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Here are some FUN things to do in the TWIN LAKES area.
Here are some FUN things to do in the TWIN LAKES area.
Maroon Bells/CRater lake Hike
Maroon Bells/CRater lake Hike
This is a gorgeous hike which departs from Aspen Highlands, about 40 miles from Twin Lakes via Independence Pass. Driving the pass is not for the faint of heart, but the views are incredible. Even though it is only 40 miles away, the drive takes about 90 minutes, so you will need to plan your departure time accordingly.
Vehicles are not allowed on the road leading to the trails; you have to reserve a shuttle bus ticket in advance. Tickets are $16 per person, $10 for seniors. Shuttles leave every 15 minutes; we recommend reserving an early morning shuttle time as the sky often clouds up in the early afternoon.
The shuttle departs from Maroon Bells Shuttle Welcome Center located at Aspen Highlands Village, 75 Boomerang Rd., Aspen. CO. There is a parking garage under this building; make a sharp left turn just after you turn onto Boomerang Rd. into the parking garage. There is a fee for parking.
They recommend arriving 45 minutes before your scheduled shuttle time. If there are seats available on shuttles prior to your scheduled time, you can get in the standby line and possibly get on an earlier bus.
There are various length hikes, as well as varying degrees of difficulty, but we like the trail to Crater Lake. It is a very rocky trail, so you definitely want to wear hiking boots. Also, be sure to take a long sleeve layer and a rain jacket.
If you want to have lunch after your hike, you may want to check out Roxy's Market. It is minutes from the Maroon Bells parking garage, across the road from the Aspen Airport. It has a small cafe with a reasonably priced menu as well as delicious to-go options in the deli area. The restaurants in Aspen are outrageously priced, so this is a nice option in the area.
LOST MAN LOOP
LOST MAN LOOP
The trailheads for Lost Man Lake are right on Independence Pass. This is beautiful hike to an alpine lake and includes some elevation gain, but is totally worth the effort. In order to do the entire loop, you have to park a car at each trailhead, but you can also do an out-and-back hike from either the upper or lower trailhead. Both sides are spectacular, but the upper side is more sunny while the lower side has some shade.
paddle on the twin lakes
paddle on the twin lakes
The Twin Lakes are amazing for kayaking or SUPing! You can rent kayaks and paddleboards at Twin Lakes SUP & Cycle Rentals. They are located in the village of Twin Lakes, right behind the Twin Lakes Inn and Saloon.
MINERAL BELT TRAIL
MINERAL BELT TRAIL
The Mineral Belt Trail is an 11.6 mile loop around the city of Leadville. It was designed to highlight the history of the area, including the mining and railroad industries that were so important in the early days of Leadville. You can ride, run, or walk on the trail. If you'd like to rent bikes, there are several places to do so in town. E-bike rentals are also available. See links below for more info.
LEADVILLE NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY
LEADVILLE NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY
The Leadville National Fish Hatchery was established in 1889 and is is an interesting local place to explore. The website linked above provides all the details about their various programs and opportunities. The main function of the hatchery is to raise many varieties of trout which supply lakes throughout the region.
There is a small museum and a large facility where you can see and feed the trout. This site is also known for wildlife and birdwatching. Also on site are several various length hiking trails, some of which have beautiful views of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive.
The hatchery is close to Twin Lakes; about 20 minutes up highway 24 on the way to Leadville, a nice stop if you're heading that way.
MOUNT ELBERT FOREBAY WALK
MOUNT ELBERT FOREBAY WALK
If you'd like to see spectacular views but aren't in the mood for anything super taxing and want something close by, the Mt. Elbert Forebay is perfect. It is a giant reservoir with a walking path all the way around it, about 3 miles.
To get there, follow Lost Canyon Rd. until it ends at Hwy. 82. Turn left onto 82/Independence Pass. Go for about 3.5 miles and keep an eye out for a sign that says South Elbert Trailhead. Turn right onto County Rd. 24 just after that sign. Once you pass the parking lot for the trailhead on the left, go just a little further until the road splits. Take the right fork and follow it until you get to a parking lot by a big concrete structure. Park there and take the path immediately to the left of the parking area.
INTERLAKEN TRAIL
This is a 4.6 mile out-and-back hike, much of which follows the shore of the Twin Lakes. Its turnaround point is at the abandoned Interlaken Hotel which was in its heyday in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
You can get to the trailhead in two different ways.
Hike to the trailhead. Start from the cabin and turn right on the road next to the bike sign. Pass through the gate just ahead and follow the road until you get to the trailhead. It is on the left just before a parking lot. There is a small cairn by the trailhead and a signpost that shows the logos for the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. It takes about 45 minutes to hike to the trailhead from the cabin which makes this more like a 6.5-7 mile hike if you go all the way to the hotel. The walk from the cabin to the trailhead isn't shaded, so leave early if you choose this option.
Drive to the trailhead. Start from the cabin and proceed to the main road, Highway 82. Turn left onto 82 and go about a quarter mile until you see a red building on the right side, Aspen Whitewater Rafting. Across from that building is the road that leads to the trailhead, County Rd. 25. Turn left onto County Rd. 25 and veer to the left to the parking lot. There is a gate at the top of the parking lot and the trailhead is just past that gate on the right.
If you decide to do this hike, you might want to pack a lunch and have a picnic either on the beach or at the turnaround point near the hotel.
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