Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

Recreation - TWIN LAKES

ATTRACTIONS AND HISTORY

The Twin Lakes are located on Highway 82, approximately 20 miles south of Leadville. This area offers a wide range of attractions, including fishing, boating, camping and scenic driving.

The Twin Lakes are natural, glacially formed lakes which have been enlarged to provide additional storage for the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. Water is brought from the Fryingpan River drainage on the western slopes of the Continental Divide to Turquoise Lake and then piped by conduit to the forebay north of Twin Lakes. Additional water is diverted from Grizzly Reservoir (on the Western Slope) to Lake Creek via the Twin Lakes Irrigation Tunnel. Water is then cycled through the power plant for production of electric power.

Surrounding the lakes a, are two historical areas, Twin Lake Village and Interlaken. Twin Lakes Village is located two miles west of the lakes. Prospectors first settled in this area in 1865, naming it Dayton. Then in 1879, a combination of events brought new life to the area. Silver had been discovered in Leadville and Aspen, and the need for a route between the two districts became urgent. Lake Creek Valley (Twin Lakes Village) was the most logical route. At the same time, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad completed its rails into Leadville, with stops at Granite and the Twin Lakes Station, allowing visitors to discover the beauty of the Lake Creek Valley.

By 1885 tourism was thriving. Interlaken, a famous resort on the southern shore of the lower lake, was in full operation, catering to the rich and famous. James V. Dexter, a Denver-Leadville mining magnate, who had purchased the original hotel on the lakeshore, along with 2,000 acres of prime real estate, owned it. The area became a favorite boating, fishing and hunting area. People came from all over to experience the beauty and splendor of the Lake Creek Valley. Today, hikers and history buffs can visit the historic Interlaken by following the Colorado Trail along the south side of the lake, beginning at the dam.

CAMPING

There are five Forest Service Campgrounds in the Twin Lakes area: Dexter, Lakeview, Parry Peak, Twin Peaks and White Star. Campsites at Dexter, Parry Peak and Twin Peaks Campgrounds are first come, first serve. Lakeview and White Star Campgrounds have a combination of first come-first serve sites as well as sites by reservation. Reservations for individual sites are available at White Star and Lakeview Campgrounds as well as group site reservations at Lakeview Campground. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-280-CAMP. Around the lakes, camping is permitted only in campgrounds. Each campground has a manager to assist you with your needs. All campgrounds are equipped with drinking water, toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and trash collection. A RV dump station is available near White Star Campground.

*Sites available through reservations by calling 1-800-280-CAMP.

DISPERSED CAMPING

Dispersed camping is allowed above the Colorado Trail on the south side of Twin Lakes and on National Forest land in South Fork of Lake Creek Drainage.

MINIMAL IMPACT CAMPING TECHNIQUES:

• Plan your trip, know what it is you wish to experience, think about the time of year and expected weather. This is part of the outdoor adventure and should always be your first step. After you have selected the area you would like to visit, contact the Leadville Ranger District for answers to any questions you might have and to learn about any special regulations in the area.

• Concentrate your impacts in heavily used areas. Many of the areas that are easily accessible receive heavy use during the summer months. Select sites that are well established rather than creating a new site. If there is a fire ring at the area don't build a new one, sometimes that means that you will have to clean out the old fire ring (don't forget that collapsible shovel). We all have to do our part to keep these areas open for folks who prefer this type of experience.

• Camp at least 100 feet from water. This practice is important for a variety of reasons. A campsite located on stream banks or lakeshores can create visual impacts and detract from the sense of solitude. Accordingly, it is also important that you camp far enough from roads and trails that the site is screened from other campers. By camping close to water you risk contaminating the water. Remember, water is very important to the wildlife who live in the area, they need easy access to and from water sources and your presence may disturb their normal behavior.

• Pack it In, Pack It Out. Dispersed areas do not have trash services and rarely receive clean-up services. Please don't put glass or aluminum (even those food packages that appear to be made of paper often have foil liners that don't burn) into the fire. This practice is unsightly and makes the site less attractive to the next user. All food scrapes and trash should be taken home with you, or take it to the nearest landfill if you are on a long journey.

• Properly Dispose of Human Waste. This isn't something you were taught in school, maybe it should have been. Human feces not properly disposed of is not only unsightly, but can actually create health hazards. Catholes are the most widely accepted method of backcountry human waste disposal (again, that collapsible shovel comes in handy).

1. Select a site that is far from any water sources, 300 feet is a good, safe distance. The site should be inconspicuous and where someone would not naturally be walking. If you are camping with a large group or camping in the same site for more than one night, you should spread the cathole sites over a large area. Try to find a spot with deep organic material, which will help decompose the feces. If possible, locate your cathole where it will receive maximum sunlight, this will also aid in decomposition. Choose an elevated site where water would not normally pool.
   
2. Now you're ready to dig. Your hole should be 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. If you hit a rock our root which prevents you from reaching the correct depth, you should find another site (early planning comes into play). Toilet paper is a strong attractant to small rodents and should be packed home with your other trash. When finished, the cathole should be filled in with the previously removed dirt and disguised with native materials.

