10 TOP IDEAS FOR A MEMORABLE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

For the ultimate summer kickoff, spend Memorial Day weekend a little closer to the sun. Leadville, the highest city in North America, fully opens for the season on this special holiday weekend. Revel in these just-opened-for-summer activities.


1. CAMP OUT.

Campgrounds open May 25 for your tent camping and RV fun. Come see the stars in the Rockies.


2. FISH OR RAFT THE RIVER.

Spring runoff along the Arkansas River is picking up. Check the fishing report and enjoy Gold Medal Trout waters. The upper river maintains water clarity, especially in a year like this with less-than-average snowpack. Or ride the waves in one of the nation’s most popular rivers for whitewater rafting!


3. MOVE TO MUSIC.

The Tabor Opera House kicks off an exciting season lineup on Memorial Day weekend:

  • The SunDog Twins, Will Clipman & Leon Joseph Littlebird, bring their guitar-driven folk-rock, troubadour balladry and contemplative Native American flute to one of Colorado’s finest old opera houses. Friday, May 25, at 7:30 p.m.
  • An Evening With the Steel Wheels lets you toe tap to Americana and bluegrass music, folk and old-time music, and the acoustic poetry of the finest singer-songwriters. Saturday, May 26, at 7:30 p.m.


4. EXPLORE A MUSEUM.

Leadville’s museums will reopen for the summer by Memorial Day weekend, to fascinate you with historic Leadville treasures, gems and mining artifacts from deep underground, and a glimpse of what life was like in an 1880s silver boomtown. The Leadville Museum Passport will be available again in 2018, offering a package deal to see all area museums, with discounts on a few attractions to boot. Check for final details later this month.


5. CATCH A TRAIN.

Daily trips on the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad fire up on May 26, with Raft and Rail or Zipline and Train packages, Wildflower Specials and other themed rides scheduled throughout the season.


6. HIKE OR BIKE.

Trails throughout the Leadville and Twin Lakes area will be open, including the ever-popular and family-friendly Mineral Belt Trail, a 12-mile paved loop around Leadville. Climbing a 14er or going to a high elevation? You may encounter some snow, but most lower trails will be dry. Come prepared for adventure!


7. HIT A HOLE IN ONE.

Your golf ball flies farther at altitude, and Mt. Massive Golf Course clocks in at nearly 10,000’ above sea level. Come enjoy nature’s assist and the jaw-dropping views of this course, set at the base of Colorado’s two highest peaks.


8. ZIP AROUND.

At Top of the Rockies Zipline, jump into summer and the rarified air of 11,200’ for a zippin’ good time. For extra fun, choose the Zipline and Train combo package.


9. DISCOVER TWIN LAKES.

The historic village of Twin Lakes springs back to life on Memorial Day weekend, when Independence Pass and the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway to Aspen reopen for summer. Stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about this intriguing area and to take a tour of the historic district. Check out paddling rentals and boat tours to Interlaken Resort.


10. PAY TRIBUTE.

Last and certainly not least, take time out to honor those who have served. Join the annual Memorial Day Services on Sunday, May 27, at 1 p.m. at the Lake County Veterans Memorial at Leadville’s Evergreen Cemetery. Arrive by motorcycle in the 7th Annual Fallen Heroes Run, which leaves the Summit County Elks Lodge in Silverthorne at 11:45 a.m. and journeys to the service along Highway 91, Fallen Heroes Highway. Then meet for lunch at Elks Lodge #236, 123 W. 5th


A ceremony to honor the 10th Mountain Division ski troopers takes place on Memorial Day at 11 a.m. at the 10th Mountain Division Memorial on Tennessee Pass, at the turnoff to Ski Cooper. A luncheon at Ski Cooper will follow. See more details.



Have a meaningful, memorable Memorial Day weekend in Leadville and Twin Lakes!

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! 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 !
February 20, 2025
If you love deep snow, bluebird skies, and zero lift lines, the first two weeks of 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.
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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).
January 2, 2025
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January 2, 2025
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December 23, 2024
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December 22, 2024
This year, be sure to visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado ! Here at the top of the Rockies, you’ll find a wide breadth of things to do outdoors and in our genuine and historic downtowns. While the list of possibilities is nearly endless, here are our top 12 reasons to visit in 2025!
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