HIKING THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL NEAR LEADVILLE & TWIN LAKES

Did you know that Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado, mark the “spiritual halfway point” of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT)? Full of welcoming trail culture and alpine beauty, the area is an important milestone for long-distance hikers. It’s also a great place for a day hike.


WHAT IS THE CDT?

The CDT spans over 3,100 miles, stretching from Canada to Mexico. Full of dramatic and wild landscapes, it traverses New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. The CDT is the highest, most challenging, and most remote of the nation’s 11 National Scenic Trails. Following the Continental Divide, the CDT separates the watersheds that drain into the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans.


On average, it takes about five months for thru-hikers to complete the entire CDT. Most divide the trail into segments to ensure they stay on track. A traditional halfway point is a common hiking milestone. Yet many CDT hikers focus on the “spiritual halfway point” as a goal for their hike’s first half.


WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL HALFWAY POINT?

The “spiritual halfway point” of any trail honors a place with authentic trail culture. Leadville-Twin Lakes is incredibly hiker-friendly and knows a thing or two about trail culture.


It’s the birthplace of Melanzana outdoor clothing, Zero Day Coffee & Gear (founded by thru-hikers), and the Leadville Race Series featuring 100-mile races. For Southbound (SOBO) hikers, Leadville is very close to the actual halfway point. Each year, the area holds a September event for and by thru-hikers, called SOBO TRAIL DAZE.


As the highest-elevation city in North America, Leadville is the highest-elevation resupply point along the trail. Reaching 10,152′ is quite an accomplishment for CDT hikers. As they say, the trail is all downhill from there!


Leadville-Twin Lakes is also near many “14ers,” or 14,000′ peaks. The highest is Leadville’s Mount Elbert. Summiting Elbert is a common side quest for CDT thru-hikers.


VISITING LEADVILLE & TWIN LAKES GATEWAY COMMUNITIES

Leadville and Twin Lakes are designated as Gateway Communities through the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. In this area, thru-hikers can rest, connect with other travelers, restock their supplies, and enjoy the scenery. You can also enjoy them if you are only hiking a few miles!


Both of these towns originated during the mining boom in the 1800s. Many of the iconic buildings have been restored, and visitors can enjoy plenty of fun things to do:



Leadville and Twin Lakes are full of avid outdoor adventurers. You can often find residents on the trails in warm and cold months. Enjoy these welcoming communities.

Be sure to plan your stay at the “spiritual halfway point.” We will be waiting for you!


@married.to.advanture

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!
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