PLAN AN ADVENTURE SAMPLER

Spring is coming soon to the top of the Rockies. Plan your own adventure sampler for a late spring or early summer getaway to Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado. Choose from these great options, for a trip you’ll treasure forever! (: Bike Leadville by @gilly.swimbikerun)


GO FISHING

Catch the fish you wish in Gold Medal Trout Waters. Just outside Leadville, you have easy access to some of Colorado’s best fishing, in the headwaters of the Arkansas River, known for its abundance of wild trout ranging up to 17” long. Or drop your line in high alpine lakes and giant glacial lakes Turquoise Lake and Twin Lakes.


RAFT THE ARKANSAS

Just downstream from Leadville is some of the country’s best whitewater. Experience the melt firsthand on a rollicking rafting trip! For a two-in-one adventure day, combine rafting with a scenic train journey on the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad.



ROW YOUR BOAT

Rent an SUP, kayak, or canoe to cross Turquoise Lake or Twin Lakes. : @packraftnation / Instagram


ZIPLINE

The Top of the Rockies Zipline gives you wings! Or at least the chance to soar above the trees as high as 11,200’, looking out to the tallest and most majestic peaks in Colorado. A special package lets you zipline and ride the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad’s scenic train on the same day!



BIKE

On the roads or the trails, biking near Leadville and Twin Lakes offers spectacular scenery and, at 10,152’, as much (or as little) challenge as you like.


Road Bike: Bringing the family? Try the Mineral Belt Trail, a paved 12-mile loop around town that transitions from a groomed winter fat biking trail to summer status mid-to late spring. Want a challenge? Ride the steep highways over Fremont Pass (open now) or Independence Pass (usually opens by Memorial Day weekend).


Mountain Bike: Come late spring to find flowy singletrack on the Timberline Trails or new Turquoise Lake trails. Explore the East Side Mining District roads for great mountain views and remains of the area’s rich mining history. These trails usually switch from groomed winter fat biking trails to dirt trails late spring. : @parispirate / Instagram



HIKE

Choose from many hiking trails. For a family-oriented adventure trip, trek to Interlaken, a ghost resort on the far shore of Twin Lakes. Or hike the nature trail at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery, then gawk at tanks full of fish.


For a lung-busting day with jaw-dropping scenery, climb a 14erMt. Elbert (14,433’) is Colorado’s highest peak. Mt. Massive is the second-highest at 14,421’. Other area 14ers include La Plata and Mt. of the Holy Cross.


Please plan ahead! Make sure you review important safety and comfort info while planning and going on your hike. : @whitecollarrunner / Instagram



GOLF

Your golf ball flies farther at altitude! Visit Mt. Massive Golf Course, the highest in North America, for a successful and very scenic game.


RENT AN ATV

Tour Leadville’s East Side Mining District roads with an ATV rental or tour, and you can check out our historic mining structures firsthand!


RIDE A HORSE

With Halfmoon Packing & Outfitting, you can ride horseback for the day or take an overnight camp trip.



FLY

Have your own plane? Fly into the Leadville-Lake County airport, North America’s highest, for a special thrill and a big check on your bucket list. : @flywithyna / Instagram


LEAVE NO TRACE

Get ready to enjoy all the majestic natural beauty that Leadville and Twin Lakes have to offer! But first, check out these 7 Leave No Trace principles to learn how to care for Colorado!



(: Bike Leadville by @gilly.swimbikerun / Instagram)


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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