0.0 From the front of the General Store ride east on CO 82, the way you drove in.
1.3 Turn right on the unmarked faint singletrack that connects the paved road with the Colorado Trail/CDT. Ride about 25 yards and turn left on the Colorado Trail.
1.9 Cross a paved road and continue on singletrack. There are Colorado Trail signs along this route.
2.4 Cross a paved road and continue on singletrack.
3.8 Cross a dirt road and continue on singletrack. Stay on the main trail.
5.1 Stay to the left of the dam on the signed CT. The trail used to go across the dam, but is not usually open now.
5.4 Cross the road directly and stay on the singletrack.
5.5 Pedal through the sand and up on the pavement. Cross the bridge.
5.6 Turn right off the pavement and back onto singletrack. Look for sign.
5.7 Cross the fence. You may be able to get your bike through. Otherwise, stop and lift it over. Follow the singletrack along the river that turns into a doubletrack road.
5.8 Intersect CR 25. Turn right and stay on the road around the south side of the dam.
6.1 Turn left on dirt road – this is the same road that used to go across the dam.
6.2-3 Continue straight on the large dirt road. Do not turn on any side roads.
6.7 Turn left on the signed Colorado Trail turns at a 45˚ angle. After 50 yards, pass through a wooden fence and sign the trail register.
8.0 The CDT switchbacks left. Continue riding straight on the Colorado Trail along the lake shore.
8.9 Enter Inter-Laken. There are several restored historic buildings, and interpretive signs tell the fascinating history of this late-1800s resort.
10.3 Cross a bridge and enter an aspen grove.
10.8 Cross a stream without a bridge.
11.4 Cross a wide path and continue on the singletrack. This is part of the Leadville 100 running race route.
11.7 Shallow creek crossing.
12.1 The technical section begins with steep short climbs.
12.4 The trail to Big and Little Willis Gulch switchbacks left. Continue straight – don’t take the switchback.
12.7 T-intersection into a wide trail. Turn right on this trail.
12.9 Cross a large bridge over the river. Twin Lakes residents say this is the start of the Arkansas River. Leadville residents say the headwaters lie higher on Fremont Pass. Turn right immediately after the bridge over some big rocks. This is the Willis Gulch Trailhead. Turn left on the dirt road.
13.0 Intersection with paved CO 82. Turn right and ride to Twin Lakes.
14.4 For more singletrack, turn right on this road. After about 50 yards, turn left on the singletrack that crosses the meadow east. This trail leads back to the parking area.
15.1 Back at the parking lot.