Mount Elbert Forebay - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Twin Lakes Dam is a dam in Lake County, Colorado, about 13 miles south of Leadville. The earthen dam was constructed in 1978 by the United States Bureau of Reclamation with a height of 53 feet and a length at its crest of 3150 feet. It has a surface area of 2700 acres and a maximum capacity of 141,000 acre-feet.

Twin Lakes Reservoir is surrounded by nature, with the typical Colorado recreation found within the bordering San Isabel National Forest. It has a surface area of 2700 acres and a maximum capacity of 141,000 acre-feet. Recreation includes boating, fishing for trout, and camping at five Forest Service campgrounds in the area.

North Mount Elbert Trail is 4.3 miles long and is located off the Halfmoon Road southwest of Leadville. . Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 42 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking.

Mount Elbert is Colorado's highest peak and the second highest peak in the lower 48 states. The mountain was named in honor of a Colorado statesman, Samuel Hitt Elbert, who was active in the formative period of the state and Governor of the Territory of Colorado. The easiest and most popular climbing routes are categorized as Class 1 to 2 or A+ in mountaineering parlance. Mount Elbert is therefore often referred to as the "gentle giant" that tops all others in the Rocky Mountains.

Hope Pass sits just below 13,000 feet in the shadow of Hope Peak. It's a long and fairly technical trek that weaves through dense forest. Enjoy this 8.7-km out-and-back trail near Buena Vista, Colorado. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 21 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.

French Mountain is a high mountain summit in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 13,966-foot thirteener is located on the Elbert Massif in San Isabel National Forest, 13.0 miles southwest by west of the City of Leadville in Lake County, Colorado, United States.