The Southern Trail: Twin Lakes

The Good, Old Summertime at Twin Lakes

Ah, summertime! There’s little doubt that when it finally arrives, there’s a never-ending list of new trails to explore, old fishing holes to re-discover and lots of time outdoors! And there’s no better place to do that than in your own backyard. So this weekend, Leadville Today turns its focus to southern Lake County. The tiny village of Twin lakes might remain tucked in for the winter months, but once the warm-weather season arrives, it’s full-sails for this tiny hamlet. So here’s some #newsyoucanuse for what’s happening along Highway 82.

The Cloud City Wheelers continue to do their trail work throughout the summer. Tomorrow, June 29, their efforts focus in on southern Lake County and the Interlaken Trail on the east side of Twin Lakes. Volunteers are asked to meet at the trailhead. Bring water snacks, boot and gloves. The tools and training will be provided. Down the road, be sure to mark July 20 on the calendar for the Wheelers Pedal for The Park event. This first-time fundraiser will keep things spinning as Leadville’s local bike club raises money for their next big project The Huck Finn Bike Park.

The Leadville Trail 100 (LT 100) Mountain Bike Training Camp continues this weekend through Sunday, June 30. Attendees in this camp are hoping to increase their chances of capturing that coveted LT100 MTB belt buckle. Participants will ride, dine and socialize with a host of experienced buckle-sporting guides, including:

• Todd Wells – Multi-time LT100 MTB Champ
• Todd Murray – 25-time finisher
• Amy Beisel – 2015 LT100 MTB 5th-place Female
• Roxanne Hall – Leadville local business owner, 15-time finisher

Over the course of 3 days, they’ll ride every mile of the legendary course with special attention to the most grueling sections: Powerline, St. Kevins and the incredible Columbine climb. Participants will be in riding in the eastern end of Twin Lakes this weekend, but businesses in the village are also hoping they will take advantage of some of their services. So, while you’re down in Twin Lakes, please consider supporting the following small businesses! These are the folks that help keep things spinning in the southern part of Lake County.

Support a Local Artist in Twin Lakes

The Shooting Star Gallery is located a block west from the Twin Lakes General Store. It is a co-op of Twin Lakes artists and includes the works of more than 15 area artists work done in a variety of mediums including wood, bronze, clay, stone, paper, paint, soap, glass, and fiber. Visitors to the gallery can expect a broad range of items offered, from handmade jewelry, wood carvings, stained glass, hand-knit hats, and so much more.

And for all those visiting LT100 racers, this is a great place to pick up that special gift for your LT100 crew – from lovely paintings of the surrounding beauty of Twin Lakes to handcrafted wares, there’s something for everyone on your list as a reminder of your race. Please support #twinlakesartists.

The Shooting Star Gallery is open every summer, mid-May to mid-October. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily. If the lights are on or the door is open, stop in at 6531 CO Highway 82, Twin Lakes, CO 81251. You can connect with them on their website or the Shooting Star Gallery Facebook Page.

Lunch on the Go in Twin Lakes

Punky’s Mobile Trailer doubled the Twin Lakes dining options when they first threw open the window on their mobile food trailer and turned on the neon OPEN sign a few years ago. Today, Punky’s Mobile Trailer is an anticipated rite of summer, serving up some tasty treats for lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. You can find them in front of the Shooting Star Gallery off Highway 82 in the village of Twin Lakes.

Diners can count on some old-fashioned burgers, smoked pulled-pork plates, Reubens, and all loaded up with a hearty pile of ribbon fries, with a variety of cold drinks to wash it all down! Take it on-the-road, or pull off and find a shady picnic table in the front yard of the Shooting Star Gallery where the food trailer can be found parked in front of at 6571 Highway 82.

“We’ve been crazy busy all summer!” the crew reported to Leadville Today. No doubt, because it really is good food! Punky’s Mobile Trailer is open daily from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Foodies can connect with them on the Punky’s Facebook Page or by phone at (303) 204-7363.

Punky’s Mobile Trailer is serving up some tasty treats for lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. You can find them in front of the Shooting Star Gallery off Highway 82 in the village of Twin Lakes. Photo: Punky’s Facebook Page.

Motoring to Interlaken on Twin Lakes

While many hikers take in the trail to the Interlaken Resort that the Cloud City Wheelers will be working on this Saturday (see above post) for those more mobility challenged or wanting a different perspective, consider taking a ride with Twin Lakes Interlaken Boat Tour. This scenic, narrated tours of Twin Lakes include both the upper and lower glacially formed lakes, as well as the historic Interlaken resort, established in the late 1800s as a getaway for wealthy mining tycoons. The views can’t be beaten and you’ll learn plenty about the geology of the area, wildlife, history, and even some Twin Lakes folklore.

It was a late start for the tour guides as historic spring run-off conditions contributed to fluctuating water levels at Twin Lakes, taking the lake longer to fill, allowing the boat tour to operate safely. Readers should also know that when supporting this Twin Lakes business they also indirectly support the contributions of a local artist. Lexie is responsible for a few of the wonderful murals located in downtown Leadville. So that’s just another good reason to get out on the water! Plus you can ride confidently knowing that the owners are licensed Coast Guard captains and have secured a special permit with the U.S. Forest Service to run their tours.

The Twin Lakes Interlaken Boat Tours depart daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and other times, by reservation. Their mobile ticket office can be found at the Red Rooster Board Ramp with the U.S. flag flying. The turnoff from Highway 82 is at the White Star Campground, look for their sign! More details can be found on their website, by email at artboat@wildblue.net, or by phone at (903) 930-1568.

So that’s a wrap for this installment of the Leadville Today Twin Lakes update series. Stay tuned there’s more to come! Or better yet, go see it for yourself!

Look for the Twin Lakes Interlaken Boat Tours sign for the turnoff from Highway 82.