Activities / Colorado Family Travel / Colorado Livin'

Leadville and Twin Lakes: 20 fun things to do this summer

By Mile High Mamas on June 21, 2021 No Comments

Leadville and Twin Lakes: 20 fun things to do this summer

With an average of 310 days of sunshine a year, historic silver mining boomtowns, the state’s highest peaks, and abundant public lands, the mountain destinations of Leadville and Twin Lakes feature countless opportunities for high-country fun this summer. Travelers can experience something new this season, whether visiting for the first time or returning to a favorite spot, as new offerings have opened since last summer. Visitors are sure to get a warm welcome from these new businesses.

Fun Things to Do in Leadville, Colorado

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Hiking: The Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail give you easy access to day hikes from camp or overnight backpacking adventures. A hut trip or yurt camping also make for a unique hiking-inspired overnight. Want to climb Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak? We did it a few years ago; find out what you need to know.

Boating. With some of Colorado’s largest glacial lakes, Lake County is aptly named. Boat and fish on the shimmering blue waters of Twin Lakes and Turquoise Lake; take a canoe, kayak or boat tour or bring your own. Discover the ghost resort of Interlaken, once a summer haven for the wealthy and now a fascinating collection of turn-of-the-century buildings, via a special boat tour.

SUP and Cycle: Active adventurers can rent stand-up paddleboards and mountain bikes, in the heart of Twin Lakes village, and explore Colorado’s majestic high country and large sparkling lakes. Located at the base of Mt. Elbert, SUP and Cycle also rents bike racks and provides guests with extended rental times and superb customer service.

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 inches long.

Mountain Dogs Romp & Chomp: Visitors in need of doggie daycare or boarding, a dog wash, or supplies during their stay can check out this new store for dogs and the people who love them. Mountain Dogs offers a range of food, all-natural treats, and accessories.

Raft the Arkansas. Just downstream from Leadville is some of the country’s best whitewater for whitewater rafting in Colorado. For a two-in-one adventure day, combine rafting with a scenic train journey on the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad.

Eat & Drink

Ahab & Absalom: This new coffee shop is already a favorite of Leadville locals. Visitors can enjoy espresso and coffee from Colorado-based Corvus Coffee Roasters, single-origin matcha tea, hand pies, pastries, book recommendations, and more.

Before & After Leadville: Visitors can sip inventive cocktails and mocktails and carefully chosen beer, wine, and coffee drinks. Before & After serves delicious light fare and scrumptious desserts, all in a historic building in the heart of downtown Leadville. It is the sister location of Treeline Kitchen, also located downtown.

Golden Burro Cafe: Golden Burro is going through a historic restoration project and will reopen in June 2021 under new management. The Golden Burro will offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, mocktails, and cocktails. The café will feature house-made kombucha, smoothies, fresh pressed juice, goods from an authentic European pastry chef and ovo-plant-based new American diner fare.

Two Mile Brewing: Two Mile Brewing is Leadville’s newest brewpub and serves beers like the Leadville Lager, Camp Hale Pale Ale and seasonal brews. Its food menu features shareable plates, salads and sammies.

Tacos La Mina: A new style of Mexican food is cooking in the space previously occupied by Gringo’s on Leadville’s north end. Visitors can savor scrumptious tacos, panchitos, burros, tortas, quesadillas, tacos dorado, hamburgers, margaritas, cervezas and more.

Relax

Leadville Wellness Center: Whether weekend warriors or elite athletes, guests can experience holistic fitness recovery at Leadville Wellness Center through acupuncture, massage, herbal consultation, and more. Visitors can book an appointment online and experience a relaxing experience during their Leadville vacation.

Shop

Blue Vessel Florista: Travelers can pop by this inspired walk-in floral shop for creative arrangements for the rebellious, romantic, and spiritual at heart. Planning an event? Visitors will also find event design and styling, plus rental space for weddings and other intimate gatherings.

Elevation Goods: Travelers can find wearables, home goods, gear and wellness goods produced by small businesses located in Colorado. All products are from artisans and makers committed to sustainably sourced or recycled inputs and reflect Colorado’s outdoorsy vibe. Shoppers are sure to find the perfect souvenir for a loved one, along with something special for themselves.

Two Dog Travel: Visitors can stop in and browse travel essentials such as stylish and security-minded travel bags as well as local maps, Colorado history books, and vintage finds and antiques collected from across the world. Two Dog Travel, an international tour company featuring small group and private tours, also offers local custom trip planning and group overnight trips to 10th Mountain Division Huts near Leadville.

Stay

Backcountry huts and yurts near Leadville make camping fun and comfortable year-round. The 10th Mountain Division Huts are perfect base camps so grab some friends, trek to a cozy base camp, and explore the wilderness. See this camping guide for more info on camping and fun things to do in the area.

Mountain Peaks Motel: Now under new ownership and with newly renovated, stylish rooms, Mountain Peaks Motel is located in downtown Leadville within walking distance of all major shops, museums, and restaurants. This family-owned motel offers pet-friendly, cozy accommodations for guests with 150 channels of full HD satellite TV in every room.

Old Tale Inn: Formerly The Alps Motel, the Old Tale Inn is the West reimagined under new ownership and with newly renovated rooms. This conveniently located motel offers a comfortable, modern stay and makes for a perfect basecamp for alpine adventures.

S.L.umber Yard: The S.L.umber Yard is located at FREIGHT Leadville and offers 13 new, high craftsmanship rental cabins that create a cozy, intimate setting to relax and make new memories with loved ones. These cabins are perfect for a romantic weekend, family reunion, staycation, or destination to host an entire wedding party in one place. Each of these well-appointed cabins is named for a historic Leadville working lady, to honor these unsung Leadville residents. The experience begins with complimentary drinks at check-in and a customized high-altitude goodie basket in the room. All races, religions, and LGBTQ+ are welcome at S.Lumber Yard.