7 FUN THINGS TO DO IN LEADVILLE IN THE FALL

Fall is a quiet season in Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado, after the summer vacationers and before the snow-lovers. Trails and restaurants are calm, and lodging rates are lower for shoulder season. If you need more reasons to visit, here are seven things you can do on a fun fall mountain escape:


1) EXPLORE UNCROWDED TRAILS

In the fall, the trails near Leadville and Twin Lakes offer a peaceful wilderness escape. Come enjoy the quiet and the welcoming weather for biking and hiking, and even have the off-road adventures to yourself. Fall in Leadville means everything from warm, sunny days to snowy peaks. While it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast, fall often offers some of the best hiking and biking weather of the year. Nov. 17 is National Take a Hike Day, a wonderful time to explore!


2) RIDE THE SCENIC TRAIN

Sit back, relax, and enjoy majestic alpine scenery from the comfort of the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad! Trains run weekends in the fall.


3) SEE A GHOST TOWN

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 Heritage Guide to learn more about the area’s history.


4) CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN

A town full of 120-year-old Victorian buildings offers a great ambiance for Halloween! Check our calendar for local events. Take a stroll through Leadville’s historic Evergreen Cemetery…if you dare.


5) BAG A BIG ONE

Fall means hunting season, and the wilderness surrounding Leadville and Twin Lakes make for excellent hunting. Ride horseback into a pack camp or go on a guided hunt with Halfmoon Packing and Outfitting. Hone your skills at Leadville’s public shooting range. See Colorado Parks & Wildlife for info on hunting seasons, licenses, and more.


6) TOUR UNIQUE MUSEUMS

Explore Leadville’s unique museums to see crystals and gems, walk through life-size mine replicas, tour an 1879 opera house, and marvel at a frontier synagogue. The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum tells the story of mining, past, present, and future. Temple Israel shares fascinating insights about pioneer Jewish life. The Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin lets you experience daily life in the Silver Rush days.


7) VISIT DOWNTOWN LEADVILLE

Roam the 70-block National Historic District in downtown Leadville. Browse unique shops. Dine in delicious restaurants. Have a drink in an old-time saloon. Walk to our museums. Step back in time, in our Victorian-era buildings.



No matter what you do, you’re sure to fall in love with Leadville in the autumn. Book your stay today!

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.
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).
January 2, 2025
Fun in the Snow at Ski Cooper If you're searching for an authentic mountain experience filled with fun in the snow, Ski Cooper near Leadville, Colorado, is your perfect winter destination. Here's why this hidden gem stands out among Colorado's ski areas.
January 2, 2025
Fat biking has surged in popularity over the past decade, and nowhere is this more evident than in Leadville. With stunning mountain landscapes and groomed winter trails, Leadville has become a premier destination for fat biking enthusiasts. Its growing reputation helped bring the Fat Bike World Championships back to Colorado in 2024. This year, the event is staying in Colorado for a second year in a row, returning to Crested Butte (where it all started), marking its 10th anniversary. 
January 2, 2025
Hello outdoor adventurers! Winter fun in Leadville and Twin Lakes starts with knowledge and preparation—let’s make your adventures safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
December 23, 2024
While Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado, is known for abundant winter activities, it also offers plenty of great things to do inside. When you need a winter warmup, explore these off-the-beaten-path indoors options!
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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