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Hike to the Historical Interlaken Resort

Buena Vista, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

6 miles

Elevation Gain

500 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Matthew Eaton

This easy out and back trip to the Historic Interlaken Resort can be done year round as a hike, mountain bike, cross-country ski or snowshoe adventure.

Follow Colorado Highway 24 South from Leadville for 14 miles, then turn right onto Colorado 82 towards Aspen. Turn left onto County Road 25, then follow the road for 1 mile to a small parking area for the Colorado Trail. You have arrived!

This trail starts near 9,200 feet of elevation and while your destination is the same, you’ll wind up and down the trail along the lakeshore and end up with about 550 feet of round trip elevation gain. Start on the Colorado Trail and follow it for about 1.5 miles where you’ll come to a trail junction where you will continue on the Interlake Trail to the right and the Colorado Trail will switchback to the left. The final mile is easy walking and you’ll eventually leave the forest and enter a meadow with sweeping views over Twin Lakes to your left, and Mount Elbert in the distance, Colorado’s highest peak.

Continue through the meadow and find yourself at the remains of historic Lakeshore Resort built in 1879. You can walk around and explore the dozen or so buildings ranging from the old hotel, a 6-sided privy, the caretakers home, a dance hall and more. You can enter the caretakers home and get out of the elements if you’ve been surprised by the Rocky Mountain weather. Be sure to sign the guest register!

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Features

Photography
Mountain Biking
Skiing
Snowshoeing
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Lake
Scenic

Hike to the Historical Interlaken Resort Reviews

Scenic the entire hike and the bonus of Interlaken at the turn around is just fantastic. Go in the house!

Loved the section of the Colorado trail. Easy run.

I loved the hike! Went here a few years ago, and it was neat to learn about the history of the Interlaken Resort, as well as go inside of some of the buildings.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Twin Lakes' White Star Campground

Kayak Twin Lakes

Mount Elbert via the Southeast Ridge Trailhead (Winter Route)

Camp at Mt. Elbert Forebay Reservoir

Mountain Bike the Colorado Trail near Mount Elbert

Hope Pass via Willis Gulch