Top 10 Spots for Fall Colors Near Leadville & Twin Lakes
August 28, 2023Leaves change early in Leadville, Colorado, tossing gold on the mountains. Make sure you catch the fall colors in the mountains this year! Here are the top 10 spots where you can see them:
1) Scenic Drive 1: Twin Lakes and Independence Pass
Bright yellow aspen light up the mountainsides behind Twin Lakes, large blue glacial lakes. Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, Colorado’s two highest peaks, rise just to the north. Large aspen groves stretch across Mt. Elbert’s lower flanks. Take Highway 82, part of the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway, into Twin Lakes for stunning views of the lakes. Continue west to Aspen for even more jaw-dropping scenery. Yellow and orange leaves glow on both sides of the road as it twists from Twin Lakes up to the summit of Independence Pass (12,095’) and down the western side to Aspen.
2) Mt. Elbert Forebay Reservoir
A little off the beaten path and just up the hill from Twin Lakes is a hidden gem. Mt. Elbert Forebay Reservoir boasts shores shimmering with gold aspen, right at the foot of its namesake mountain. Take Highway 82 to County Road 24 (not Highway 24) just east of Twin Lakes Village to access this scenic spot.
📷: Jon Resnick
3) Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument
Visit the Camp Hale portion of the new Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument for stunning aspen. You can hike, bike, fish, camp, and ride off-road vehicles. Check our Recreation Guide for more info. Fall colors stretch all around this former training ground for the World War II heroes of the 10th Mountain Division.
4) Scenic Drive 2: I-70 to Leadville
Just getting to Leadville in the fall is awe-inspiring. From Interstate 70, both roads to Leadville follow the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway across the Continental Divide, with spectacular autumn views of lakes, valleys, and Colorado’s highest peaks. Coming east from Denver, take Highway 91 from Copper Mountain over Fremont Pass (11,319’). Approach from the west along Highway 24 from Minturn, over Tennessee Pass (10,423’).
5) Leadville Scenic Train – Fall Photo Specials
Book a seat on the Leadville Railroad and journey high into the San Isabel National Forest, where the mountains are ablaze with yellow, orange, and red. See the headwaters of the Arkansas River Valley and sweeping vistas of Colorado’s two highest peaks.
The Fall Special train runs daily through Oct. 8th. The schedule is 1 p.m. on weekdays, and twice a day on Saturdays and Sundays, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Then Oktoberfest rides take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. until Oct. 29th. Be sure to catch the mouthwatering BBQ Specials on Saturdays, Sept. 1st and 8th at 5:45 p.m. Reservations are required.
6) Fall Horseback Rides
See the leaves from horseback with Leadville’s Halfmoon Packing & Outfitting. Spend a day horse camping along the Colorado Trail. The ride winds through dark timber, aspen groves, and open fields and climbs above timberline to a 12,000’ overlook. Lunch is included. Shorter half-day or hourly rides take you to the top of Mt. Zion, for a panoramic view of Leadville, Twin Lakes, and Turquoise Lake. You can also enjoy the fall colors from a horse-drawn wagon.
7) Mineral Belt Trail
Bike or walk Leadville’s famous 11-mile Mineral Belt Trail, a paved loop around town that highlights Leadville’s historic mining structures. The trail passes through large stands of aspen between 5th and Toledo Streets. It also offers wide-open views of the Sawatch Range in its autumn glory. You can rent a bike or e-bike in town.
8) Top of the Rockies Zipline
See the leaves from a bird’s-eye view as you fly along a zipline at 11,200’! For the rare opportunity to ride a zipline over a train—and for maximum leaf-peeping—check out the five-hour rails and zipline tour.
9) Interlaken Trail
Hike or mountain bike the trail to the Interlaken ghost resort. You’ll find spectacular views across Twin Lakes to the golden aspen on Mt. Elbert. You’ll also pass through gorgeous aspen stands. Whether you start at the Twin Lakes Dam and hike west or the Willis Gulch trailhead and hike east, you’ll love the leaves. Looking to sit back and relax? Take a boat tour to Interlaken!
10) Downtown Leadville
Visit Leadville’s historic district for even more fall colors! Aspen pop along the city’s streets too. They make a great backdrop for shopping, eating and drinking, historic tours, and cozy overnight stays. Come celebrate fall with us!
