Top 12 Reasons to Visit Leadville-Twin Lakes in 2024
January 9, 2024This year, be sure to visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado! Here at the top of the Rockies, you’ll find a wide breadth of things to do outdoors and in our genuine and historic downtowns. While the list of possibilities is nearly endless, here are our top 12 reasons to visit in 2024!
Photo: @marklarowephoto
1) Watch horses pull skiers down main street
Leadville Ski Joring weekend is the first full weekend of March each year. Come see horses and riders barreling down Leadville’s snow-covered avenue, with skiers flying behind and soaring over giant jumps. It’s a sight you’ll never forget! Make a weekend of it and stay for fat bike races, Nordic sprints, music and dancing, and much more. Book your trip now for March 1-3!
Photo: @browneyedgirlsnaps
2) See fall colors you won’t believe
Leaves change early in Leadville, which at 10,152’ is North America’s highest-elevation city. Views of golden aspen are spectacular along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway between Twin Lakes and Independence Pass. The byway also glows yellow leading into Leadville. Find first gold with us!
Photo: @gasperwasthere
3) Enjoy today’s history in cool mountain towns
Leadville and Twin Lakes are genuine, historic mountain towns that are lived in—and loved—today. You’ll enjoy modern locally owned shops, delicious restaurants, and cozy lodging in unique historic buildings, for a cool vibe.
Photo: Diana Lange
4) Ski or ride uncrowded slopes
Tired of waiting for the lift at pricey resorts? Get plenty of skiing and riding time at Cooper, where short lift lines are short, affordable tickets, and a laid-back vibe. Family friendly Cooper has a variety of terrain from easy to expert, making it great for skiers and riders of all levels. Don’t miss this hidden gem!
Photo: Jon Resnick
5) Explore the New Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument
The new Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument is on the doorstep of Leadville-Twin Lakes. Stay with us and explore the beautiful and historical lands of Camp Hale by biking, hiking, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing. You can also camp and fish in this quiet valley. Fall is a jaw-dropping time to visit the large aspen groves that turn the hillsides bright yellow.
Photo: @runjennjenn
6) Roll though a fat biking mecca
Leadville-Twin Lakes offers a plethora of fat bike trails, making this fun sport accessible to all riders year ‘round. The groomed winter trails here are so great that Leadville is hosting the 2024 Fat Bike Worlds, which has options for all levels of riders!
Photo: @traceanngoodie
7) Discover yesterday’s history on foot or wheels
The area is full of fascinating late 1800’s Silver Rush history. Dig into the stories by strolling our museums and taking historic walking tours in downtown Leadville and Twin Lakes village. Visit our new memorial, the Leadville Irish Miners’ Memorial.
Hike, bike, cross-country ski, fat bike, or snowmobile past original mining structures in Leadville’s East Side Mining District. Bike, hike, or float to Interlaken ghost resort at Twin Lakes. See a show at the Tabor Opera House, built by a wealthy miner and the part of the Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit.
We also encourage you to learn more about the area’s Native American history.
8) Visit a place where locals care about the natural world.
Locals love the peaks, forests, valleys, and waters of this area. Please join in to protect this stunning natural beauty! Volunteer on a stewardship project with the new Friends of Lake County. Make sure this is the year you “doo” Colorado right. Join us in celebrating a coming-soon nature preserve on the Arkansas River. And please follow these 7 tips to keep Leadville and Twin Lakes beautiful!
Photo: Diana Lange
9) Cheer burro races and parades
For more fun sights, join us for Leadville Boom Days and burro races from August 2-4, 2024! Runners and their burros travel up to 21 miles through the mountains in this annual race. The Boom Days mining heritage festival kicks off with a large parade. You’ll find a big July 4th parade and a small but fun St. Patrick’s Day parade. You’ll also want to catch the St. Patrick’s Day Practice Parade in September, a small gathering during weather that’s much warmer than Leadville’s March snows.
Photo: @alex23cb
10) Climb to new heights
Leadville-Twin Lakes is at the foot of Colorado’s two highest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. The views from the top are incredible! Even though most nearby 14ers are not technical, they are big mountains that require respect. Learn how to prepare for your first 14er for a fun and safe trip! For a shorter hike, check out the many beautiful local hiking trails. Here at the Top of the Rockies, we can always help you reach new heights!
Photo: @Chasing.Luminance
11) Reach for the stars under dark skies
Missing the stars under city lights? Visit Twin Lakes for dark skies. At Mt. Bump, across from the village, you can peer into the depths of the universe. Overnights at the 10th Mountain Division Huts, mountain yurts, or local campsites can also let you truly see the stars.
Photo: @roadhousetwinlakes
12) Experience a real winter and peaceful holidays
If you love snow, add a trip to Leadville-Twin Lakes to your 2024 list. Here you’ll find all kinds of skiing and other winter sports, as well as the chance to warm up in great restaurants and saloons.
Plan your 2024 year-end holidays in our quiet, peaceful mountain towns! See a sampling of our past holiday and New Year’s events and options for holiday shopping!
Plan Your Trip
Now is the time to make your 2024 travel plans! Explore even more about Leadville and Twin Lakes, and plan your trip today!
Featured photo: @thismomentarylightaffliction