• Campfire building and wood collection. Campfires were once thought to be a necessity and are steeped in history and tradition. Attitudes toward campfires are changing. The new perception of their use is a direct result of the past misuse of campfires and the sometimes ugly and negative impacts caused when fires are built incorrectly, built in the wrong locations or left unattended. If you choose to have a campfire, you are choosing a very large responsibility.

1. Your first step is to choose a location for your fire. If there is an existing fire ring, use it. If it is in a bad location, move it to a better location and clean up all remnants in its original location. Never place a campfire within the radius of the largest branches on a tree. Fire can actually travel through the tree's root system and cause a forest fire. Never build a fire close to a rock or other natural object where the fire will scorch the object and leave lasting impacts of your visit.
2. Finally, remember to clean up after your fire. The intent is to get other campers to use the same fire ring. Cleaning up the fire ring of any food waste and trash, burning wood completely and scattering the cooled coals and ashes will make it more likely that it will be used again.

HIKING

Mileage is measured one way, unless otherwise indicated.

Big Willis Gulch

5.5 miles. This is a moderate hike with an elevation gain of 2,400 feet. The end destination is Willis Lake and a mine just beyond the lake. The trailhead is shared with Little Willis Gulch with hiking access to Hope Pass. The trailhead can be found 2 miles west of Twin Lakes Village on Highway 82. Look for a parking lot off to the left (south). The trail is accessed south across the bridge over Lake Creek. Follow the road to the trail on the left side. The first part of the trail is very steep.

Black Cloud Trail

5.5 miles. This trail is an alternative route to the more heavily used North and South Mount Elbert Trails for climbing Colorado's highest peak. This is a moderate to strenuous day hike with an elevation gain of 4,713 feet. Be aware of changing weather conditions on mountain peaks and prepare for them. This trail passes through spruce-fir and aspen stands, then through some rock beds to ruins of mining operations and cabins. Continuing your hike will bring you to timberline and eventually Mount Elbert (14,433). For those who don't wish to climb the peak, there are many excellent views from various points along the trail.

Colorado Trail

This segment of the Colorado Trail begins in the Halfmoon Drainage and continues for approximately 6 miles to the Lakeview Campground above Twin Lakes. Along this section, you have access to the North Mount Elbert Trail, South Mount Elbert Trail and Lily Ponds. Then the trail continues under Hwy. 82 and around Twin Lakes to the dam, 4 miles. These two sections are easy to moderate hiking with less than 1,000 feet elevation gain. From the dam, the Colo. Trail connects with the Interlaken Trail then continues up Little Willis Gulch over Hope Pass and down to the Clear Creek Road. This section is moderate to strenuous hiking with and elevation gain of approximately 3,500 feet.

Echo Canyon

1.3 miles. The trailhead is found just off Hwy 82 east of South Fork of Lake Creek. Look for the trailhead on the north side of the road. This is a moderate hike. The elevation gain of the right fork of the trail is approximately 2,800 feet, and the elevation gain of the left fork is about 1,750 feet. This is a short but steep trail. Excellent opportunities for viewing high alpine scenery and wildlife. The trailhead is located on private property. Please respect the rights of the owners while traveling to this trailhead.

Hope Pass

5 miles. This trailhead is shared with Big Willis Gulch, two miles west of Twin Lakes Village. (See information above.) Hope Pass is also the Colorado Trial that passes over to the Clear Creek Road. There is about 3,200 feet elevation gain up to 12,500 feet, so it offers extraordinary views. Visitors should plan on a full day of hiking. This is a popular trail run, as it is the "crux" of the infamous Leadville Trail 100 foot race!

Independence Pass

A short scenic walk to the Independence Pass Overlook. This paved trail offers spectacular views of the peaks and ridges comprising the Continental Divide.

Interlaken

3 miles. This trail offers an easy walk to the historic resort cabins of Interlaken (See history above). From the southeast side of the dam follow this trail along the lakeside or continue up to Hope Pass. Excellent views and fishing opportunities.

Lily Ponds

1 mile. This is a nice stroll, great for morning or evening wildlife viewing and bird watching, or fishing. Access is recommended 4WD above Lakeview Campground, immediately north of Shore Pretty Overlook. Or, add another 2 miles on and hike up the road through gorgeous aspen groves. There is a maze of trails that wander around these beaver-created ponds.

South Mount Elbert

5.5 miles. Mount Elbert is Colorado's highest peak and the second highest peak in the lower 48 states with an elevation of 14,433 feet. It is named for an influential leader in the state, Samuel Elbert. This trailhead, also the Colorado Trail, can be accessed from Shore Pretty Overlook above Twin Lakes on County Road 24. Or, the first 1.8 miles can be driven with a 4WD, starting on Forest Road 124.1B just north of Shore Pretty Overlook. The South Mount Elbert trail forks off the Colorado Trail, which continues to Halfmoon Creek. This is the "easiest" route to Mt. Elbert, but remember, the elevation gain is still 4,600 feet.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Please remember when mountain biking on National Forests that Wilderness Areas are by regulation, permanently closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles- which includes mountain bikes! Please be aware of this and respect the Wilderness Areas.

