Great Spring Trip Ideas for Leadville-Twin Lakes

March 22, 2024

Spring has come to Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado, meaning soft fresh snow and warm bluebird days! Now’s the time to plan a long weekend or quiet mid-week visit.

Come enjoy winter’s last hurrah and fun things to do in our historic downtowns. Shape a great trip made just for you!

Mix and match these ideas to enjoy spring in the Rockies!

Snowshoeing Leadville by @bstokd

Photo: @bstokd

Outdoor Activities

Spend a day skiing and riding at Ski Cooper, our local uncrowded, family friendly ski resort with all-natural snow, through Sunday, April 7. Enjoy discounted passes for closing weekend!

Or take a half day (or more) for these fun snow sports:

Enjoy fat biking on Leadville’s famous flowy trails. Don’t miss the East Side Epic – Cloud City Wheelers Winter Mountain Bike Series, April 6 at 9 a.m.
Zoom on snowmobiles around Turquoise Lake and in Leadville’s East Side Mining District, through Sunday, April 14.
Try winter ziplining, for the ultimate thrill! (Through Sunday, April 14)
Cross-country ski or snowshoe at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center (through Sunday, April 14) and the Mineral Belt Trail. Or explore Leadville’s East Side Mining District and Turquoise Lake. The High Riders Snowmobile Club. posts when they have groomed these trails.

Photo: @themountainhermit

Relax

Relaxing is what vacation is all about, and we can help!

Melt into a warm spa treatment at our local spas.
Or drop into a yoga class at Blue Earth Yoga.

Woman making art at @fire_on_the_mountain_leadville

Photo: @fire_on_the_mountain_leadville

Enjoy Local Arts & Culture

Connect with our genuine mountain towns through the arts!

Check our calendar for live music, storytelling jams, and much more.
To find local art, visit shops like Elevation Goods, Fire on the Mountain & Leadville Yarn and Fiber Co., Galena Mountain Projects, Gigi’s General Store, Harperrose Studios, Iris Moon Emporium, Sagebrush Fields Mercantile, Tenderfoot Twin Lakes, and Two Dog Market. Make a shopping appointment at Melanzana for locally made fleecy outdoor clothing, or walk in to choose socks and hats.

Leadville Railroad by @scene_mcbride

Photo: @scene_mcbride

Ride the Train

Catch a ride on the scenic Leadville Railroad! Open through Saturday, April 13—with a Solar Eclipse Train Ride on Monday, April 8 at 11:30 a.m.) Roll through a winter wonderland on this special two-hour trip.

Top of the Rockies Zipline in Leadville CO

Photo: Top of the Rockies Zipline

Explore our History: In Museums or on the Move

Visit a museum and discover the area’s fascinating history.

See the new Leadville Irish Miners’ Memorial.
Spend a few hours at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, which tells the story of mining locally and throughout the country.
Learn about pioneer Jewish life at Temple Israel, a frontier synagogue.

: @chixride / Instagram

Feeling adventurous? Check out our history while on skis, snowshoes, runners, or wheels!

Mineral Belt Trail: Cross-country ski, fat bike, snowshoe on this groomed trail, and check out the historic markers and mining structures along the way.
Leadville National Fish Hatchery: Roam the historic building, snowshoe the nature trail or cross-country ski around the lakes and into the forest.
Leadville’s East Side Mining District: Cross-country ski, fat bike, snowshoe, or snowmobile on groomed county roads with stupendous views.
Interlaken Resort: Snowshoe or fat bike to this ghost resort at Twin Lakes.

Flatbread by @beforeandafterleadville

Photo: @beforeandafterleadville

Eat and Drink

Fuel up for winter adventures or wind down after a fun day!

Start your day at one of our 9 fine breakfast spots.
Cozy up with a warm beverage at a coffee shop or bar or saloon.
Savor a delicious hot meal at local restaurant.
In Twin Lakes in winter, the Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon is open for scrumptious dinners (Friday and Saturday) and brunches (Saturday and Sunday).
For a unique experience, visit the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse. Ski or snowshoe to a gourmet candlelight dinner (7 nights a week) or special weekend lunch (through Sunday, April 14).

Leadville shop by @wallflower_by_hayley

Photo: @wallflower_by_hayley

Go Shopping

You can find the perfect mementos at our fun local shops. Think locally handcrafted goods, books, outdoor gear, antiques, candy, and even rocks—a unique mix to reflect our genuine and historic mountain towns!

Plan Your Trip Today

Whatever options you choose, you’re sure to have a wonderful time at the top of the Rockies! Plan your trip today!

Cover photo of Twin Lakes: @fishhookphotos