SUMMER OF 2020 IN LEADVILLE AND TWIN LAKES

[Updated June 2, 2020]

This summer, things will look a little different in Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado. We’d like to tell you what to expect—and how you can enjoy Leadville, Twin Lakes, and our miles of forests, mountains, and sparkling waters.


PLAN TO COME SEE US, SAFELY

We continue to reopen slowly, within safety guidelines, and are excited to continue our tourism-based economy this summer. Please come see us when the time is right!


We are following State of Colorado travel guidance, as we continue on our steady, thoughtful path to reopening our tourism economy. Some of our businesses are beginning to reopen in a phased approach, using social distancing and safety guidelines from the Lake County health department.


  • Lodging – Lodging reopened on June 1st. Please check directly with lodging to make a reservation.
  • Restaurants – Restaurants are open for takeout and delivery and dine-in. Please check with the restaurant directly to learn of its current service.
  • Shops – Some retail shops have reopened.
  • Colorado Fly Fishing Guides – Open for guided trips, with social distancing measures in place.
  • Elk Mountain Adventures – Open for ATV rentals; please fill out waivers and pay online.
  • Leadville Train – Opens for the season, with open-air cars, limited passenger numbers, and extra capacity.
  • Matchless Mine – Open for surface tours of the legendary mine Tuesday-Saturday until the fall. Everyone is asked to maintain social distancing and wear a face covering, for everyone’s safety.
  • Mt. Massive Golf Course – Advance tee times are required, walk ups are not allowed at this time. Everyone is asked to wear a face covering and maintain social distancing.
  • Twin Lakes – While Independence Pass will open June 1st, the Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon (takeout meals) and the Twin Lakes General Store are open.
  • Leadville Visitor Center – In June, it will be open Thursday to Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.


Lake County is asking everyone to please wear a face covering when in a local business. All businesses, attractions, and lodging properties must receive approval from Lake County Public Health Agency before reopening. Please contact local businesses directly to check their status.


FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Campers, here are the current fire restrictions, updated June 1, 2020:



START PLANNING SUMMER AND FALL VISITS

Get ready now to explore all the fun things to do in the area, as soon as it is safe to do so. Here are just a few ideas!



For more ideas, check out our online Visitor Guide.


All attractions and businesses will be following social distancing and safety guidelines, so the setup may look different than before.


SUMMER EVENTS

Lake County agencies have made the difficult decision to cancel all large events through September 2020. This includes our mining heritage festival Leadville Boom Days and the iconic Leadville Race Series, including its world-famous 100-mile run and 100-mile mountain bike races.


The decision respects Leadville’s limited hospital and medical resources, which cannot assume the risk of widespread outbreak of COVID-19. It follows State of Colorado event requirements, which are expected to strictly limit participant numbers through the end of the summer. And it considers the limited capacity of community resources needed to support large events.


While we sincerely wish we could welcome you to events this summer, everyone’s safety is our top priority.


WELCOMING COMMUNITY AND BREATHTAKING LANDS

The good news is the warm community that supports our events, and the land on which those events are held, are part of what makes them so special. And our welcoming locals, sparkling lakes, and hushed forests (perfect for social distancing) are here to stay!


We hope to see you here this summer and fall!


When you see us again, we’ll greet you with huge smiles and a warm Leadville and Twin Lakes welcome. We hope you’ll join us in sharing our community spirit and strength, made all the stronger by the challenges of the past two months. And we hope you’ll find solace here, among the towering mountains and clear waters.


Be safe, be well, and we hope we can see you soon.

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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 !

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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).

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