Leadville Twin Lakes

Leadville: Warm-weather Recreation

Pleasant summer temperatures and pure mountain air make Leadville and Twin Lakes popular summertime destinations for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. From climbing Fourteeners and competing in marathons to horseback riding, four-wheeling or enjoying the wildlife and wildflowers on a leisurely hike, there’s an activity to suit just about anyone. Make sure to stop by the new Leadville Lake County Community Park and Sports Complex when you're in town.
 
Hiking and mountain climbing — If you love hiking Colorado is the place to be. Leadville and Twin Lakes offers trails ranging from easy to advanced, in some of the most scenic spots you can imagine. Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert, both reaching more than 14,400’, are the state's two highest peaks.

Mountain Biking Colorado style — A vast network of trails crisscrosses the county, ranging from extremely challenging to paved, ADA-accessible trails. Blessed with clean, mountain air, moderate summer temperatures and high elevation, Leadville and Twin Lakes have become popular training sites for athletes dedicated to mountain biking.

Fishing — The area is a favorite destination for a true Colorado fishing experience. Anglers enjoy Twin Lakes, Turquoise Lake, Mt. Elbert Forebay, Crystal Lake, Halfmoon Creek and many smaller lakes and streams. The National Fish Hatchery offers free guided tours, fish raceways and nature trails.

Golf — Mount Massive Golf is a public course on the outskirts of Leadville. Nestled in the open spaces of the Arkansas River Valley near the river's headwaters, ringed by the tallest mountains in the state and surrounded by ranchland and forest, it is in a truly spectacular setting. No buildings crowd the fairways; no interstate noise to jar the senses. At 9,680 feet, Mt. Massive is the highest golf course in North America. Golf at Mt. Massive is truly a walk in the woods. Today, this affordable and friendly course caters to over 20,000 rounds annually, but is never overbooked or hurried. It is conditioned and maintained to a level that rivals the nearby resort courses, but with a much lower price tag. Players of all skill levels will find golf at Mt. Massive a challenging course with small-town charm.

Racing and marathons — The Leadville Trail 100 races, including a 100-mile running race and a 100-mile bike race,  are among the most challenging in the country. Other high-altitude competitions include the Firecracker 5K Run, the Leadville High Altitude Duathlon, Turquoise Lake Half Marathon and Mineral Belt 20K Run.
 
Sightseeing — The Historical Walking Tour of downtown Leadville and Route of the Silver Kings provide visitors the chance to enjoy Victorian architecture and the historic mining district.

Train rides — High in the Rocky Mountains, the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad takes sightseers, historians and train buffs on a scenic journey through untouched wilderness. Along the way, passengers experience the beauty of the Arkansas River Valley and spectacular views of the state’s two highest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. During the two-and-a-half hour journey, passengers may also catch a glimpse of a deer or marmot as they relive history riding along the line built in the 1800s. At the depot, which was built in 1896, they can view old steam engine #641 and have a picture taken with the engineer. 

Camping — There are hundreds of campsites in Lake County, ranging from private RV parks, cabins and campsites in and around downtown Leadville to developed campgrounds and dispersed camping at numerous scenic areas through the National Forest Service.

Lodging — Lake County’s lodging options range from an elegant Victorian hotel, charming inns and B&Bs to lodges, cabins, and vacation rentals. You’ll find some located in the heart of the National Historic Districts in Leadville and Twin Lakes, while other are tucked away in the woods.

Dining —If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, an elegant dinner for two, or a casual family meal, Leadville and Twin Lakes offer a surprisingly wide selection of eateries. Choices includes coffee, pizza and sandwich shops, a brew pub, Mexican cantinas, a steak house, and restaurants specializing in Italian, Chinese, American and bistro-style cuisines.

Shopping — Feeling the need for some retail therapy? You’ll find antique shops, bookstores, bike and ski shops, along with specialty stores packed with Western fashions and accessories, gifts and souvenirs, sporting goods, accents for the home, and more. Several galleries feature the works of local and regional artists.

Want to learn more? We'd be happy to send you the latest copy of our Vacation Guide.