Move Over Aspen! This Gorgeous Lake Town Named Colorado’s Most Affordable Getaway

Share The Article

Ever want to immerse yourself in Colorado's stunning nature but the price tag keeps you at bay?

Chances are, you haven't been to Aspen then, the state's ritziest mountain getaway.

Perhaps you've been able to squeeze a trip to other notable hideaways such as Vail, Steamboat Springs, or Crested Butte, though we at Travel Off Path doubt you've ever considered a rustic lake town nestled at the foothills of Mount Elbert, just revealed as Colorado's cheapest destination.

Backdropped by the Rockies' highest peak, a pair of glassy alpine lakes, and a charming townscape so nostalgic, you might feel as if you've been dropped off in a bygone era.

If you're looking to cap off summer with a relaxing trip in nature or kick off fall surrounded by postcard beauty, then Twin Lakes, CO, should top your travel wishlist.

Colorado's Most Unique Destination

You may have never heard of Twin Lakes, and rightfully so. This town of less than 600 residents doesn't creep up on travelers' radars often, except for those who live nearby, looking for an idyllic escape without the hassle of crowds.

The fact that Twin Lakes lacks people is all part of the allure. Places like Aspen are not only popular vacation spots, but also pricey — Twin Lakes is neither.

As enticing as Twin Lakes may be for those reasons, affordability and elbow room aren't the only draws.

Oftentimes, travel publications claim to reveal tight-lipped secrets only for the big reveal to be a letdown.

That's largely due to the fact that just because a place is cheap or less crowded, it doesn't mean there's anything worth doing to justify the trip.

That's not the case for Twin Lakes. The scenery here is astounding, and just because it's a map-dot town doesn't mean it's not equipped to welcome visitors with cozy accommodations, outdoor excursions, and down-home hospitality.

Though, the most unique aspect of Twin Lakes is a place you'd never suspect. If you're like me and watch trash TV in your downtime, then Haunted Tales likely piques your interest.

If so, then the abandoned ghost town of Interlaken will be the highlight of your trip as it is for many.

Twin Lakes' Ghost Town: The Town's Most Popular Attraction

Not often do you have the chance to visit a bona fide ghost town. Usually, such places are way off-path to justify a visit, even on a well-planned road trip.

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Twin Lakes lies Interlaken, once a premier 19th-century luxury retreat to enjoy peace and solitude.

What has not been abandoned is still a sight to see. There are even $49 boat tours (plus walking tours) taking Twin Lakes' few tourists to the site, but some opt to take the scenic route, so to speak.

Interlaken can also be reached by a roughly 4.7-mile round-trip hike along the shoreline, providing a great reward for awesome photo-ops and insightful history lessons after the trek.

General Stores & Rustic Stays: Blink And You'll Miss Downtown's Charm

Remember when I said you'll feel like you've been dropped off in a bygone era? That all has to do with “downtown”, if it's even big enough, implying there are other parts of town.

In a world where we have everything at our fingertips with the push of a button, Twin Lakes is a step behind and doesn't care to change.

Boasting a vintage general store to make a grocery run, grab outdoor necessities, or fill up your car with analog pumps after the scenic mountain drive, there's also the Twin Lakes Historic District worth a stop too.

But mostly, you'll find timeless stays, a far cry from typical summer vacations, almost always saturated with flashy resorts.

Here, you'll save a buck or two by opting for charm over opulence at such old-timey inns as Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon and Roadhouse Lodge, along with ample vacation rental options, including wooded cabins.

There are ample places to eat, too, including a few popular cafes to fuel up for the day and Indy Pass Pizzas, all of which are a fraction of what you'd spend in a tourism hub like Aspen.

For example, a cozy room at aforementioned Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon goes for $169 and a coffee at Roadhouse Coffee + Ice Cream only sets you back $4 — take that, Starbucks!

Enjoy Alpine Lakes For Any Season — But Fall Is Best!

With fall on the horizon, there's arguably no better time to visit. The town's sparkling alpine lakes are gorgeous no matter the season.

Of course, brutal winters make it an extra trek to reach, so fall may be the last hurrah for the rest of the year.

The surrounding forest begins to see speckled tree lines of golden hues, and the breezy mountain air still lingers to make the outdoors a pleasant time away from the city grind.

Visitors love kayaking, fishing, hiking, and biking in Twin Lakes — and it's a safe bet Fido can tag along.

Expect fall temperatures to hover around 50s and 60s until November, when winter chills begin to creep in.

To get here, Aspen and Vail have the closest airports. If you've ever been to Colorado, then you know the entire state makes for an unforgettable road trip, too.

I know from experience! John Denver wasn't full of you know what after all…