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Twin Lakes and Colorado's highest peak


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Map Key

21.5

Miles

34.6

KM

91%

Runnable

10,623' 3,238 m

High

8,932' 2,722 m

Low

2,336' 712 m

Up

3,474' 1,059 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

36%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

At about 22 miles point-to-point, this segment of the Colorado Trail runs from the Mount Massive Trailhead south to Clear Creek Road. It features flowing creeks and beautiful displays of wildflowers. A relatively easy to moderate segment with mostly downhill sections and several miles of flat terrain. Several intersecting side trails offer opportunities to alter the distance or change the route. One such trail leads to Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado and a popular side trip for long distance hikers (adding this mountain will increase the overall distance and difficulty of this segment). - Overview by Lani Advokat, Outdoor Project

Section Of

Runner Notes

A good point-to-point trail run.

Description

Key Mileages (southbound):
00.00 - Start at Mount Massive Trailhead.
01.30 - Trail junction. The Colorado Trail stays to the left and Mount Elbert Trail goes to the right.
07.20 - Pass under Highway 82.
13.70 - Trail junction, stay left to remain on the Colorado Trail, head right to take the Collegiate West alternate.
21.50 - End of segment / Clear Creek Road.

Water: There is plenty of water along this segment, though you should still treat it before drinking.

Logistics: This segment is accessible by car from both the southern and northern ends. Access points for this segment include Mount Massive Trailhead, Interlaken Trail, and Clear Creek Road Trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Trail Run Project Staff with improvements by Jesse Weber

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 3 votes

#2731

Overall
  4.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#458

in Colorado

#2,731

Overall
10 Views Last Month
4,031 Since Nov 6, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Twin Lakes fall view with Mt Elbert, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains on the right
Sep 17, 2018 near Leadvil…, CO
View of Mt Elbert (right), highest point in the Rockies
Sep 17, 2018 near Leadvil…, CO
Descent from the Mount Elbert Summit, less than 1 mile away from the trailhead parking lot, this view looking east. Missed it on my up, in darkness at 05:00 A.M. Nice finish to the day!
Aug 8, 2019 near Leadvil…, CO
The Collegiate Peaks from the CT.
Apr 13, 2018 near Leadvil…, CO
CT Segment #11 NoBo around Twin Lakes
Jul 13, 2021 near Leadvil…, CO
Yurt located at Twin Lakes.
Aug 5, 2021 near Leadvil…, CO

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All Clear 65 days ago
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Jul 18, 2019
Scott Manwaring
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