Summary
Few trails offer the grandeur of the high mountains without the hills. This hike or bike south of Leadville does just that by sticking to the shores of Twin Lakes with views across the water of Colorado's highest peak, Mount Elbert. The trail crosses through an abandoned 1880s lake resort called Interlaken.

Location
Near Leadville

Hike
This is a great hike or bike ride. Start at a clearly marked trailhead for the Colorado Trail. The path heads west along the densely wooded shore with a few steep, rooty drops and climbs. The hills ease in about a mile. At a junction where the Colorado Trail climbs up to the left, stay right along the shore. The reward is a lush aspen grove that suddenly parts to reveal the stately old buildings of Interlaken, including a hotel, stables, granaries, and a unique, six-sided privy that could accommodate half a dozen guests at once. A clear trail continues beyond Interlaken, tending away from the shore. For hikers, the best scenery is over. Bikers can pedal an additional three fun, rolling miles to a four-way intersection. Most bikers turn right and coast a mile down to the shore here before either fording a sizable creek to make a loop around the lake, or returning back through Interlaken. Other turns offer steep, exciting exploring. Either way, the best way back to the trailhead is to retrace the original trail.

To get there
Take U.S. Highway 24 west to Buena Vista and north 21 miles to Colorado Highway 82. Turn left. In less than a mile, turn left onto an unmarked dirt road. If you pass the dam, you've gone too far. Drive about a mile to the trailhead. Cars may have to park before the end of the road because of a few rough sections.

Trip Log
2 to 3 boots, 6 to 14 miles, 650 feet elevation gain.

Details
Information: Pike National Forest, Leadville Ranger District, 1-719-486-0749.