FALL FUN AT LEADVILLE AND TWIN LAKES

Autumn is a magical time in Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado. Think warm days, cool nights, and Colorado’s golden leaves! Check out this roundup of fun fall activities and events. Check our calendar for details on these and other great events.


Be sure to also see 7 great spots for leaf peeping in Leadville and Twin Lakes!


@therealmicahling


*FUN FALL ACTIVITIES*

TOP OF THE ROCKIES ZIPLINE

Through mid-October, and come back for winter snow zipping!


Leaf peep from high in the sky on the Top of the Rockies Zipline. Or combine your zipline tour with a train ride, for a fall foliage spectacular all day long!


LEADVILLE RAILROAD’S OKTOBERFEST WEEKENDS

Weekends in October – and reserve your tickets now for the Holiday Express!


Enjoy a fun fall activity that’s perfect for the entire family, look no further than Oktoberfest on the Leadville Railroad. Every Saturday and Sunday in October, the train will be departing for a 2.5 hour trip with seasonal libations, including beers, hot cocoa and hot cider.


The ride features conductor commentary, beautiful sights, and a stop at the water tower. Friends, families, kids, and dogs are welcome! As we head into cooler weather, remember jackets, mittens, hats and blankets so that you can bundle up for the journey.

 

SCENIC DRIVES

All roads to Leadville and Twin Lakes are along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway! Come see the gorgeous views, dotted with golden fall colors.


VISIT TWIN LAKES

Twin Lakes is one of the best areas around for fall colors! Whether you’re taking a drive up to Independence Pass, hiking or biking an area trail, or watching the golden glow of sunset and leaves behind the lakes, you’ll love autumn at Twin Lakes.

 

SHOOTING STAR GALLERY

Visit the gallery for enjoy the talent of our local artists. Stock up on holiday, birthday, and other gifts! Open through Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022.


TWIN LAKES GENERAL STORE

Stop in for local maps, outdoor clothing, snacks, wine and beer, books, and much, more more! The store is closing for winter at noon on Sunday, Oct. 23. It will also be closed Oct. 11-12, and Oct. 18-19.


*FUN FALL EVENTS*


FILMS, PLAYS & STORYTELLING


THE YAK

Friday, Oct. 7
7-9 p.m.

FREIGHT

Tell your story or hear others’ stories! This storytelling event has winners, speed, laughter, and vulnerability and is recorded and aired by KDNK.

“STORIES WORTH TELLING” FILM FESTIVAL

Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022
6 p.m.

Tabor Opera House


Join the inaugural Stories Worth Telling Festival – On The Road, an authentic Colorado film festival at the historic Tabor Opera House! Enjoy an evening of short outdoor and adventure films, special guests, and a night of superb storytelling! With special guest, The Moth’s Nick P Ross.


Immerse yourself in films featuring a revolutionary woman-created packraft business, a trail runner pursuing a World Record, mentor-mentee relationships that break down barriers, the search for elusive fish, and the world of professional skiing. All films are made by Colorado filmmakers and/or feature Colorado subjects. The films focus on compassion, innovation, adventure, and community. Several of the filmmakers and people featured in the films will attend.



A BITTERBUSH RETREAT

Friday, Oct. 28 & Saturday, Oct. 29
6 – 10 p.m.

FREIGHT


A Bitterbush Retreat is a comedy set in Leadville, the plot follows a group trying to start a utopian art collective in a Stringtown backyard. It examines the town’s undeniable charms, historical past, and lingering ghosts. The heart of the play is the complicated ways that family expresses love, and the quest to find a partner by any means. It also explores the nature of work in late capitalism, concluding a job can only give you a routine, not a life.

The play was written by local couple Bekah Grim and Blue Mooers and will be performed by a local troupe.


HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

GHOUL’S NIGHT OUT DRAG SHOW HOSTED BY ARIA PETTYONE AND CHAD

Friday, Oct. 14
6:30 -10:30 p.m.

FREIGHT



Come to a Halloween themed drag show at FREIGHT! This event is hosted by Aria Pettyone with co-host Chad and also features ElectriX Cute, Elleven Divine, and DaVaiVai. Doors open at 6:30 and a dance party will follow the show. Halloween costumes are encouraged!


TRICK OR TREAT ON MAINSTREET

Sunday, Oct. 30
1-3 p.m.

Harrison Avenue, Leadville


Join us on historic Harrison Avenue for a family fun trick or treat event.


MAKING ART

: @bluevesselflorista


DRIED FLOWER CROWN WORKSHOP

Sunday, Oct. 23
3-5 p.m.

Blue Vessel Florista


FUN & GAMES


TRIVIA WITH TARYN

Friday, Oct. 20
7-9 p.m.

FREIGHT


Enjoy a trivia night full of fun categories!

LCBAG HOUSING FAIR

Friday, Oct. 21
4-7 p.m.

FREIGHT


Fun for all ages, and food is provided. Learn about the housing crisis in Lake County while going to a pop up carnival. There will be a bounce house as well as activities like axe throwing, balloon darts, corn hole, giant jenga, pie toss, and more!

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
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January 2, 2025
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December 23, 2024
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