Leaves change first in Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado. At elevations around 10,000’, the aspen usually peak mid- to late September, surrounding scenic drives, hikes, bike rides, and train rides with golden leaves. Here are some of our favorite reasons to visit Leadville and Twin Lakes this fall!
1. NATIONAL SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY – AUTUMN ROADS
All roads into Leadville follow the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway. This 82-mile route crosses the Continental Divide twice, traces the Arkansas River, and drives over three major passes, one over 12,000,’ with spectacular views of golden aspen. The section from Twin Lakes to the summit of Independence Pass is especially brilliant in the fall. Bright aspen groves on the mountains offer a spectacular backdrop to the shimmering waters of these large glacial lakes. Yellow and orange leaves glow on both sides of Highway 82 as it twists from Twin Lakes up to Independence Pass and down the western side to Aspen.
Leadville was named one of the Best Historic Small Towns by USA TODAY in 2020, so you’re sure to get your history fix.
The Top of the Rockies byway is one of seven Colorado byways now ready for electric vehicle (EV) travel. Check out two drivers’ experiences in “Colorado’s Scenic Byways Could Be Your First Electric Road Trip,” which appeared in AFAR, and in “Driving an Electric Car on Colorado’s Scenic Byways,” from the New York Times.
2. LEADVILLE SCENIC TRAIN
Care for a break from driving? Book a seat on the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad to ride up into the San Isabel National Forest, where the mountains are ablaze with yellow, orange, and red. Experience untouched wilderness in its autumn beauty. See the headwaters of the Arkansas River Valley and sweeping vistas of Colorado’s two highest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. : @thatcat_pluto
One to two trains run daily through Oct. 8, 2021. The train leaves on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. from Oct. 9 to Oct. 31, 2021. Reservations are required; please book in advance.
3. FALL HIKES
Mt. Elbert is Colorado’s tallest mountain, at 14,433′ above sea level, and is the second-highest peak in the continental United States. Hiking the East Ridge in the fall means a trip through an expansive aspen grove—and a chance to look down on those glowing leaves from above. For a safe and enjoyable climb, hikers should always check weather forecasts and be back at treeline by early afternoon if there is any chance of thunderstorms. : @brookie_wookie36
If you’re looking for golden aspens, the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail offer gorgeous scenery. The two famous trails run together from Tennessee Pass to Turquoise Lake, across the lower slopes of Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert, around Twin Lakes to Interlaken. Hikers and trail runners can access them at multiple points.
The views atop Hope Pass at 12,600′ are stunning. Think soaring 14ers in the Sawatch Range, Twin Lakes from on high, and the picturesque Arkansas River Valley. On the way up this nine-mile round-trip hike, consider what it’s like to do the Leadville Trail 100 Run. These racers cross Hope Pass twice within 30 hours, on their way out and back from Leadville.
4. FALL BIKE RIDES
Leadville’s famous Mineral Belt Trail, an 11.6 mile paved loop around the historic city, goes through a large aspen grove that is brilliant in the fall. The section between 5th Street and Toledo Street/California Gulch has jaw-dropping leaves. Throughout the trail, visitors can see the summits of Colorado’s two highest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, and other towering Sawatch peaks, as well as remnants of 1880s silver mines and stunning views of leaves throughout the area. : @etmccue on Instagram
The trail to Interlaken passes through a lakeside aspen grove on the way to a turn-of-the-century ghost resort on the shores of Twin Lakes, two large blue glacial lakes. After reaching Interlaken, hikers or bikers can wander around the buildings and imagine Interlaken’s days as a bustling resort. Mt. Elbert is in full view across the lake, with its lower slopes yellow with aspen. The trail is approximately 4.5 miles round trip. Find out where to rent a bike!
5. GHOST TOWN AND TOURS; PERFECT FOR HALLOWEEN
To visit the ghosts of yesteryear, head to the East Side Mining District just above Leadville. There you’ll find the remains of Leadville’s silver mining boom days, from looming headframes to creaky ore houses that once bustled with miners. Drive up Toledo Street to California Gulch, and just to the north of where the Mineral Belt Trail crosses the road, you can read about the spooky happenings in nearby mines. Decide for yourself if the stories are true! Download a History Guide to learn more about the area’s history.
Leadville’s Cemetery, Ghost, and Safari Tours offer you a new view on Leadville’s history and its past residents. Tours run on weekends through Sept. 25, 2021.
6. DISCOVER MINING
Discover the mysteries of mining at the National Mining Museum and Hall of Fame and its four floors of expansive collections. Tour replicas of caves and mines, see a world-class collection of sparkling gems, and learn the stories of the people who’ve run American mines for decades. Bring the kids to see the model railroad, glow-in-the-dark rocks, and much more.
7. SOAR HIGH ABOVE THE FALL FOLIAGE
If you don’t feel like hiking or driving to see the fall foliage, soar high above the valley on the Top of the Rockies Zipline! Leadville is the only place in the world where you can zipline over a moving train. You’ll jump from an elevation of 11,200′ with views of Colorado’s highest peaks. Open year-round, except late fall and early spring.
8. PLAY ONE MORE ROUND OF GOLF BEFORE NEXT SEASON
For the sports enthusiast, make a hole in one at the reasonably priced Mt. Massive Golf Course, North America’s highest course. Surrounded by 14ers, this course surely is also one of the nation’s most scenic. The course is usually open until the second week of October.
9. RIDE THROUGH ALPINE SCENERY
Halfmoon Packing & Outfitting offers horseback rides, wagon rides, stagecoach rides, and overnight wilderness pack trips, featuring some of the most spectacular mountain views in the area. They also offer a complete range of hunting services, including fully guided hunts, drop camps, game retrieval, and pack services. : @sampurplehayes
10. EXPERIENCE WESTERN HISTORY THROUGH A MUSEUM TOUR
Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin – Discover two of Leadville’s earliest houses for a glimpse of life in a booming silver-mining town. The Dexter Cabin and Healy House feature lavish Victorian furniture, including objects belonging to Horace and Augusta Tabor, and a beautiful Victorian garden.
Heritage Museum – See Leadville memorabilia to gain more insight into the history of this fascinating city. Please call (719) 486-1878 for hours after Labor Day.
Temple Israel – Built in 1884, Temple Israel is the oldest of the area’s frontier synagogues. After a fire in 2006, the building was historically restored to near original condition. It now serves as a museum and research institute on that documents the lives of Jewish pioneers during Leadville’s mining boom era.
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