Historic Leadville
Do you need reasons to spend a Colorado vacation in Leadville and Twin Lakes this summer? Here are a few: affordability, to-die-for views, history, trails for hiking and biking, high-altitude training and competition, and relaxing off the beaten path. Travelers can also find a great selection of antique stores, and enjoy entertaining and educational events this summer in Leadville, North America’s highest city. With an average 310 days of sunshine a year and average high temperatures in the 70s during the summer months, it’s easy to plan a week of fun:
Affordability — It’s easier to relax when the vacation stays under budget. Leadville and Twin Lakes have lots of free and low-cost ways to enjoy a week in the Colorado mountains, along with affordable places to stay and to eat. Visitors can enjoy nature trails, tour the Leadville National Fish Hatchery, and enjoy the Heritage Walking Tour in downtown Leadville for free. A passport to visit all six area museums is just $30 per adult (ages 13-16), $25 for seniors (ages 62 and better) and $14 for children (ages 5 – 12). 888-532-3845
Trails for hiking and biking — Whether hiking the strenuous nine-mile trail to the top of Mt. Elbert—Colorado’s highest Fourteener—and back or taking the family on a bike ride on the paved Mineral Belt Trail that loops through forests and historic sites as it makes its way around the town, hikers and bikers enjoy the vast network of trails that crisscross the county. The trail to the historic Interlaken Hotel in Twin Lakes provides hikers with the chance to take in the scenery and visit one of the area’s most popular 1880s resort.
To-die-for views — There are so many beautiful spots in Lake County, it’s hard to pick just one favorite. Turquoise Lake, located in the San Isabel National Forest just outside Leadville, and Twin Lakes, the largest glacial lakes in Colorado, are both surrounded by undeveloped lands, forests and snow-capped mountains. Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, the two highest Fourteeners in the state, create a spectacular backdrop for the Victorian architecture of Leadville’s historic district. Independence Pass, which connects Twin Lakes and Aspen during the summer months and was named one of “America’s Prettiest Fall Drives” by Forbes.com, is spectacular during the summer as well.
High-altitude training and competition — Competing at 10,152’ has become a rite of passage for athletes around the world. With the cool summer temperatures and fresh mountain air, Leadville has also become known as the ideal spot for high-altitude endurance training. Events such as the Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike and foot races, the Lap-the-Lake 50 cycling race and the Tri-it-High Triathlon and Duathlon provide athletes with the opportunity to prove their stamina and endurance.
Relaxing off the beaten path — There’s a lot to be said for getting away from it all. Although just a one-tank trip from the Front Range, there’s a relaxed and friendly far-away feeling here that encourages visitors to slow down a bit, take in the views and imagine what it was like to walk these streets back in the days of Doc Holliday and Baby Doe Tabor. There are also many places that are literally off the beaten path to hike, camp, fish and enjoy the more than 35,000 acres within four nationally designated Wilderness Areas.
Experience Colorado history — Not only is Leadville history some of the most interesting in the state, there are countless ways to take it all in: six museums—including the only federally chartered non-profit national mining museum, a walking tour, a driving tour and underground mine tours. Heritage-travel fans can also enjoy both the scenic and historic sites on horseback, on four-wheel drive tours or on board the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad. A new 72-page Heritage Guide is available for $1 at the Leadville Lake County Visitor Center at 809 Harrison Avenue.
Antiquing — For those for whom “antique” has become a verb, the Victorian-style streets of Leadville are the perfect destination. Anchored by the 1881 Western Hardware store which now houses a two-story antique mall and three floors of antique furniture and accessories at the Delaware Mercantile, antiquers also enjoy the Mad Hatter, the gift shop at the Tabor Opera House, and Antique Accents. Bookstores, bike shops, and specialty stores offering Western fashions and accessories, gifts, souvenirs, sporting goods and apparel, accents for the home, and several galleries featuring the works of local and regional artists, provide additional shopping opportunities.
Events and entertainment — Leadville’s summer calendar includes an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration on July 4; the 61st annual Boom Days festival to celebrate the area’s mining heritage Aug. 5-7; musical, magical and comedic performances at the Tabor Opera House; and educational and entertaining events all summer long celebrating the 125th anniversary of The Delaware Hotel. In addition, the Lake County Recreation Department sponsors programs and activities year-round.
Collecting superlatives — There’s a group of people out there who like to be the first, the best, the fastest. For these superlative seekers, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in North America, and along with that, the home of the highest golf course, the highest bed and breakfast, the highest train, and so on. Within Colorado, Lake County includes the state’s two highest peaks, Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert—both reaching more than 14,400 feet, more museums per capita than any other city, and more lakes than any other county.
Located in the geographic center of Colorado on U.S. Highway 24, Leadville is approximately 103 miles west of Denver and 129 miles northeast of Colorado Springs. Just 15 minutes from Leadville, Twin Lakes is located at the eastern gateway to Independence Pass, just an hour from Aspen during the summer months. Leadville features antique and specialty shops, restaurants, galleries, and coffee shops, along with lodging options ranging from an elegant Victorian hotel, inns and B&Bs to lodges, cabins, campsites and vacation rentals. At the historic Twin Lakes village, travelers will find B&Bs, lodges, cafés, gift shops and art galleries.
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