Interlaken Historic Resort Twin Lakes
Explore the remnants of a Gilded Age luxury resort via a scenic lakeside trail, featuring preserved cabins and stunning mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Interlaken Historic Resort Twin Lakes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remnants of a Gilded Age luxury resort via a scenic lakeside trail, featuring preserved cabins and stunning mountain vistas.
"A nice hike in and out along the lake, loved that Dexter house was open to walk through!"
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The trail is mostly flat, but good walking shoes are recommended for exploring the resort grounds.
💧 Bring water and snacks
There are no facilities at the resort. Stay hydrated, especially at this elevation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dexter's Cabin
Interlaken Historic Resort
Step inside this beautifully preserved 1890s cabin with imported wood and open verandas.
Interlaken Hotel Ruins
Interlaken Historic Resort
Explore the remnants of Colorado's most beautiful resort from the late 1800s.
Twin Lakes Shoreline Trail
Southern shoreline of Twin Lakes
An easy, scenic 5-mile out-and-back hike with stunning lake and mountain views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Access & Timing
Historic Resort Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The trail is mostly flat, but good walking shoes are recommended for exploring the resort grounds.
💧 Bring water and snacks
There are no facilities at the resort. Stay hydrated, especially at this elevation.
📸 Capture the history
Don't miss the unique door hardware and imported wood at Dexter's Cabin.
🗺️ Check trail conditions
Recent fires have impacted the area; confirm trail access before you go.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The trail is mostly flat, but good walking shoes are recommended for exploring the resort grounds.
💧 Bring water and snacks
There are no facilities at the resort. Stay hydrated, especially at this elevation.
📸 Capture the history
Don't miss the unique door hardware and imported wood at Dexter's Cabin.
🗺️ Check trail conditions
Recent fires have impacted the area; confirm trail access before you go.
🚶♀️ Explore beyond the hotel
More buildings are visible up close than from across the lake.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the scenic Interlaken Trail hike along Twin Lakes, praising its easy terrain and beautiful mountain views. The opportunity to explore the historic Dexter's Cabin is a major draw, offering a tangible connection to the area's past. While the main hotel isn't fully accessible, the preserved structures and informative boards provide a rich historical experience.
"Nice hike in and out along the lake. Loved that the Dexter house was open to walk through. Wish the InterLaken Hotel was open too but it was still neat to see the buildings."
Lisa ***
"An old hotel that was built in 1879 and is now an historic area in Twin Lakes, CO. The historic site is accessed primarily by the Interlaken trail, a small section of the Colorado Trail, you will walk along the lakeshore with beautiful views. Once there, you can walk around and explore the buildings, you can enter Dexter's Cabin."
Grace
"This was a great hike! I loved that we were right along the lake the whole time. The trail is mostly flat, so we never felt like we had to push ourselves too hard. The resort area is really well preserved, and it was neat to imagine what it might have been like to stay there. I was really excited that they even have one of the buildings open to walk through."
Sutton Holobyn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The resort is accessed via the Interlaken Trail, a section of the Colorado Trail, starting from the southern shore of Twin Lakes. Parking is available near the trailhead.
Yes, there is parking available near the trailhead on the south shore of Twin Lakes. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
Yes, some visitors have kayaked or boated to the resort, offering a different perspective of the historic site.
The area is at a high elevation, nearly 10,000 feet, so be prepared for thinner air.
No, the Interlaken Trail is considered an easy hike, mostly flat with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees to visit the Interlaken Historic Resort and hike the Interlaken Trail. It's a public access area.
The resort grounds and Dexter's Cabin are generally accessible during daylight hours. The Interlaken Hotel itself is not open for tours.
While the main Interlaken Hotel is not accessible, Dexter's Cabin is open for visitors to explore.
There is no entrance fee for the Interlaken Trail. It's a free public trail.
Visitors are asked to respect the historic nature of the site and stay on marked trails. Be mindful of any fire restrictions or closures.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore Dexter's Cabin, see the remnants of the Interlaken Hotel, and enjoy the scenic views along the Twin Lakes shoreline.
The hike is about 5 miles roundtrip, taking approximately 2-3 hours depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the resort.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, dogs are generally allowed on trails in Colorado State Parks and National Forests, but must be leashed. Always check local regulations.
Expect beautiful views of Twin Lakes, Mount Elbert, and the surrounding Sawatch Range mountains.
One reviewer humorously mentioned seeing a ghost, but there are no official reports of hauntings.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic architecture of Dexter's Cabin, the lake vistas, and the mountain backdrops. The shoreline offers great perspectives.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and flattering light for landscape and architectural photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic sites and national forests. Check with the Forest Service for specific regulations.
The trail along the lake offers continuous scenic views. The area around Dexter's Cabin provides unique architectural shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can capture distant mountain peaks. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities at the resort. The beautiful lake views and the open space around the historic buildings provide opportunities for kids to run around and enjoy the outdoors. Visiting on a weekday can help avoid larger crowds, making the experience more relaxed for families.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, pack your own lunch and snacks. The scenic drive to Twin Lakes is also part of the experience, offering stunning mountain vistas. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for fewer crowds and potentially lower accommodation costs in nearby towns if you're staying overnight.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the surrounding mountains against the lake and the historic buildings. The contrast between the rustic charm of the cabins and the dramatic mountain scenery makes for compelling compositions. Remember to check for any local photography restrictions, especially concerning drones.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Interlaken Resort
The resort complex included a grand hotel and several smaller cabins. While the grand hotel is now largely in ruins, one of its most charming structures, Dexter's Cabin, remains remarkably preserved. Built in the mid-1890s, this cabin features unique architectural elements like imported wood and open verandas, offering visitors a tangible connection to the resort's opulent past.
Today, the Interlaken Historic Resort site is managed to preserve its historical significance while allowing public access. The Interlaken Trail provides a gentle path for visitors to explore the grounds and learn about the resort's heyday through interpretive signage. It's a fascinating glimpse into Colorado's Gilded Age tourism.
Hiking the Interlaken Trail
As you walk, you'll pass through varied terrain, from open meadows to sections shaded by trees. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. A significant portion of the hike is at a high elevation (nearly 10,000 feet), so visitors should be aware of potential altitude effects and stay hydrated.
Reaching the historic Interlaken Resort area is the highlight for many. Once there, you can wander around the preserved buildings, including the accessible Dexter's Cabin, and imagine the grandeur of the past. The trail is also a segment of the larger Colorado Trail, so you might encounter long-distance hikers.
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