Join our Group & Protect Leadville-Twin Lakes

Next year when you enjoy a new Mt. Elbert trailhead area or a clean campsite at Halfmoon, you can thank a brand-new local group! Friends of Lake County, started in summer 2023, is helping to protect natural areas near Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado. You can also join the group! This work is critical for all of us that love Leadville-Twin Lakes and want to help #LeaveItBetterThanYouFoundIt

What Is Friends of Lake County?

Local land managers like the U.S. Forest Service are facing a long wish list of stewardship projects due to years of limited staffing and budgets. Friends of Lake County is stepping in with literal boots on the ground, with volunteers ready to support essential projects.

For example, this summer the group created a new kiosk and upgraded the parking area at Mt. Elbert’s Black Cloud trailhead. Volunteers also removed fire rings at campsites along Halfmoon Road, removed fences at May Queen, installed needed signage at Twin Lakes, stained a deck at Crystal Lakes, and conducted road and trail monitoring. At the season’s seven projects, 52 volunteers gave 172 hours of service.

In addition to offering the chance to support local forests and trails, the group gives volunteers the chance to connect with others who have shared values.

Additional partners include Lake County, Friends of Twin Lakes, and Colorado Mountain College – Leadville.

Join Us Next Year

Friends of Lake County will be back next summer. Come join us! Even if you are only in Lake COunty for the weekend, you to can be apart of protecting this wonderful place. Please keep an eye out for a schedule of fun volunteer projects on FriendsOfLakeCounty.com. Or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. If you come out to volunteer, don’t forget to use the hashtag #LeaveItBetterThanYouFoundIt on your social posts.

Come ready to meet friendly locals and to leave Leadville-Twin Lakes better than you found it!