Interlaken Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Historical Significance · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

How many trails combine beautiful scenery, a unique historical multi-building site, and an easy route that is still long enough to occupy 3 or 4 hours? Interlaken Trail has all of that, and as a bonus it is not particularly crowded. This is a very satisfying and interesting hike that can be nicely combined with a lunch in nearby Leadville and an exploration of the amazing Mineral Belt Bike Trail. - Overview by Denis LeBlanc, Outdoor Project

The trail to Interlaken begins at a trailhead not far from the Twin Lakes Dam. It is actually a short section of the 150-mile Colorado Trail that stretches from Durango to Denver. Following the shore of the larger Twin Lake, the trail is very level for most of the route. The entire time there are great views of the lake, surrounding aspen and spruce forests, wildflowers, and the looming presence of Mount Elbert--the tallest mountain in the state--straight ahead.

The historic site at the end of the trail is quite nice to explore, especially the Dexter cabin, which is open to the public. From the lower level with its rare wood trim, to the third level cupola with views all around, the whole structure is evocative and authentic. There are a number of informative displays and descriptions that make it a mini-museum in open air.

Though most popular in the summer, this trail also makes a great winter hike. Come with snowshoes or skis to enjoy relative solitude on the frozen lakeshore in winter.

A resort was built at this location in the 1870s, reaching its peak in the 1880s under the ownership of James Dexter, who transformed Interlaken into a luxurious retreat for the wealthy. As development brought more residents and farms to the region, the Twin Lakes were expanded with the construction of a new dam, submerging the only road to Interlaken at that time. Consequently, the resort was closed, and the buildings fell into disrepair. By the 1970s, plans to raise the dam yet higher threatened to inundate the historic Interlaken site. In 1974, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1979, the Bureau of Reclamation relocated the main buildings 150 feet and stabilized them. The buildings, particularly the Dexter cabin, are exceptionally well-preserved considering their history, thanks to thousands of volunteer hours and numerous commercial sponsors.