Twin Lakes, A Central Colorado Basecamp

Twin Lakes is two hours from our home in Colorado Springs. It sits nestled in the Sawatch Range and serves as the gateway to Independence Pass. With the Collegiate Peaks and Buena Vista to the south and Leadville to the north, Twin Lakes is an ideal base for exploring central Colorado. We hit this popular recreation spot on a mild mid-July weekend.

CAMP | There are plenty of super scenic camp spots around Twin Lakes, most of which operate on a first come, first served basis. We landed at the first campground we came across, Dexter Point, on the north side of the lakes. There were a dozen or so open spots, and the spot we picked cost us a couple of twenties at the reg board. Our site was breezy, elevated, and provided prime sunset silhouette views of Mt. Elbert (Colorado’s tallest 14r at 14,440 feet and second highest in the continental US!).

HIKE | Bartlett Gulch takes you 4 miles through piney meadows, a huge aspen grove, intermittent panoramas of Twin Lakes, and multiple crossings on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). You'll gain almost 1000 feet on this moderately challenging hike, but the views are totally worth it. Another classic Twin Lake trail option (with less elevation) is the Interlaken Trail. You'll be hugging the south shore of the lake making for prime views of Mt. Elbert for most of this out and back hike. You’ll also pass the Interlaken Hotel, a late 19th-century mountain hotel that now sits abandoned as a National Historic Site.

PLAY | The town of Twin Lakes has a general store, a few lodges, bike/SUP rentals, and all the charm of a weather-beaten mountain stop. We parked our tired legs at The Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon for beers and chatted with some CDT thru hikers. Both Buena Vista and Leadville are a half hour away in either direction for further exploring or dining options. I recommend Deerhammer Distillery, Eddyline Brewing, and The Slammer Saloon in Buena Vista. Leadville's High Mountain Pies is the spot for pre-hike carboloading.