Lost Canyon

(Forest Road 398) 8.6 miles one way. See four-wheel drive information. The same route is described. The last 1.5 miles is very steep - for riders in good condition.

Flume Gulch

(Forest Road 399) 6+ miles one way. See four-wheel drive information for route access. The road is good riding. Road climbs abruptly above the Twin Lakes with some excellent views to the north. Road is closed to motor vehicles at gate about 4 miles in. Bikes can explore road that follows irrigation ditch to the west. Moderate to difficult ride.

Interlaken Trail

3 miles one way. Start at the southeast side of the Twin Lakes dam and follow the Colorado Trail along the lakeside to the historic resort of Interlaken. Trail in good condition with a few short climbs and one bad creek crossing. Good route for all class of riders. Excellent views and fishing opportunities.

South Fork Lake Creek

(Forest Road 391) 5.5 miles. Begin at South Fork Lake Creek Trailhead located just off Hwy 82 about 8 miles west of Twin Lakes Village. Follow road to the southwest across bridge over Lake Creek. Side tips of 2-3 miles possible. Main road ends at Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Boundary. No Bikes! Mixed forest, alpine valleys with good opportunities for viewing wildflowers and wildlife. Some stream crossings. Moderate difficulty. See four-wheel drive section for more information.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE

Forest Service roads open to motorized vehicles are posted with white arrows. Wilderness areas such as Collegiate Peaks and Mount Massive are by regulation, permanently closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles, including mountain bikes. Mileage is measured one way, unless otherwise indicated.

Lost Canyon (Forest Road 398)
Length: 8.5 miles
Road Beginning and End: Begin on Hwy. 24 just south of the Granite store. End at wide alpine meadow to the northeast of Quail Mountain near an on going privately owned mining operation.
Description: First few miles of road accessible by passenger vehicle. Rough and rocky beyond that point, high clearance 4WD recommended. The road winds through lodgepole stands, passes and abandoned placer operation on Lost Canyon Creek and takes you above timberline. The broad alpine meadow permits views of Clear Creek Valley to the south, Boswell Gulch to the west and Lake Creek Valley to the north. Excellent opportunities for observation of alpine tundra, wildflowers and wildlife.
Hiker Access To: No defined trails

Flume Creek (Forest Road 399)
Length: 4.2 miles, from Lost Canyon Road to road end.
Road Beginning and End: Begins on Lost Canyon Road (Forest Road 398) approximately 1.3 miles from Hwy. 24. Ends at Flume Gulch.
Description: Good road that winds through the forest and climbs quickly above Twin Lakes before descending into Flume Creek.
Hiker Access To: No defined trails

South Fork Lake Creek (Forest Road 391)
Length: 5.5 miles
Road Beginning and End: Begins at Hwy. 82 about 8 miles west of Twin Lakes Village and ends at Collegiate Peaks Wilderness boundary.
Description: Road follows the valley floor of the South Fork of Lake Creek. Excellent opportunities for wildlife and wildflower viewing. Access to dispersed camping. The first 1.4 miles passes through private property, please respect owners rights and remain on the road.
Hiker Access To: So. Fork Lake Creek, Lake Pass, Sayers Gulch

Sayers Gulch (Forest Road 382)
Length: 2.1 miles
Road Beginning and End: Begins at South Fork Lake Creek Road (Forest Road 391) 2.7 miles southwest of Hwy 82 and ends at Wilderness boundary.
Description: Rough road with a significant stream crossing at the beginning. Continues into alpine valley with willow and beaver ponds.
Hiker Access To: Sayers Gulch

McNassar Gulch (Forest Road 394)
Length: 1.5 miles
Road Beginning and End: Begins at South Fork Lake Creek Road 3.3 miles southwest of Hwy. 82. And ends at gate with hiking access only on private road above gate.
Description: Rough road with a few steep switchbacks. Wonderful viewing of wildflowers in upper reaches of valley.
Hiker Access To: Upper McNassar Gulch and Grizzly Peak, elevation 13,988. No defined trails.

Peekaboo Gulch (Forest Road 393)
Length: 2.3 miles
Road Beginning and End: Begins at South Fork Lake Creek Road 4.6 mile southwest of Hwy. 82 and ends just below Red Mountain.
Description: Rough road that winds up into alpine valley.
Hiker Access To: No defined trails.

FISHING

Lake Creek
Stocked with rainbow trout from Junction 82 to Lackawanna Gulch. Standard Regulations. Fishing slow.

Mt. Elbert Forebay
Standard limit, eight trout. Limit one mackinaw, under 22 or over 34 inches. Stocked with brook, cutthroat and rainbow trout. Usually good fishing.

Twin Lakes
Standard limit, eight trout. Limit one mackinaw, under 22 or over 34 inches. Stocked with rainbow trout. Other species include brook, brown, cutthroat, and a few kokanee salmon. Fair to good fishing.

PICNICKING

Picnic season begins in May and continues to October. The grounds are equipped with tables, toilets, fireplaces and trash collection. Camping is prohibited in these areas. Day-use only. Close at 10:00 p.m.

WILDERNESS ACCESS

Collegiate Peaks Wilderness