PLAN AN ADVENTURE SAMPLER

Spring is coming soon to the top of the Rockies. Plan your own adventure sampler for a late spring or early summer getaway to Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado. Choose from these great options, for a trip you’ll treasure forever! (: Bike Leadville by @gilly.swimbikerun)


GO FISHING

Catch the fish you wish in Gold Medal Trout Waters. Just outside Leadville, you have easy access to some of Colorado’s best fishing, in the headwaters of the Arkansas River, known for its abundance of wild trout ranging up to 17” long. Or drop your line in high alpine lakes and giant glacial lakes Turquoise Lake and Twin Lakes.


RAFT THE ARKANSAS

Just downstream from Leadville is some of the country’s best whitewater. Experience the melt firsthand on a rollicking rafting trip! For a two-in-one adventure day, combine rafting with a scenic train journey on the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad.



ROW YOUR BOAT

Rent an SUP, kayak, or canoe to cross Turquoise Lake or Twin Lakes. : @packraftnation / Instagram


ZIPLINE

The Top of the Rockies Zipline gives you wings! Or at least the chance to soar above the trees as high as 11,200’, looking out to the tallest and most majestic peaks in Colorado. A special package lets you zipline and ride the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad’s scenic train on the same day!



BIKE

On the roads or the trails, biking near Leadville and Twin Lakes offers spectacular scenery and, at 10,152’, as much (or as little) challenge as you like.


Road Bike: Bringing the family? Try the Mineral Belt Trail, a paved 12-mile loop around town that transitions from a groomed winter fat biking trail to summer status mid-to late spring. Want a challenge? Ride the steep highways over Fremont Pass (open now) or Independence Pass (usually opens by Memorial Day weekend).


Mountain Bike: Come late spring to find flowy singletrack on the Timberline Trails or new Turquoise Lake trails. Explore the East Side Mining District roads for great mountain views and remains of the area’s rich mining history. These trails usually switch from groomed winter fat biking trails to dirt trails late spring. : @parispirate / Instagram



HIKE

Choose from many hiking trails. For a family-oriented adventure trip, trek to Interlaken, a ghost resort on the far shore of Twin Lakes. Or hike the nature trail at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery, then gawk at tanks full of fish.


For a lung-busting day with jaw-dropping scenery, climb a 14erMt. Elbert (14,433’) is Colorado’s highest peak. Mt. Massive is the second-highest at 14,421’. Other area 14ers include La Plata and Mt. of the Holy Cross.


Please plan ahead! Make sure you review important safety and comfort info while planning and going on your hike. : @whitecollarrunner / Instagram



GOLF

Your golf ball flies farther at altitude! Visit Mt. Massive Golf Course, the highest in North America, for a successful and very scenic game.


RENT AN ATV

Tour Leadville’s East Side Mining District roads with an ATV rental or tour, and you can check out our historic mining structures firsthand!


RIDE A HORSE

With Halfmoon Packing & Outfitting, you can ride horseback for the day or take an overnight camp trip.



FLY

Have your own plane? Fly into the Leadville-Lake County airport, North America’s highest, for a special thrill and a big check on your bucket list. : @flywithyna / Instagram


LEAVE NO TRACE

Get ready to enjoy all the majestic natural beauty that Leadville and Twin Lakes have to offer! But first, check out these 7 Leave No Trace principles to learn how to care for Colorado!



(: Bike Leadville by @gilly.swimbikerun / Instagram)


April 1, 2025
Shops, Snacks & Small-Town Charm in the Heart of Leadville
April 1, 2025
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. 
April 1, 2025
Saying Farewell to Ski Season in Leadville
March 1, 2025
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. 
February 25, 2025
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.
February 20, 2025
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 !
A woman wearing a helmet and goggles is taking a selfie in the snow.
February 20, 2025
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.
February 5, 2025
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 .
February 5, 2025
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.
February 5, 2025
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).
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