Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dayton during the 1860s gold rush, it was renamed Twin Lakes in 1879 when the silver
rush revived the village.
Sights & Activities
Several historic structures still stand on the lake shore, including the Red Rooster Tavern
(aka the town brothel), now the visitor center. On the south shore of the main lake is
Inter-
laken
, the vestiges of what was once Colorado's largest resort, built in 1889. The ruins
have good signage and you can even walk inside and explore the abandoned buildings.
You can get here along the Colorado and Continental Divide trails; it's about 5 miles
round-trip with little elevation gain. The turnoff for the Interlaken trailhead is 0.6 miles
after you turn onto Hwy 82, after Lost Canyon Rd.
The cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the area is magnificent too (though you'll
have to source your own gear), and, of course, you can fish and boat on the lakes in sum-
mer. Canoe rentals are available in the village.
If you're up for some higher-altitude views, La Plata Peak and Independence Pass lie
just west of town. You'll find several campsites in the area.
