Twin Lakes, Twin Lakes Open Space, Boulder - Denver - Golden - Fort Collins - Lyons, Colorado
Twin Lakes - 1.4 miles
Twin Lakes Open Space
| Round-Trip Length: | 1.4 miles (East Lake = .7 mile loop | West Lake = .7 mile loop) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 5,180' - 5,180' |
| Elevation Change: | Nominal |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | Yes |
| Horses Allowed: | Yes |
| Related Trails: |
Twin Lakes - 1.4 Miles Round-Trip
Twin Lakes Open Space is a 42-acre protected wetland area in Gunbarrel, CO. The land was purchased in January of 2002 by Boulder County, with the Boulder Left Hand Irrigation Company maintaining water rights.
The Twin Lakes management plan emphasizes balance between ecological protection and restoration with public access. These man-made reservoirs and irrigation ditch corridors have become crucial refuges for birds, mammals and reptiles.
Great blue herons, red-winged blackbirds, northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, osprey and great horned owls inhabit these wetlands and open space. Raptors are particularly numerous in winter. Fox, coyote and deer are common throughout the year.
Twin Lakes Open Space's mild grades are ideal for birders, families, runners and winter recreation.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N40 03.790 W105 12.040 — Twin Lakes Trailhead and Parking
Worth Noting
- Underlying the Twin Lake reservoirs is thousands of feet of Pierre Shale bedrock made up of the muddy sediments left behind by retreating seas that covered the area 70 - 80 million years ago
- Since 1910, the Boulder & Left Hand Irrigation Company has operated the two lakes, which are actually reservoirs used to store water for agriculture. B&LHIC still owns the rights to the water and Boulder County owns the land surrounding them.
- Twin Lakes is a handicap accessible park with paved or level packed dirt-paths.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Twin Lakes is a day-use only area.
Fishing Information
Fishing is permitted with a valid Colorado fishing license. Wading is not permitted - fish from the shore only.
Rules and Regulations
- Park is open sunrise to sunset.
- Dogs are allowed on the West Lake trail (off-leash but under owner's control).
- Swimming and wading is not permitted at Twin Lakes.
Directions to Trailhead
From Boulder: Head North on 28th Street (Highway 36) past Iris Avenue to Jay Road. Take Jay Road east across the Diagonal Highway and turn left onto 63rd Street. Take 63rd Street to Nautilus Drive and turn right onto Nautilus. Drive to the stop sign and turn left. Drive .3 miles to the dead end and park in the circle area. The Twin Lakes Trailhead will be on your right (Eaton Park will be on your left).
From Longmont: Head south on the Diagonal Highway. Turn south onto 63rd Street and head .8 miles to Nautilus Drive. Turn left (east) onto Nautilus Drive. Drive to the stop sign and turn left. Drive .3 miles to the dead end and park in the circle area. The Twin Lakes Trailhead will be on your right (Eaton Park will be on your left).
Contact Information
Boulder County Parks & Open Space
T: 303.678.6200
E: [email protected]
W: bouldercounty.org/os/parks/pages/twinlakes.aspx
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