7 WAYS TO KEEP LEADVILLE & TWIN LAKES BEAUTIFUL

Love Leadville and Twin Lakes? You can help preserve its majestic natural beauty for years to come!


We’ve shared our favorite “top of the Rockies” sustainable travel tips here, because the actions that are good for our lakes and forests can also give you a more rewarding time in the great outdoors! Follow these tips for a fun and safe visit—and so that you can enjoy this pristine area again! : @mobileandmonitoring



1) BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE


HELP PROTECT FORESTS, WILDLIFE, AND HOMES.

Please help reduce the chance of wildfire by following current fire restrictions.


When campfires are allowed, your fire should be cool enough to touch before you leave it. Here are some tips on how to put your fire dead out and how to lessen your campfire’s impact. Did you know that driving in dry grass, shooting, and smoking can start wildfires too? And that fires can burn even after a rain because downed logs and other fuels may still be dry?


2) SPREAD OUT


FIND PEACE AND QUIET IN THE MOUNTAINS.

Research lesser-used routes to avoid trailhead congestion and overuse of camping sites. It’s best to check a map so that you don’t unintentionally trespass onto private land.


You’ll get more quiet time and the magic of solitude in the mountains. You might even see more wildlife! : @katielasak


3) STAY FOUND AND SAFE


HAVE AN ADVENTURE THAT’S BOTH MEMORABLE AND SAFE.

In the summer of 2020, search and rescue calls in Lake County were up 200-300%. We want you to easily and comfortably find your way back from your adventures.


  • Research your route ahead of time.
  • Bring navigation and know how to use it.
  • Carry the 10 essentials.
  • Check the weather. At the National Weather Service, you can type in names of peaks and passes (like Mount Elbert, CO and Mosquito Pass, CO) for more-accurate point forecasts. Mountain-Forecast.com lets you search by peak. Weather can change very quickly in Colorado! Watch the sky, and turn around if bad weather threatens.
  • Pack plenty of layers. Include a waterproof layer, warm clothes, and hat and gloves, especially if you’re going above treeline. : @cold_butnotthatdeep



4) STICK TO TRAILS


GET SOME LEADVILLE GRIT ON YOUR BOOTS AND TIRES!

Hikers / Bikers: Walking in the middle of the trail, even if it’s wet, protects delicate plants and prevents erosion. Wear waterproof hiking boots so that you can trudge through! Please be sure to avoid shortcuts.


If you need to go off trail, stepping on durable surfaces (rock, sand, and gravel) can help. Wet meadows and alpine tundra are especially sensitive to footsteps. If you’re camping, please pitch your tent at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers, and streams to keep waters clean. Learn more about low-impact travel.


OHV Riders: Ride off-highway vehicles over obstacles, not around them. That way you’ll enjoy extra off-roading challenge while you protect plants and prevent erosion and trail widening. See more OHV trail tips. : @mzhydeadventures & @trout17


5) TRASH THE TRASH (AND THE POOP)


ENJOY CLEAN, CLEAR WATERS AND BEAUTIFUL FORESTS.

You can help keep our trails and forests naturally clean by carrying out all trash.


When nature calls far from an outhouse, please walk at least 200 steps from a water source, and bury your poop 6-8 inches deep. Pack out used toilet paper and sanitary products. Keeping a trowel, TP, and plastic bags in your pack is a great idea.


Please pack out your pup’s waste too! Dog poop introduces non-native ingredients into wild areas. See more tips on disposing of waste properly. : @mtelbertcanoe


6) LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND


SHARE THE JOY OF DISCOVERY!

At Leadville and Twin Lakes, we hope you’ll find plenty to treasure! Take lots of photos to remember your trip. Please leave all historic artifacts, flowers, rocks, and more where you find them so that other visitors can have the joy of discovery. : @rockeemountainhigh

7) TAKE OUR ADVENTURE BY NATURE PLEDGE!

Take our Adventure by Nature Pledge and promise to help protect this majestic area!


WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT!

We can’t wait to see you here at the top of the Rockies! For more information on sustainable travel, check out tips from these sources:



Have a fun and safe trip!

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 !
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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.
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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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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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