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Fall in Leadville and Twin Lakes: Your Guide to Colorado’s Golden Season

There’s nothing quite like fall in Leadville and Twin Lakes.

The days are often sunny and warm, the mornings are crisp, and the first snow begins to dust the surrounding mountain peaks. Then there are the aspens, turning brilliant shades of yellow and gold and covering the hillsides in color.

At elevations around 10,000 feet, fall arrives early in the mountains. Aspens usually reach their peak color in mid- to late September, making this one of the most beautiful times of year to explore Leadville, Twin Lakes and the surrounding mountains.

Whether you want to take a scenic drive, hike through the aspens, bike a mountain trail, ride the railroad or simply enjoy the views, there are plenty of ways to experience fall here.

Hiking & Biking

In Leadville

• Mineral Belt Trail: This paved 11.7-mile loop winds around Leadville and highlights the area’s historic mining landscape. Hike or bike the entire loop, or enjoy a shorter section.
  • California Gulch: For a shorter hike on the Mineral Belt Trail, head toward mile 6 for beautiful views and a closer look at Leadville’s mining history.
• Timberline Trails at Colorado Mountain College: A variety of trails offer opportunities for hiking and mountain biking through the fall scenery.
  • Gold Digger Trail: Located in the Iowa Gulch section of Timberline Trails, this is a favorite local mountain biking trail and a fun way to explore the changing landscape.

Around Turquoise Lake

• Turquoise Lake Trail: Follow the shoreline for beautiful views of the lake, mountains and distant aspens. The full trail is about 12 miles out and back, but you can turn around whenever you’ve had enough.

In Twin Lakes

• Interlaken Trail: Follow the shoreline of Twin Lakes through an aspen grove to the historic Interlaken Resort and Dexter Cabin. The resort is approximately 2.5 miles from the trailhead, with the trail continuing along the lakes.
• Lily Pond Hike: This approximately 5-mile round-trip hike gains about 1,000 feet and offers beautiful views of Twin Lakes, colorful aspens, a creek and a peaceful beaver pond.
  • Colorado/Continental Divide Trail: Not ready for the full Lily Pond hike? Follow the trail for the first mile or so for great views with much less elevation gain.
• Hope Pass: This challenging 9-mile round-trip hike climbs about 3,000 feet and reaches more than 12,000 feet. The views from the top are spectacular, and the trail is part of the famous Leadville Trail 100 course.
• Mount Elbert: At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is Colorado’s highest peak. The South Elbert Trailhead offers the chance to hike through a large aspen grove and look down over the golden landscape from above.

Planning a high-elevation hike? Check the weather before you go, carry the 10 essentials and plan to get back below treeline early in the afternoon. Mountain weather can change quickly.

Scenic Drives

You don’t have to hike to enjoy the fall colors. Some of the best views are right from the road.

Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway

• Fremont Pass (Hwy 91): Take Highway 91 from Leadville toward Copper Mountain.
• Tennessee Pass (Hwy 24): Follow Highway 24 from Leadville toward Minturn.
• Independence Pass (Hwy 82): From Twin Lakes, take Highway 82 toward Aspen.

All three routes offer spectacular mountain scenery and cross the Continental Divide.

Gravel Roads & 4×4 Trails

For a little more adventure, leave the paved roads behind.

• Route of the Silver Kings: Take County Road 2 toward Black Cloud Mine and Mount Sherman for a combination of fall color and Leadville mining history.
• Weston Pass: County Road 7 connects Leadville and Fairplay and offers beautiful mountain scenery for those with a capable 4×4 vehicle.
• Guided off-road tours: Let a local guide do the driving – Leadville ATV and Leadville Offroad Adventures offer great ways to explore the mining district and take in great views.

See the Fall Colors From Above

For a completely different view, head to Top of the Rockies Zipline.

With more than 8,000 feet of zipline, you’ll soar above the trees and enjoy sweeping views of the Arkansas River Valley.

There’s nothing quite like seeing a mountainside covered in golden aspens from above.

Get Out on the Water

Fall can be a beautiful time to enjoy Twin Lakes from the water.

Twin Lakes Boat Tours offers scenic boat rides across the lakes, with views of the historic Interlaken Resort and Dexter Cabin.

Keep an eye out for the aspen grove locals call the “Praying Angel.” When the aspens turn gold, the distinctive shape stands out brightly against the surrounding evergreens.

You can also rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake on your own through local outfitters such as Twin Lakes SUP & Cycle and Twin Lakes Adventures.

The water is cold, and afternoons can become windy, so mornings are often the best time to get out on the lake. And don’t forget your life jacket.

Ride the Leadville Railroad

Sometimes the best way to see fall is to simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

The Leadville Railroad offers a 2.5-hour scenic train ride through the Arkansas River Valley. You’ll travel along the mountainside with beautiful views of the changing aspens and surrounding peaks.

It’s a great option for families, visitors who don’t want to hike, or anyone who simply wants to relax and take in the scenery.

Make the Most of Fall in Leadville and Twin Lakes

Fall in the high country doesn’t last long, which is part of what makes it so special.

For a few short weeks, the mountains around Leadville and Twin Lakes turn brilliant gold. You can hike through the aspens, bike old mining roads, explore mountain passes, paddle across the lake or simply find a scenic overlook and enjoy the view.

Mid- to late September is usually the best time to see peak fall color, although the timing changes from year to year.

Bring a jacket, check the weather, fill up your camera and give yourself plenty of time to explore.

Come for the golden aspens. Stay for the mountain views. And leave with a new favorite Colorado fall memory.