ENJOY SUMMER IN LEADVILLE-TWIN LAKES

It's summer in Colorado’s high country! Visit Leadville-Twin Lakes for zipline adventures, scenic train rides, fascinating museums, concerts and plays, delicious food, comfortable cabins, great shopping, and more. Check out these ideas of ways to enjoy summer!


TWIN LAKES VILLAGE FOOD, ART, SHOPPING & STAYS

Businesses in the village of Twin Lakes are open for summer, and so is nearby Independence Pass! Check out 17 great things to do in Twin Lakes! Visit Twin Lakes for delicious meals and coffees, inspiring local art, and a genuine general store open since 1879.


Photo: Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon


SEASONAL EATS

Visit the Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon for scrumptious dinners with appetizers, soups and salads, and hearty entrees. Have a beverage from their bar on the patio, along with food truck goodies! Enjoy a pizza from Indy Pass Pies food truck and a burger or sandwich from Punky’s Mobile Food Trailer. Pick up a cuppa joe at Perkolated Peaks, a 1975 VW bus turned coffee shop. Don’t miss ice cream, specialty coffees, and porch-sitting at the Roadhouse Lodge in Twin Lakes.

ART & SHOPPING

Visit the Shooting Star Gallery and check out painting, photography, pottery, woodcraft, and more from talented local artists!

Stop at the Twin Lakes General Store, circa 1879, for clothing, maps, souvenirs, books, drinks and snacks, and more. Swing by Tenderfoot at Twin Lakes for gifts, teas and coffee, jams and jellies, locally raised meat, and much more. Check out the Mt. Elbert Lodge gift shop for snacks, unique gifts, and art from local artisans.


GREAT SUMMERTIME STAYS

Twin Lakes lodges and cabins welcome you for summer stays! Check out the Mt. Elbert Lodge, Roadhouse Lodge, Stay Twin Lakes Cabins, Twin Lakes Inn, and Winmar Cabins.


Photo: @lifewithlinnell


CAMPING

Area campgrounds have reopened for summer. Check our list of local campgrounds and reserve your spot today! Be sure to check our fire ban and fire safety information before building a campfire.


Photo: @k_degski


ENJOY TOURS & ADVENTURES

GO BIKING

Leadville-Twin Lakes is a great place for mountain biking and road biking! Check our biking page for information on trails and summer rentals at Cycles of Life, eBike Leadville, and Leadvelo Bicicasa in Leadville and SUP & Cycle in Twin Lakes.



Photo: @JustinTalbot


CATCH A FISH

Book a guided fishing tour on the Arkansas River or in alpine lakes with Colorado Fly Fishing Guides and Halfmoon Packing & Outfitting. Rent fishing equipment from SUP & Cycle and fish Twin Lakes.



PLAY GOLF

Enjoy the jaw-dropping views at Mt. Massive Golf Course, America’s highest golf course. Remember, your ball flies farther at altitude!


GET OUTSIDE WITH FURRY PARTNERS

Book a horseback ride, stagecoach ride, hunting camping trip, or a picnic with burros through Halfmoon Packing & Outfitting and Pack Burro Picnics.


ATV TOURS

The snow is melting, and the dirt roads are calling. Explore with ATV tours and rentals from Leadville Offroad Adventures and Leadville ATV Tours. Seeking big jumps? Check out the renowned Leadville Motocross Park.



Photo: @ashesnfo



RIDE A SCENIC TRAIN

Take a daily ride, wildflower tour, Devil’s Tail BBQ Special, Steak at Stork Ride, or all of the above! Relax and enjoy the beautiful views on the scenic Leadville Railroad.


Photo: @traceanngoodie


TAKE A BOAT TOUR OR PADDLE ACROSS TWIN LAKES

The water at Twin Lakes is looking good! Take guided Twin Lakes Boat Tours across Twin Lakes to Interlaken, a cool ghost resort that you can access only by water or by foot. Float on Twin Lakes or Turquoise Lake in a canoe or kayak from Mt. Elbert Canoe & Kayak. Explore Twin Lakes by paddleboard and kayak with rentals from SUP & Cycle.


GO WHITEWATER RAFTING

For whitewater thrills in our abundant summer runoff, raft the Arkansas River from the Twin Lakes area with Aspen Whitewater Rafting Company.

Photo: @kelseys_stellfies



ZOOM ON A ZIP LINE

Fly through forests with views of the continent’s highest peaks on Colorado’s only true backcountry zip line, the Top of the Rockies Zip Line. It is also the only place in the world where you can zip line over a train!


12) TWIN LAKES ROADHOUSE CAFE

Indulge with specialty coffees, soft serve ice cream, Belgian waffles and baked goods at the Twin Lakes Roadhouse Cafe. Enjoy a great snack and great views on the cafe’s porch!


FASCINATING MUSEUMS

In Leadville, you’ll find eight museums open in the summer! Visit them and experience the Colorado mining boom days, mining itself, and today’s arts and culture in an inspiring historic setting. Most are located in the downtown area and can be easily combined with a self-guided Leadville walking tour. Pick up a Passport to Leadville History at the Leadville Visitor Center; visit four or more museums and return the passport for a free Leadville gift.



WHERE TO STAY


13) MOUNT ELBERT LODGE

Mount Elbert Lodge has been serving guests for over 75 years. Situated at the base of Mt. Elbert’s Black Cloud Trail, the lodge is a perfect place to explore this beautiful part of Colorado.


Photo: @lifewithlinnell


CAMPING

Area campgrounds have reopened for summer. Check our list of local campgrounds and reserve your spot today! Be sure to check our fire ban and fire safety information before building a campfire.


Photo: Jim Evans



CONCERTS

Jam to live music at the Tabor Opera House, FREIGHT, Pastime Saloon, Scarlet Tavern, Before and After Leadville, Treeline Kitchen, and more! Check our calendar for great upcoming events!


Photo: @dariela_gutti


EVEN MORE LEADVILLE-TWIN LAKES FUN

We also have plenty of businesses open year ‘round for your vacation fun! Visit our website to learn about all of the great things you can do in Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado!


Cover Photo: @scene_mcbride

2 MILES HIGH, 2 METERS DEEP

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 !

More Snow, Fewer People: Your Guide to a Peaceful (and Safe) Visit to Leadville & Twin Lakes in March

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.

Experience the Thrill of Leadville Ski Joring

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 .

For the Love of Winter

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 is the Worst... Not Here

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).

Ski Cooper: Affordable, Family-Friendly, and Close to Denver

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.

The Rise of Fat Biking in Leadville: Fun in the Snow

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. 

Winter Adventures 101: Trails, Avalanche Safety, and Yes…Your Poop Plan

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.

10 Unique Ways to Warm Up this Winter

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!

TOP 12 REASONS TO VISIT LEADVILLE-TWIN LAKES IN 2025

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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