Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes holds a special place in my memories.  As a young boy I can remember frequently fishing along the shore near the boat ramp and along the rocks near the power pump house.  In fact, when I was younger you could fish right along the walls of the pump house.  Of course these days you can no longer do that.  For security concerns you have to stay further away from the building itself.  I also remember a time as a young boy when we were fishing along the boat ramp, as we fished the Colorado Division of Wildlife came and started stocking the lake from the ramp.  Almost every cast from my red and white Daredevil produced a little stocker Rainbow Trout.  We threw them all back, but it made for a very exciting time for a little kid.

Twin Lakes is located along Highway 82, which leads up and over Independence Pass, connecting the Arkansas Valley with Aspen.  The highway is closed in the winter, but while it is open it offers a beautiful drive up and over the Continental Divide.  In fact, to the northwest of the lake is Colorado's tallest peak, Mt. Elbert.  

Twin Lakes also has several historic buildings on the south side of the lower lake.  While these buildings were previously in disarray and boarded up, the last time I was there they were being restored.  In fact I was able to take my kids through one of the buildings, not only had it been restored to the point that you could go in, but there was even a log book to sign in your visit.  

2440 Surface Acres of Water

Boat Ramp on the lower lake

Picnic areas and camping along the lake

Fishing for the following species:

Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Lake Trout

Multiple campgrounds located west of the lake along the highway.

The lake has day fees for use, camping may also have associated fees.

Want to try start climbing some of Colorado's Fourteeners?  Check out some of these guide books to get you started.