Formerly 'Colorado's Most Beautiful Resort,' This Ghost Town Is Still A Sight To Behold

Anyone who loves ghost-hunting shows understands the intrigue of a semi-abandoned town that was once a bustling hub. The history, the mystery, and the eerie emptiness of it all! Ghost towns attract a diverse range of curious visitors, from enthusiasts seeking haunted destinations to those who want to experience an undisturbed slice of history.

Twin Lakes, Colorado, is one such place. Look it up on a map, and you won't see much: a general store, a saloon, and a handful of places to stay. But it wasn't always that way. Initially, the area was home to the Tabeguache Ute: a Native American tribe whose lands were overtaken by European colonizers. They were eventually restricted to living on reservations due to broken government treaties.  There are still natural legacies left behind by the Ute, such as markings on ponderosa pines from harvesting bark for medicinal purposes.

In the 1800s, Twin Lakes was home to the Interlaken Resort and some say it was the most beautiful resort in the state. It was a popular destination for travelers en route to neighboring mining towns or those wanting to relax and enjoy activities like fishing, boating, and horseback riding. The resort offered facilities for dining and entertainment. However, when the Twin Lakes Reservoir and Canal Company constructed the area's first dam, much of the lake drained and its waters became brackish, raising concerns about diseases like malaria and scaring visitors away. The resort eventually closed and its buildings fell into disrepair until the 1970s, when the Bureau of Reclamation began restoration efforts for the region. While it is still abandoned, visitors can explore the historic buildings. Twin Lakes has a population of just over 200, making it an off-the-beaten-path destination where its natural beauty remains intact.

Twin Lakes' status as a "ghost town" is due to its extremely sparse population. But coverage of the place has hinted at a sense of eeriness throughout some of its landmarks, as well. The abandoned Interlaken Resort appears in social media groups dedicated to "creepy" historical places. Visitors to Twin Lakes' Mount Elbert Lodge even report experiencing paranormal activity in the middle of the night. Mostly, though, Twin Lakes seems to be known for its tranquility: a positive characteristic of "ghost towns" that helps preserve their natural beauty and motivate people to visit.

Although Interlaken once provided merriment and recreation for visitors, the area is hardly known for its vibrant nightlife today. What appears to be the local watering hole, The Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon, is more of a lodging destination than anything else. However, visitors do comment on its ideal location for accessing the area's outdoor activities. Hiking options, for instance, abound in Twin Lakes, including to the former site of the Interlaken Resort, which is only accessible via a 5-mile trail or by boat. Nearby is the trailhead for Mount Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado and one of the five tallest mountains in the contiguous U.S., which offers hikers sweeping views of lakes and mountains from several points. But outdoor recreation in Twin Lakes isn't limited to hiking. Surrounding the lakes are numerous fishing areas, including the Moache Fishing Site, where visitors can also picnic and enjoy the mountain foliage. There are also multiple tour and rental companies for boating adventures.

It's essential to be prepared for a trip to Twin Lakes, especially if visiting in late autumn and winter when snow can unexpectedly start falling and may even make some areas completely unreachable. Winter also comes with road closures, such as Independence Pass, which was closed for the 2024/25 season. With spring comes "mud season," which brings hazards to both hikers and the terrain they walk on. For instance, ground saturation can be slippery and makes some plant and insect life more vulnerable when trampled. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit with ideal climate conditions for outdoor activities.

Because of Twin Lakes' low population, there are only a few lodging options within the town limits. The aforementioned Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon is well-rated and room rates start around $169 per night. Sandwiching the Inn & Saloon are the Roadhouse Lodge (which starts at $150 per night) and Stay Twin Lakes, which offers a range of cottages and cabins for around $167/night. All three accommodation options provide easy access to the multiple beautiful Western mountain trails of Twin Lakes. There are also several nearby campgrounds, like White Star near Mt. Elbert.

The nearest commercial airport to Twin Lakes is Aspen–Pitkin County Airport, which operates just a couple of flights per day, connecting travelers to Denver and Atlanta. It is just over an hour's drive to town. Alternatively, the closest major airport is Denver International Airport, which is at least two and a half hours away, depending on the route. The region offers local transit, including the Summit Stage bus service, with its River Road station just north of Leadville located approximately 30 minutes from Twin Lakes. The Great Smoky Mountains are also home to an eerie but beautiful resort ghost town.