9 IDEAS FOR SUMMER FUN AT LEADVILLE & TWIN LAKES

Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado, is opening for summer! Plan a trip to this area of majestic beauty and outdoor adventure. Be sure to check out these 9 ideas for summer fun. All are expected to be open by Memorial Day weekend.


1) HIKE

The Leadville-Twin Lakes area is full of trails for a simple stroll, a vigorous hike, or an exhilarating run. You can even climb a 14er and truly see the top of the Rockies!


Planning pro tip: High-elevation trails may hold snow well into June. Early in the season, choose trails closer to town like the Mineral Belt Trail, the National Fish Hatchery, Leadville’s East Side Mining District, the Interlaken trail and other routes near Twin Lakes.

: Justin Talbot


2) SPLASH

Fly fishing season on the Arkansas River is ramping up! Check the latest fishing report and book a trip with a local guide to catch a story-worthy fish.


Spring means snowmelt and the indescribable fun of white water rafting! You can take a thrill-filled trip out of Twin Lakes on the popular Arkansas River.


Paddle your way on Twin Lakes and Turquoise Lake! Rent a canoe, kayak, or SUP to enjoy mountain waters ringed by mountain peaks.


Float across Twin Lakes with a Twin Lakes Interlaken Boat Tour, then explore the ghost resort on the lakes’ far shore. (Please reserve in advance.)


Bring your own boat, and you can put in at the Turquoise Lake boat ramp near Leadville and the Dexter Point boat ramp in Twin Lakes.


3) ROLL

Biking season is here! Whether you prefer dirt or pavement under your wheels, Leadville-Twin Lakes has a route for you. You’ll find mountain biking trails galore, plus scenic road biking loops and challenging passes to climb. The Mineral Belt Trail, a paved loop around Leadville, is a great option for family cycling.


Go off-roading! Take an ATV tour with knowledgeable locals, bring your dirt bike to the motocross park, or explore rocky roads with your jeep or truck.


Did you know that downtown Leadville has a skate park, designed for all ability levels? And a new Huck Finn pump track for People on skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, roller skates, and bikes?


Come try some tricks against a backdrop of mountains!


4) EXPLORE WITH HORSES

Experience the Old West with a stagecoach ride, or ride a horse into the mountains with Halfmoon Packing & Outfitting LLC. Ride for an hour or half day, or book a longer trip for camping, photography, hunting, and fishing.


5) FLY

For the ultimate thrill, hook into a zipline, step off a platform at 11,000′ and soar above the valley below. Make a day of it with the rails and zip line combo tour, where you can ride a scenic train and zip on the same day.


Leadville has the highest-elevation public use airport in North America. For a special challenge and bragging rights, fly into Leadville in a private plane and get a certificate for your accomplishment. Then explore the many Leadville and Twin Lakes offerings on the ground.


6) SWING

Your golf ball flies farther at altitude—it’s true! So be sure to play a round. Your spirit will soar, too, at Mt. Massive Golf Course, America’s highest-elevation course. The views of surrounding mountains are out of this world.


7) APRES ADVENTURE

This year, Twin Lakes is adding even more options for delicious food. Check out the new food court next to the Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon, as well as scrumptious pizza from brand-new Indy Pass Pies.


In downtown Leadville, check out the new Mineral 1886 in the Delaware Hotel. And choose from many other restaurants and saloons in Leadville and Twin Lakes!


8) STAY

Reserve a comfortable room in our wide array of hotels/motelsB&Bs, and cabins and rentals.


For a unique experience, stay in a yurt or a 10th Mountain Division Hut!


For camping, bring your RV, or reserve a tent site or cabin.


A note for your packing list: Our high-alpine weather may be cool into June, with refreshing nights all summer long, so plan accordingly.


9) TAKE THE ADVENTURE BY NATURE PLEDGE

Whatever outdoor fun you choose, please respect our forests, peaks, waters, and local community! Take our Adventure by Nature Pledge and help us protect this special place.


We can’t wait to see you this summer!


 (main photo to left): @shel8y

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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