Best of Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado

See 30 of our Locals' Favorites

Want the inside scoop on great things to do in Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado? Here are some locals’ favorites! 

Flatbread at Before and After

Photo: @BeforeandAfterLeadville


These listings come from the latest Best of Leadville & Twin Lakes. Herald Democrat readers vote for their favorite spots each year.


See the listings below to help you plan your trip!


Best Local Event Celebration


Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend is a Wild West event you won't want to miss! Here horses pull skiers over huge jumps on main street. See for yourself the first weekend of March each year!

Woman riding horse at Leadville Ski Joring

Photo: @lilympecor



Best Arts & Culture

For inspiring local art and toe-tapping tunes, check out these venues.

Best Art Gallery 

Harperrose Studios Gallery & Goods


Best Venue to See Live Music

Tabor Opera House

History


Discover our Silver Rush history throughout Leadville-Twin Lakes and at these famous sites.


Best Historic Building 

Tabor Opera House


Best Landmark / Museum / Historic Site

National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum


Best Park


Have a picnic, admire the mountains, and just relax at Ice Palace Park (100-198 W 10th St., Leadville, next to the Lake County Public Library).

Photo: Diana Lange


Downtown / Shopping


Leadville-Twin Lakes is full of local shops with unique goods, many handcrafted. Here are a few local favorites!


Best New Business

Iris Moon Emporium


Best Place to Purchase Locally Made Goods

Harperrose Studios Gallery & Goods

Photo: @CyclesofLifePb


Best Resale/Consignment Store

Community Threads


Best Shop Dog or Cat

Campy at Cycles of Life

Twin Lakes at sunset

Photo: @lifewithlinnell


Best Places to Get Outside


We’re all about trails and lakes! Here are some to try.


Best Trail to Mountain Bike

CMC Timberline Trails


Best Place to Boat & Kayak

Twin Lakes


Best Hiking Trail

Windsor Lake

Man fishing

@JustinTalbot


Best Outdoor Outfitters

 

When you’re ready to gear up for an outdoor adventure, check these and other outdoor options for rentals, guiding, and advice.


Best Outdoor Store & Equipment Rental

Leadville Outdoors & Mountain Market


Best Bike Shop

Leadvelo Bicicasa


Best Outfitter / Guide Service

Tim Hill, Colorado Fly Fishing Guides

People skiing at Ski Cooper

Best for Winter Sports


As you might expect with our top of the Rockies elevation, Leadville-Twin Lakes is a great place to play in the snow.


Best Place to Nordic Ski / Snowshoe

Tennessee Pass Nordic Center


Best Place to Ski or Ride

Ski Cooper

Lakes at Leadville National Fish Hatchery

Best Places to Take Family Members


Take your kids and your furry family members to these spots. 


Best Place to Go with Kids

Leadville National Fish Hatchery


Best Place to Go with Dogs

East Side Mining District


Dinner plate of fish, beets and broccoli at Treeline Kitchen

Photo: Treeline Kitchen


Best Eats & Drinks


Hankering for a delicious meal, snack, or beverage? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few of the many places to choose from.


Best Place to Get Coffee & Friendliest Staff

Zero Day Coffee & Mountain Equipment


Best Place Overall to Dine & Best Date Restaurant

Treeline Kitchen


Best Place for Breakfast / Brunch

Mineral 1886


Best Mexican Food & Best Green Chili

Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant

Two girls with a pizza at High Mountain Pies

@hollynd_blue


Best Food Truck

El Mexicano


Best Hamburger

Wild Bills


Best Pizza & Best Place for Takeout

High Mountain Pies


Best Place for Sweets

Blueflower Candies and Provisions


Best Place for Adult Beverages

Before & After

Loft with windows and fireplace at Timberline Motel

Photo: Timberline Motel


Best Lodging


After all of this fun, you need a good place to rest your weary head. Here’s a locals’ favorite!


The Timberline Leadville

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!
More Posts
Share by: