6 Great Things To Do In Leadville-Twin Lakes This Fall

Quiet trails and fun activities, inside and outside

Little girl with pink hat hiking in fall

Fall is a quiet season in Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado, after the summer vacationers leave and before the snow-lovers arrive. Trails and restaurants are more quiet, and lodging rates are lower. If you need more reasons to visit, here are six things you can do on a fun fall mountain escape:

1) Explore Uncrowded Trails

In the fall, the trails near Leadville and Twin Lakes offer a peaceful wilderness escape. Come enjoy the quiet and the welcoming weather for biking and hiking, and even have the off-road adventures to yourself.

Fall in Leadville means everything from warm, sunny days to snowy peaks. While it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast, fall often offers some of the best hiking and biking weather of the year. Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, is National Take a Hike Day, a wonderful time to explore!

Check out where to go biking, hiking and running.

Leadville train in fall with mountains in the background

Photo: @scene_mcbride

2) Ride the Scenic Train

Sit back, relax, and enjoy majestic alpine scenery from the comfort of the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad! Our Holiday Express rides start Nov. 21, 2024. Book your ticket to enjoy a winter wonderland, complete with seasonal treats and beverages!

3) See a Ghost Town by ATV, Dirt Bike, or Car

To visit the ghosts of yesteryear, head to the East Side Mining District just above Leadville. There you’ll find the remains of Leadville’s silver mining boom days, from looming headframes to creaky ore houses that once bustled with miners.

A great way to see these is on an ATV or dirt bike! Check out Leadville ATV Tours, which books tours year-round.

Or drive your car up Toledo Street to California Gulch, and just to the north of where the Mineral Belt Trail crosses the road, you can read about the spooky happenings in nearby mines. Decide for yourself if the stories are true! Download a Heritage Guide to learn more about the area’s history.

4) Bag a Big One

Fall means hunting season, and the wilderness surrounding Leadville and Twin Lakes make for excellent hunting. Ride horseback into a pack camp or go on a guided hunt with Halfmoon Packing and Outfitting. Hone your skills at Leadville’s public shooting range. See Colorado Parks & Wildlife for info on hunting seasons, licenses, and more.

5) Tour Unique Museums

Explore Leadville’s unique museums to see crystals and gems, walk through life-size mine replicas, tour an 1879 opera house, and marvel at a frontier synagogue. The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum tells the story of mining, past, present, and future. Temple Israel shares fascinating insights about pioneer Jewish life.

The Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin lets you experience daily life in the Silver Rush days. Be sure to visit the Irish Miners’ exhibit; it and the grounds and gift shop are open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 am to 3:30 p.m. The Healy House Museum will also offer tours by appointment through the end of October; call 719-486-0487 to book.

6) Visit Downtown Leadville

Roam the 70-block National Historic District in downtown Leadville. Browse unique shops. Dine in delicious restaurants. Have a drink in an old-time saloon. Step back in time, in our Victorian-era buildings.

No matter what you do, you’re sure to fall in love with Leadville. Book your stay today!

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