TR: Twin Lakes Hike, Crested Butte

(Last Updated On: July 9, 2017)

Twin Lakes is one of the most spectacular hikes in the Crested Butte area. Only 6-miles round trip, the trail winds through meadows above tree line that are covered with wild flowers, past the north side of Teocalli, before ending at two of the most beautiful high alpine lakes I have ever seen. Hikers will likely see a few other people in the area, but due to difficult road access, the hike will never be crowded.

Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

Access to the trail head is a bit difficult for some, located far up Brush Creek Road. The first portion of Brush Creek Road is paved for a little over a mile. Then, the road turns to dirt, but most passenger cars can travel another 5-miles or so to an unofficial campground. If you don’t have a high clearance 4-wheel drive car, park here and don’t venture further as the road gets difficult fast (without places to turn around), taking you straight to a rough stream crossing. From the “campground”, the trailhead is still another 6 miles on rough road. You will not be traveling fast by car – plan on about another 45 minutes. You will follow the signs toward Pearl Pass, but becareful not to go too far up the road! The trail head is not well marked. Around 5.5 miles, the road makes a slight right. Look for a few slabby flat rocks to the left side of the road, and a stream crossing to the left as well. The stream crossing is on a road that veers to the left off the main road. Once you cross this stream, you will be at the parking area for the Twin Lakes trail.

If you’re like me and get tired of driving on bumpy roads, there are a few places to park between the campground and the trail head. We opted to park at the site of an ATV road intersection 1.1 miles away from the true trail head. For those not equipped with a 4×4 car, consider using a bike. From the campground to the trail head is approximately 45 minutes to an hour by bike.

Enough about the logistics. Here’s some pictures to give you a better idea of what this beautiful valley is like!
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

Looking back down valley. Frank and our borrowed-dog Eddy.
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

Stopping to enjoy some of the wildflowers along the way is worth your while.
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte


Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

Monument flowers.
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

The trail climbs steeply toward this waterfall to the shelf above it. Then it mellows out a bit.
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

Once reaching the shelf, the views expand.
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

The north side of Teocalli – we’ve skied many of the couloirs seen in this picture.
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

Getting closer to the lakes!
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

Absolute beauty.
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

Fishermen like this area too.
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

The lake is so crystal clear you can see right through it, looking straight at the trout swimming around.
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

A waterfall separates the two lakes.
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

The lakes are “Eddy-approved” 🙂
Hike to Twin Lakes near Crested Butte

Crested Butte’s Twin Lakes offer some of the most spectacular scenes in the area. The extra time needed to access the trail head is certainly worth your while. It is an instant favorite!

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

Summary
Twin Lakes Hike, Crested Butte
Article Name
Twin Lakes Hike, Crested Butte
Description
Nestled in the heart of the Elk Mountains, uncrowded, yet incredibly scenic, Twin Lakes is one hike that is a Crested Butte must-do.
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Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

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