ENJOY DARK SKIES AT LEADVILLE & TWIN LAKES
This summer, enjoy the magic of dark skies near Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado. Far away from city lights, you can marvel at bright moonlight or thousands of stars. Bring a telescope to peer into the universe. Or time your visit for meteor showers and watch fireworks in space.
WHERE TO GO
Consider these star-struck locations:
- Twin Lakes, Colorado, is a small village surrounded by miles and miles of national forest. Slip into the trees or along the shoreline just out of sight of Highway 82. There you’ll find a spectacular view of the cosmos.
- Leadville’s East Side Mining District offers above-treeline views of the wide heavens. No camping or sleeping in cars overnight is allowed in the Mining District, to protect the fragile tundra from camping impacts.
- Climbing a 14er? Start your hike before dawn to be down before afternoon thunderstorms arrive—and to catch an unforgettable view of the stars.
Photo: @Chasing.Luminance
STARGAZING RESOURCES
Get starry-eyed with these resources:
- 2023 space calendar with dates for the new moon, full moon, meteor showers, and more.
- Moonrise, sunrise, and sunset times and moon phase chart (While these times are for the Leadville National Fish Hatchery, we have found the moonrise times listed to be earlier than actual moonrise. Please use this as a general guide.)
- Constellations you can see from Colorado
- How to make your own telescope
- Interactive map of sky brightness or NASA Blue Marble Navigator to see how bright your home sky is
Photo: @Chasing.Luminance
HELP PRESERVE OUR DARK SKIES
Did you know that 99% of Americans live somewhere with light pollution?
On your vacation, you’ll have the chance to really see the night sky. Consider minimizing the use of lights on your trip to give your eyes, and your fellow campers’ eyes, a break. Doing so will also avoid confusing wildlife and night birds and let moths follow their usual patterns. Better still for your arms and ankles, using fewer lights will attract fewer bugs—and encourage them to stay flying in the forest for wildlife’s midnight snacks.
Consider these tips for a dark sky vacation:
- Point lights down at the ground. Use a top shield where possible to keep light from escaping upward.
- Use warm lights instead of blue tones. Minimize use of devices with blue light—better for your sleep and wildlife’s.
- Limit outside light use. Consider keeping lanterns and outside RV lights off and using patio string lights only at home. For safety concerns, consider a motion sensor light.
- Tone down flashlights. Use a flashlight or headlamp on low if possible, and use a red lens or setting for night vision.
- Use curtains. Close RV curtains and tent flaps and shades when staying in comfy hotel, motel, B&B or rental. Doing so will help keep the night sky natural, deep in the Colorado Rockies.
Photo: @Chasing.Luminance
NIGHT SKY NEAR LEADVILLE AND TWIN LAKES
Enjoy these photos of the night sky near Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado. Follow photographer Alex McGregor at @Chasing.Luminance on Instagram or visit his website.
Shops, Snacks & Small-Town Charm in the Heart of Leadville
IT'S MUD SEASON Spring in Leadville and Twin Lakes means longer days, melting snow, and the start of a new adventure season. But before wildflowers bloom and alpine trails open, we enter a unique time of year locals affectionately call mud season . While this in-between season may be quieter, it’s also a critical time for caring for our trails and outdoor spaces.
Saying Farewell to Ski Season in Leadville
You can now visit the Leadville Irish Miners’ Memorial , which speaks to the hopes and dreams of immigrants across the world. This new memorial honors Leadville residents whose names had been lost to time.
While much of Colorado welcomes the budding warmth of spring, here in North America’s highest city, winter likes to linger a little (or a lot) longer. At 10,152 feet, Leadville isn’t quite ready to trade snowflakes for sunshine just yet. But that’s part of the magic—our long winters mean more time to enjoy roaring fireplaces, warm drinks, and cozy mountain vibes. So, whether you’re fresh off the ski trails, wrapping up a day of exploring, or just looking for a snug spot to soak in Leadville’s charm, here are the best places in town to warm up by the fire.
No matter when you visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, you’ll find yourself two miles above sea level (ok, technically 1.9 miles, but who’s counting?). When you visit in March, you’ll be even closer to the glorious Colorado sun because by this time of year, Leadville and Twin Lakes have typically received around two meters of snow! Yes, meters. Here are some great ways you can enjoy the abundant snow and sun! 1) HIT THE SLOPES AT SKI COOPER Like to ski or ride? Check out Ski Cooper for affordable access to uncrowded slopes. Cooper is open seven days a week through Sunday, April 13, 2025. To learn to ski or board or to improve your skills, sign up for lessons for the whole family. 2) RIDE THE TRAIN Hop aboard the Leadville Railroad Winter Express for a 2-hour train ride through some of the area’s most spectacular scenery. The Winter Express runs until April 13th, departing Thursdays through Saturdays at 1:00 p.m plus daily at 1:00pm during spring break from March 9th through March 29th. This is a popular attraction and reservations are required! Book your seats here . 3) GO SNOWMOBILING Snowmobile and ATV tours are a great way to explore Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area and the surrounding hills. A variety of tour styles are available with options for experienced adventure seekers to beginners and families. Vroom, vroom! Local outfitters include: Leadville ATV , Leadville Offroad Adventures and White Mountain Snowmobiles 4) GO DOGSLEDDING Want a spring break story that’ll make your friends jealous? Hop on a sled and let a team of energetic, tail-wagging huskies whisk you across the snow! You'll glide through stunning mountain scenery with your new four-legged crew leading the way. Dogsledding is a thrilling, unforgettable adventure—and fun for the whole family! 5) GO SNOW ZIPPING Have you ever wanted to zipline in the winter? Now’s your chance! Experience the thrill of our 2-hour Winter Mountain Zip Line Tour , where you’ll descend not one but six exhilarating zip lines, spanning over 8,000 feet of fun. Extend your adventure with the Zip Line and Snowmobile Combo Tour . Get the full scoop on rates, reservations, and restrictions here !
If you love deep snow, bluebird skies, and zero lift lines, then March in Leadville and Twin Lakes are calling your name. While other Colorado ski towns are packed this time of year, this high-altitude haven stays refreshingly quiet—meaning more powder, more solitude, and more space to explore safely. Whether you’re carving fresh turns at Ski Cooper, venturing into the pristine backcountry, or enjoying a peaceful après-ski with no wait at the bar, this is your chance to experience winter without the chaos. But with all that extra room comes extra responsibility—so before you head into the untouched snow, let’s talk backcountry safety tips.
GIDDY UP! March 1-2, 2025 Every winter, Leadville transforms into a high-octane winter wonderland with the annual Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend . This two-day event is packed with adrenaline-pumping sports, winter races, and community fun. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a unique winter experience, Leadville is the place to be! This weekend always draws a crowd! Book a place to stay today .
In Leadville and Twin Lakes, we want to help you fall head over heels (hopefully not literally) with winter in the mountains. Whether you’re exploring solo, surrounded by family and friends, or with your special someone, come to Leadville-Twin Lakes to spark or rekindle your love of winter.
Ah, February. That special time of year when you can’t remember what it feels like to be warm outdoors and spring is still oh so far away. It’s the worst, right? At Leadville and Twin Lakes, we invite you to turn that February frown upside down and experience how amazing winter in Colorado can be (yes, even in February).
