Top of the Rockies
Twin Lakes Historic District, CO

The Twin Lakes Historic District has long since been deserted, and the only inhabitants now may be an occasional rabbit or other small creature. People have lived in the valley where Twin Lakes now lies for thousands of years. In 1860, the first village, Dayton, served prospectors. During the silver rush of 1879, people again settled in the area and the village was renamed Twin Lakes. Nearly 300 people lived in the town in 1884. It mainly served as a rest town for those who were traveling to Leadville.

Today, there are many buildings that have been preserved and are in excellent condition for visitors to look at. A shed, assay office, log cabin, the Clarion Hotel, and the Red Rooster Tavern still stand. At the time, the Red Rooster Tavern was known to be a "house of ill repute." So, take some time and wander along the paths to the different buildings and recall the former boom days of this town.