Leadville & Twin Lakes Are Open: Your Adventure Awaits Beyond the Willow Fire

As the Willow Fire continues to burn in portions of the Leadville-Twin Lakes area, one question we’re hearing most often is:

“Can I still visit?”

The answer is yes.

While fire crews continue their important work and some public lands remain temporarily closed, Leadville and Twin Lakes are open for visitors. Most businesses, restaurants, lodging, attractions, and recreation opportunities remain available, making now a great time to experience everything our mountain communities have to offer while respecting closures and supporting local businesses.

Can I Get There?

Absolutely.

All major highways into and around the Leadville-Twin Lakes area remain open, including the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway Sections:

• Highway 24 – Tennessee Pass to the North, along the Arkansas River Valley to the South
• Highway 91 – Fremont Pass
• Highway 82 – Independence Pass

Visitors can travel to Leadville and Twin Lakes as usual. Once you’re here, simply avoid closed areas around Turquoise Lake and the Fish Hatchery, follow all posted signage and guidance from local officials.

Where Can I Recreate?

One of the best parts about visiting Leadville and Twin Lakes right now is that many of our favorite guided adventures and outdoor experiences remain open. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing morning on the water or an adrenaline-filled afternoon in the mountains, there’s still plenty to enjoy.

Explore the Historic Mining District on an ATV Tour

See Leadville’s rich mining history from a whole new perspective on a guided ATV tour through the historic mining district. One of our favorite experiences is a sunset tour with Leadville Off-Road Adventures, where golden-hour light, mountain views, and fascinating local history come together for an unforgettable evening.

Ride the Leadville Railroad

Sit back, relax, and take in spectacular alpine scenery aboard the Leadville Railroad. Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s colorful mining history and breathtaking landscapes. If you’re visiting during wildflower season, don’t miss the specialty Wildflower Tours, they’re a guest favorite for good reason.

Experience Twin Lakes from the Water

There’s nothing quite like an early morning on Twin Lakes. Rent a paddleboard, canoe, or kayak and enjoy calm, mirror-like water reflecting Colorado’s peaks. It’s one of the most peaceful ways to experience the beauty of the area.

Soar Above the Forest

Looking for a little adventure? The Top of the Rockies Zipline lets you fly through the treetops while taking in incredible mountain views from above.

Explore on Two Wheels

Rent a bike and cruise the Mineral Belt Trail, an easy, scenic ride that loops around Leadville with panoramic mountain views, mining history, and plenty of places to stop for photos.

For mountain bikers, Timberline Trails offer some of the best singletrack in Colorado. With routes for beginners, families, intermediate riders, and experienced cyclists alike, there’s something for every skill level.

Learn to Fly Fish! Already Know How? Have the Locals Show You the Best Spots

Whether you’re new to fly fishing or have years of experience, a guided trip with Colorado Fly Fishing Guides is a great way to experience the waters around Leadville and Twin Lakes. Learn the basics from expert instructors or let local guides take you to productive fishing spots while sharing their knowledge of the area’s rivers, streams, and alpine lakes. Be sure to check current access conditions before your trip and follow all posted closures.

Looking for Alternatives?

If your original itinerary included areas currently affected by the Willow Fire, don’t worry—there are still plenty of incredible places to explore.

Try these great alternatives:

• Instead of Timberline Lake Trail, explore Mayflower Gulch, one of the area’s most scenic hikes with historic mining ruins, beautiful wildflowers, and stunning alpine views.
• Instead of Native Lake, head to the Willis Gulch Lake Trail, a rewarding hike south of Twin Lakes with beautiful mountain scenery.
• Instead of Hagerman Tunnel, visit Independence Ghost Town on Independence Pass for a fascinating glimpse into Colorado’s mining history.
• Instead of Hagerman Pass, take a scenic drive over Weston Pass or Mosquito Pass, both offering incredible mountain views and memorable high-country adventures.
• Instead of Mount Elbert, summit Mount Sherman from Iowa Gulch, one of Colorado’s most approachable fourteeners with spectacular panoramic views.
• Instead of Mount Massive, consider La Plata Peak for another unforgettable alpine experience.
• Instead of Turquoise Lake, spend the day at Twin Lakes, where you can paddle, fish, picnic, or simply relax beside one of Colorado’s most iconic mountain lakes.

Sometimes discovering a new favorite destination is the best part of the trip.

Looking for an Indoor Adventure?

There is still plenty happening throughout the Leadville-Twin Lakes area. Mountain weather and wildfire smoke can change from day to day.

On days when smoke is more noticeable due to shifting winds, consider spending time exploring one of Leadville’s fascinating museums, enjoying local restaurants, browsing downtown shops or discovering the rich history that makes our community so unique.

Many indoor and outdoor attractions remain open, including:

• All 8 Leadville Museums (be sure to check the performance schedule for the Tabor Opera House!)
• Downtown Leadville restaurants and patios
• Local shopping and retail
• Lodging throughout Leadville and Twin Lakes
• Twin Lakes Village retail, food and drink

Most businesses continue to welcome visitors, and your support makes a meaningful difference for our local community.

Camping at Twin Lakes

U.S. Forest Service campgrounds at Twin Lakes remain open:

• Dexter – First come, first serve only
• Lakeview – By reservation and first come/first serve
• Parry Peak – First come, first serve only
• Twin Peaks – First come, first serve only
• White Star – By reservation and first come/first serve

**STAGE 2 FIRE BAN IN PLACE – Fire Pits and Stove with Liquid Gas and On/Off Switches Only**

Stay Flexible and Stay Informed

Wildfire conditions can change quickly. Before your visit, we encourage you to visit our Know Before You Go Page to:

• Find links to the latest fire updates and containment information.
• Verify current trail, campground, and recreation area closures.
• Follow all posted closures and directions from emergency personnel.

Thank You for Supporting Leadville & Twin Lakes

Our communities are grateful for the incredible firefighters, emergency personnel, and land managers working to protect our forests and neighborhoods.

The best way visitors can help is by recreating responsibly, respecting closures, and supporting the local businesses that continue to welcome guests.

The Willow Fire has changed access to some areas, but it hasn’t changed the spirit of adventure that makes Leadville and Twin Lakes special.

Whether you’re hiking a new trail, paddling across Twin Lakes, riding the Leadville Railroad, exploring our museums, or enjoying a meal downtown, you’ll still find unforgettable mountain experiences waiting for you.

We look forward to welcoming you to Leadville and Twin Lakes.