SUMMER ROAD TRIP TO TWIN LAKES!

For a great road trip, head to Twin Lakes, Colorado, this spring! Set near the edge of two of Colorado’s largest glacial lakes, this historic village is both picturesque and welcoming. Businesses in Twin Lakes, and the jaw-dropping drive over Independence Pass, re-open by Memorial Day weekend, depending on snow conditions.


TOP OF THE ROCKIES SCENIC BYWAY

The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, also known as Highway 82, is a popular route between Twin Lakes and Aspen. This twisty-turning road climbs to the summit of Independence Pass, with jaw-dropping views at 12,905’. It’s open only in the summer months. Please check Colorado Department of Transportation for road conditions.


On the east side of the pass, businesses in Twin Lakes open for summer by Memorial Day Weekend, and so do the Twin Lakes campgrounds. Come see this peaceful, historic village!


EARLY SPRING

The Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon is open through March for weekend lodging, Friday and Saturday nights for dinner (4:30-8 p.m.) and brunch Saturdays and Sundays (9:30 a.m. -1 p.m.). The nearby Mt. Elbert Lodge, which offers B&B rooms in the main lodge as well as cabins, is also open all winter. Check out great places to stay in Twin Lakes, Colorado.


7 FUN SUMMER THINGS TO DO

Here are seven things you can do in Twin Lakes:


1) Get caffeinated. Jump start your day with a hot cuppa joe from Perkolated Peak’s Coffee Van—great coffee with a Colorado vibe.

2) Get the scoop on what to do in Twin Lakes. Head to the Red Rooster Visitor Center for visitor info with a smile. If you’ve been out of cell phone range, you can use the Wi-Fi to check in—and post that amazing lake pic on Instagram.

3) Find unique local art. A small-town treasure shop, the Shooting Star Gallery features pottery, photography, and paintings, fiber arts, wood carvings, jewelry, and much more by local artists.

4) Pick up souvenirs, camping supplies, and locals’ tips. Stop by the Twin Lakes General Store for gas, food, snacks, one-of-a-kind cool souvenirs, camping supplies, wine and beer. You can also find great advice for how to enjoy Colorado’s tallest mountain and largest glacial lakes.

5) Grab lunch to go—then sit by the lakes. If you’re hankering for burgers, smoked pulled pork, a Reuben, ribbon fries, or more, Punky’s Food Truck is ready with a scrumptious hot lunch!

6) Have a scrumptious sit-down lunch or dinner. The Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon will open for lunch Friday through Sunday, and dinner every night of the week. Salads, soups, entrees, and desserts so delicious that you’ll want to stay another day! The Inn also offers lodging every night starting Memorial Day weekend.

7) Take a boat ride. Head for open water with Twin Lakes Interlaken Boat Tours. These fascinating narrated tours take you to Interlaken, a ghost resort on the lake’s far side, accessible only by foot or by boat. Call (903) 930-1568 to confirm the opening date and reserve your spot.


MORE ABOUT TWIN LAKES

Want to learn more about these gorgeous lakes and this friendly town? Check out 10 more reasons to visit Twin Lakes.

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!
More Posts
Share by: