen you will be able to see a small historic mining town on your left. These abandoned mines can be seen scattered through out your drive over the pass. Eventually the pass became abandoned when mining ran its course. The road was resurrected in 1920 and realigned to what it is today.

If you’re looking for a hike on Independence Pass, you can hike the Ridge Line. You’ll notice a dirt trail on the right side as you starting walking up the paved path. This trail is a 4.7 mile out and back hike that has 1,200 feet of Elevation gain that overlooks both sides of the pass with 360 degree views of the Rocky Mountains! I would recommend either doing this hike in the morning or during the day because it takes 2-3 hours to complete. The hike itself is moderate and the trail was pretty smooth the whole way up (Colorado hiking trails typically have a lot of rocks that you have to step over when hiking).

4. Hike the Bartlett Gulch Loop Trail- This trail is great for those looking for something that overlooks the lake and surrounding mountains, but isn’t too difficult or long. You can park at the South Mount Elbert Trail and start byhiking on the 4X4 road. This road will go through Aspen trees, taking you to the top of where the parking is for the start of the South East Mount Elbert Trail. Having All Trails will be beneficial for this hike so that you can see where to turn and Loop back around to the parking lot.

Near the Elbert Parking lot at the top you will see a sign on the left that says Colorado Trail NO 1776, South Elbert TRHD 2 1/2, Take a left here and you will walk through forests with views overlooking Twin Lakes. My favorite time to do this hike is in the late afternoon to evening to catch the Golden Hour as you head back to your car. The Trail is 3.9 miles with 859 feet of elevation gain. Dogs are allowed, but required to be on leash. If you don’t want to hike on the Service road you can do an out and back starting at the trailhead instead of the service road.

5. Wake up early and Hike Mt Elbert- One of the more challenging hikes I’ve done, yet most rewarding, Elbert is the second tallest Peak in the Lower 48 and tallest 14er in Colorado. If you’re unfamiliar with a 14er, it is a mountain peak greater then 14,000 feet. It’s no walk in the park, but Elbert has a well maintained trail that makes it easier to reach the Peak.

There’s 3 different routes, but one of the more scenic routes is the East Ridge Trail. You’ll want to arrive as early as possible, especially on weekends. The earlier the better because you want to reach the summit before potential thunderstorms roll in. In Colorado, Summer afternoons can be notorious for rain showers and storms.There is a small parking lot at the Trailhead and if you have high clearance with AWD, you can drive up the service road to save time and park at the actual start of Mt Elbert.

The trail is a 14.7 mile loop with 4,895 elevation gain and you can read the full detailed guide here. This hike has a lot of variety, starting out right next to the lake then through Aspens and then eventually above tree line with vast 360 degree views of the Sawatch mountain range. Make sure to pack enough water, use sunscreen, and bring warmer clothing as well as a rain jacket.

6. Eat Lunch or Dinner at the Twin Lakes Inn and Saloon- Open for dinner starting at 4pm 6 days a week, Fridays/Saturdays for lunch, and Sundays for Brunch this restaurant is one of the best I’ve been to in Colorado. It’s pretty old fashion on the inside and the property itself has been there since 1879! It even use to be a stagecoach stop and even a brothel.

Although the menu isn’t extensive there’s a lot of creative flavors and great options for apps, salads, entrees and desert. A must stop if you are in Twin Lakes, just make sure to book a reservation ahead of time!

7. Go Camping- There’s plenty of camp spots in the area. If you’re looking for dispersed camping with no facilities there will be sites near the South Mount Elbert Trailhead as well as along the service road near the trailhead. Just make sure to have a high clearance vehicle with AWD if you plan on camping off of the service road. There’s also dispersered camping on the other side of the lake near the Interlaken trailhead. Just make sure to pick up your trash and to pack out what you packed in. Please note there is wildlife in the area so don’t leave any food or trash out unattended.

If you’re looking for campsites with facilities you’ll want to book through recreation.gov asap. Sites will fill up quickly on the weekends in the summer, certain ones being first come first serve. The three main campgrounds near the lake are Whitestar, Dexter, and Lakeview with White Star and Dexter being right on the lake. Campgrounds will provide restrooms, a picnic table, water, and fire pit. If you forgot firewood, chances are the campground ranger will have a stack for sale.

Dispersed Camping (free)

Coordinates: 39.0992854, -106.3673805

Paid Campsites: White Star Campground and Dexter Point will both be right on the lake which eliminates having to drive down to the lake and pay $7 for parking.

• Dexter Point

  • First Come First Served

  • Bathrooms and picnic tables on site, no water available (make sure to bring your own)

  • Check-In: 2pm/Check-Out: 12pm

  • Open Late May/Early June-Tuesday after Labor Day

  • 8 people max, Two Tents/Cars max

  • $20/night, payable by check or cash

  • tent camping, camping trailers

• White Star

  • Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov, up to four days in advance

  • Bathrooms, Fire Rings w/ grates, picnic tables and water available

  • Check-In: 2pm/Check-Out: 12 pm

  • Open Late-May/Early June-End of September

  • 8 people max, two tents/cars max

  • $24/night for Sage Loop, $23/night for Ridge and Valley Loop, payable by check or cash

  • Tent camping, camping trailers

• Lakeview

  • Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov, up to five days in advance

  • Bathrooms, water, and picnic tables available

  • Check-In: 2pm/Check-Out: 12 pm

  • Open Late May/Early June-Tuesday after Labor Day

  • 8 people max, two tents/cars max

  • $24/night, payable by check or cash

  • Tent Camping, Camping trailers

8. Stop by the Visitor Center and check out the historic parts of Twin Lakes - Although small there’s a historic area in town worth checking out. Stop in at the visitor center for a brief history on Twin Lakes or to talk to the visitor center guide. There’s a parking lot right next to the visitor center and behind the building there will be a trail that leads to a lookout above the lake.

9. Interlaken Boat Tour- Not looking to hike to Interlaken or Kayak to it either? not an issue, as you can take a two hour boat tour to this historic area. Tours range in prices depending on your age, but for adults it will be around $50. Boat Tours will start in June and end in September and can be booked through Twin Lakes Boat Tours.

Tours require a 3 person minimum and can hold up to 11 passengers. You’ll depart from the Red Rooster parking lot and plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before your reservation time.

10. Bring a Beach towel or camping chair and hang out at the lake for the day- Bring a cooler, cards, or a book and just relax at the lake for the day. There is parking at different parts of Twin Lakes, but I like to park near the White Start campground at Deception Point. There is a fee for parking if you don’t have a campsite and you’ll pay when you first enter the parking area.

There is also a trail that goes around this area of the lake that doesn’t have a name, but is perfect if you have a campsite nearby and want to go for a walk in the evening or morning.

11. Grab coffee at Perkolated Peaks- Can’t miss the VW van as you roll into town, especially the bright orange one. This unique van sells coffee, breakfast burritos, and sandwiches making it a quick way to start the day if you don’t feel like cooking.

Alright that’s it for Twin Lakes Colorado, if you have anything to add or have a question please leave a Comment below! Thanks reading the blog and I’ll see you on the next post. Also, if you like the blog subscribe to our email list below for the latest outdoor content!

Buena Vista Colorado, Hike to Ptarmigan Lake (Best times to visit, Trail info, and what to expect)

Disclosure: When you buy something through the Affiliate product links I have created below, I earn a small commission. I only promote products and companies I support as well as believe in.

Alright so you’re interested in checking out some good hiking trails in Colorado and are looking for a good hike to do for the day. The one thing about Colorado is there are a number of trails with Alpine Lakes. Well not too far from Downtown Buena Vista is Ptarmigan Lake, a doable day hike that isn’t too challenging and has a pretty cool alpine lake at the top that you can fish at, eat lunch, shoot photos, or just hang out at..

Considered part of the San Isabel National Forest, the drive to the trailhead is pretty incredible as you go from a desert alpine environment to more of a high alpine climate. What I liked about this hike was being able to trek through the forest at first and then as you got closer to the lake the views started to open up and you were surrounded by the Sawatch Mountains. Even though the hike was 6 miles round trip, the elevation gain and distance didn’t feel too extreme. I even saw families with kids hiking the trail. With that being said, in this post I’ll go over how to get to the trailhead, details of the trail, important hiking tips, and what to expect. Coool, lets gooo.

How to get to the Trailhead

The Trailhead is technically in Nathrop, about a 25 minute drive from downtown Buena Vista. To get there you’ll get on West Main Street which turns into HWY 306. You’ll take this all the way to the Trailhead which will be on your left. If you were to keep driving, the highway would turn into Cottonwood Pass. Below I’ve listed times and distances from major areas in Colorado.

Denver- 2 hours 45 minutes/149 miles

Leadville- 1 hour/49 miles

Summit County- 1 hour 49 minutes/82 miles

What is the parking like

The parking lot is pretty small, with not many designated spaces so I would get there either early in the morning or later in the Afternoon. However!, There is some parking off the side of the road as you head towards the main lot. If you need to use the restroom there is one in the parking lot.

What is so unique about this Trail

The drive alone to the trailhead makes this a unique hike from the start, but what I liked most was the alpine forests that you hike through to get to the lake, then once you get towards the lake, there’s streams, a pond, the lower lake, and views that look out at the Sawatch mountains.The other cool part is being able to look down and around at the upper alpine environment. The monsoon like summer this year with lots of rain, was an added bonus making the environment really green.

