If your family enjoys the outdoors along with exciting sporting activities, then consider making Twin Lakes Colorado your next adventure. Even though only a couple of hundred people live there, over the years it’s become a popular destination for vacationers, sports enthusiasts, and even offering a beautiful setting for weddings. Set in Lake County, near historic Leadville, it boasts a high altitude of 9,700 feet. Here’s a brief look at what you can come to expect at Twin Lakes Colorado.
Twin Lakes History
The beautiful 2,700 acres of Twin Lakes were carved out by glaciers clear back during the last ice age. You’ll find gorgeous mountain scenery reflecting off of the lakes, with an end result of a haven that’s fit for both vacationers and nature-lovers alike.
Independence Pass
During the summer, many visitors take the scenic byway of Independence Pass away from Twin Lakes when heading to Aspen. Twin Lakes is just about a half hour from Buena Vista on Highway 24. It winds between Minturn and Aspen (or our more favorite summer town of Snowmass).
Twin Lakes Ghost Town
While visiting Twin Lakes, make sure you stop in at the Twin Lakes Ghost Town. It’s a former mining village that’s located in the center of town. There are many buildings that can be visited throughout the year, and the best part is that it’s free!
Insider Tip: This is one of many interesting ghost towns in Colorado.
Twin Lakes Activities
Hiking
There are plenty of hiking trails in Twin Lakes that don’t rise too drastically in elevation, making them perfect, even if you’re a beginner or have smaller children. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and there’s the chance you’ll come across elk, deer, moose, black bear, coyotes, and even mountain lions.
Lake County is also home to the highest peak in Colorado. Mt. Elbert is a popular 14er that has a tough 14,440 foot summit. Twin Lakes offers spectacular views of this Colorado mountain.
Camping
Situated around the lakeshore, there are a number of great campgrounds that provide a good starting point for your next outdoor adventure.
Swimming
During the summer, water temperatures in these lakes reach between 65 and 70 degrees, which makes for a comfortable swim.
Boating
Boating is extremely popular to do there during the summer season. Kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailboarding are amongst the favorites. There’s also the convenience of boat docks for easy entry along the lake’s shoreline.
Biking
Mountain biking is another popular activity that you and your family can do on your next visit, where there’s a number of trails suitable that await you.
Fishing
Twin Lakes is stocked full of rainbow and brown trout, along with cutthroat trout. It’s evolved into such a popular fishing destination, that fishing contests take place in these lakes every year. There’s even ice fishing during the winter season that has become especially popular amongst winter anglers.
Mountain Rock Climbing
If you’re into rock climbing, Monitor Rock has over 50 different routes ranging from easy to difficult to meet your experience. “Climb on!”
Twin Lakes, Colorado is the perfect destination for your family’s next outdoor adventure. The mountain majesty that meets up with the glassy smooth waters of Twin Lakes is nothing short of epic. With so many sports, activities, and things to do there, no one in your family will be left disappointed. If you’re in need of lodging, may we suggest the Mount Elbert Lodge that has family cabins and bed and breakfast rooms to meet your needs? Go for it!
Colorado is home to many spectacular mountain lakes. Be sure to check them all out!
