COVID-19 AND TRAVEL

[Updated May 29, 2020]


LEADVILLE, TWIN LAKES, AND SAFER-AT-HOME

We miss you all, and we look forward to seeing you this summer and fall!


We are now operating under the Lake County Safer-At-Home Public Health Order. For everyone’s safety, Lake County Public Health is advising against non-essential travel in May by non-residents, including second homeowners. That way, Lake County can ensure its limited health and safety resources are available to meet local community needs, including COVID-19 demands.


Some tourist attractions will reopen on June 1, 2020, following social distancing and safety guidelines. Lodging reopens starting June 1, 2020. Before a lodging property may reopen, its health and safety guidelines must be approved by Lake County Public Health Agency. Please rest assured we are following these guidelines to keep you safe.


When you visit later this year, please wear a face covering when in public, maintain social distancing, and self-isolate if sick.


We are continually evaluating local conditions, while following State of Colorado guidelines, so these guidelines may change. We look forward to seeing you as soon as we can welcome you safely.


LODGING

Lodging will reopen starting June 1, 2020. Before a lodging property may reopen, its health and safety guidelines must be approved by Lake County Public Health Agency. Please rest assured we are following these guidelines to keep you safe.


DINING

Restaurants are now open. To reopen, each restaurant’s health and safety guidelines were approved by the Lake County Public Health Agency. Please check with restaurants directly to see if they are open for dine-in, carryout, and/or delivery.


OUTDOOR RECREATION

Campgrounds at Colorado state parks have now begun reopening, in a phased approach.


The U.S. Forest Service has closed Colorado trailheads, campgrounds and cabin rentals, picnic sites, and restrooms and is discouraging fishing, hunting and trail use. The Forest Service also has regional fire restrictions in place.


For your safety and the safety of others, Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue asks all campers to follow the fire guidelines to keep our forests free from wildland fires. Campfires are prohibited through at least May 31 on all US Forest Service and BLM land. Propane camp stoves may be used. Please do your part and be sure campfires are out. Conditions are dry, and Covid-19 has limited local resources. The Lake County fire ban has been lifted.


Independence Pass, Highway 82 from Twin Lakes to Aspen, is expected to open June 1, 2020.


Recreating in the backcountry will be at your own risk. Search and Rescue teams across the state and in Lake County are limited in their ability to ensure quick response and adequate personnel to assist anyone who may experience any problem in the backcountry. Assistance in a backcountry emergency could result in response times that are significantly delayed and some resources, such as air ambulances and others, may be unavailable.


While escaping to the great outdoors and more rural parts of the state like Leadville and Twin Lakes may seem like a logical idea, Colorado’s mountain communities have limited medical facilities and personnel whose services need to be reserved for their residents. That’s why non-essential travel is discouraged at this time. Thank you for doing your part to keep everyone safe.


OTHER BUSINESSES

Some retail businesses and personal services have reopened, with social distancing protocols approved by the Lake County Public Health Agency. The Leadville Train and the Matchless Mine have reopened, as has the Leadville Visitor Center.


Real estate showings by appointment only are available. All parties must keep at least 6′ of physical distancing and wear face coverings. Only 10 people or fewer may participate in a showing at one time.


EVENTS

Special events in Leadville and Twin Lakes of more than 250 people are canceled through September 2020.


VISITOR CENTER

The Leadville Visitor Center is open Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please explore this website for future trip planning or check out our online Visitors Guide.


HOW YOU CAN HELP LEADVILLE AND TWIN LAKES

This is a special invitation to seasonal homeowners, the racing community, annual vacationers, former residents, and vacation-rental owners to help the Leadville community get through a challenging time. It’s our hope that you will join us in our initiative to help support this community.


Check out options at Leadville Main Street!


Here are some good ways you can help from near or far:


  • Consider purchasing gift cards online from a local market, restaurant or retail merchant, and gifting them to a friend, local first responder or health professional.
  • Purchase Safeway gift cards from the Leadville Lions Club and donate them to the St. George Church to support their ongoing efforts in feeding the most.
  • Make a donation to Planned Pethood of Lake County to help build resources for local pets in need.
  • Purchase retail and restaurant and gift cards now for a future trip.
  • Need to send a gift? Think Leadville first for a piece of original art, buy online and send it through a local shipping store.
  • Buy a family membership to the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum.
  • Prepay for reservations and services you will use during a future visit, such as pet sitting/grooming, hair salons, massage or yoga classes.
  • Give the gift of adventure and prepay for a zipline tour, fly fishing trip or a day on the golf course.
  • Support our small ski areas and check out a 2021 season pass or a book of lift tickets for next season
  • Send flowers to your favorite local people.
  • Shop online for locally-made art, furniture, jewelry and place an order.
  • Renew your subscription with the local newspaper.
  • Call a local real estate agent if you’re in the market to buy or sell.
  • Become a member and support Leadville and Lake County organizations.
  • Set up the in-laws in style in their own lodging accommodations for their next trip.
  • Call or shop online at our local bike and outdoor shops for that new bike, fresh ski or climbing gear you’ve been wanting.
  • Look ahead and book that party space, plan that dream mountain wedding
  • Reserve next year’s hut trip.


HOW TO STAY INFORMED

Please continue to follow guidelines from authorities during this time. Here are some helpful links:



IF YOU NEED HELP

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