Trail Stats

Below I’ve listed a few trail stats for Ptarmigan Lake via All Trails. They provide reviews, maps, and a brief description of the trail. It’s also great if you are trying to find good hikes to do in an area you are unfamiliar with.

Distance: 6 miles/3.75 km

Time: 3-4 hours

Trail Type: Out and Back

Elevation Gain:1,469 feet/320 meters

Dogs Allowed?: Yes

Restrooms at the Trailhead?: Yes

When is the Best time to Hike this trail

May through October is typically the best time to hike in Higher Alpine Environments in Colorado. With that being said there can still be snow on the trail in May as well as new snow on the trail in October. This is where reading the reviews on All Trails really helps with knowing what the current trail conditions are like.

The best time of day would either be early in the morning or later in the afternoon to grab a parking spot.

What is the trail like

This trail was pretty amazing and even though it’s 6 miles round trip I would rate the overall difficulty of the trail as moderate. The very first part of the hike is through Alpine woods with a slight break where it opens up and you’ll see views of the Sawatch Mountain Range to your left. This part is also a lil rocky, which is why it’s important to have good hiking footwear. Keep reading for tips on preparing for this hike.

You’ll continue through forest for another couple miles until the trail starts to open up again. There will be a pond on your right and a smaller Alpine Lake on the Left (lower Ptarmigan Lake), that are great places to take a break before you hike up to Ptarmigan Lake.

As you start to hike to the lake you’ll walk through some brush with a stream right to your left. This was one of my favorite parts of the hike because if you turn around, you can see Turner Peak off in the distance, a peak that sits above 13,000 feet. That’s the thing about Colorado, sooo many mountains above 10,000 feet or 3048 meters.

By this point you are a few switchbacks towards the lake. The lake sits at over 12,000 feet and as your approaching it, you’ll see Jones Mountain straight ahead. Once there, you’ll be able to see a trail that goes around about half of the lake. Along the trail will be a few stopping points where you can get right on the lake. You might even see a few people fishing while you’re up there. Hopefully you packed a lunch or snacks for taking a break and enjoying your surroundings!

Can you fish at this lake

Yep, just make sure to have a valid Colorado Fishing license. You can get one at any local Fly Fishing Shop or on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.

Any Camping nearby

There are campgrounds in Nathrop, Salida, as well as Buena Vista. You can book reservations ahead of time on Recreation.gov. Make sure to do this earlier in the summer or even winter for weekends as those will fill up quickly. I really liked Ruby Mountain Campground because it was right on the Arkansas River and overlooked Mountains such as Mt Princeton. The campsite was also pretty close to Downtown Buena Vista.

There’s also some backpacking camp spots close to Ptarmigan Lake, which you’ll be able to see on your hike. If you’re not into camping, downtown Buena Vista has some great VRBO rentals.

Any tips for hiking this Trail

• Pack out what you packed in. This means don’t leave any food trash or waste behind on the trail. If you need to use the restroom, there is one at the trailhead.

• Stay on the trail as best as possible. Do your best to stay on the hiking trail because it takes years for the surrounding environment to grow back, if damaged. At the top there are a number of places to sit down and have lunch or a snack close to the trail.

• Be respectful of Wildlife. You may encounter Wildlife when hiking in Colorado. You’d be surprised that I have to say this, but PLEASE to not get close or feed wild animals.

• Pack sunscreen and apply 15-30 minutes before going outside. The sun is intense in Colorado, even when it’s cloudy, make sure to pack this! I really like Sun Bum because it is none-greasy.

• Pack a Rain Jacket, Hiking boots, and warm layer. Weather can change on a dime in Colorado, regardless of what the weather channel is calling for. It’s important to always come prepared.

• Make sure to wear a good pair of hiking socks. Stay away from cotton! You'll want something that wicks moisture, has good cushioning, and keeps your feet dry. Smart Wool makes the best socks in the game, so I would recommend a pair of those.

• Pack a water bottle and stay hydrated, this trail is 6 miles round trip!

• Arrive Early and if possible hike the trail on a weekday, the parking area is small

• Weather sometimes pops up in the afternoon, be aware of this and don’t hang out at the lake for too long if you see dark clouds

And that’s a wrap on the Ptarmigan Lake Trail! Buena Vista and the surrounding area are what make Colorado so unique and fun to visit. Thanks for reading the blog and if you liked this post you can subscribe to our email newsletter below for more information on outdoor trips, hiking, ski resorts, and more. If you have any questions or have hiked this trail before and have information to add, leave a comment below. See you on the next post!