Colorado.com
3 Days

Cruising Elevation: Leadville & Twin Lakes

At 10,152 feet, Leadville the United States' highest incorporated city — and those peaks are packed with history. Take a few mining tours, drive to the sky on the Alpine Loop scenic byway and soak in the history of this mining town and it's beautiful neighbor, Twin Lakes.

Sustainability Activity

Travel Like a Local

There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

Insider's Tip

Stay the Trail

When riding OHVs through the Alpine Loop, make sure you follow Colorado's off-roading motto of "Stay the Trail."

Day 1

activity

Tour Leadville's National Historic Landmark District

In this colorful district, see buildings built between 1880 and 1905, including the largest opera house west of the Mississippi, the saloon visited…

Colorado.com logo placeholder image.
lunch

Buchi Cafe Cubano Leadville

At Buchi, passion is the most important ingredient, and we hope to bring you a memorable Cuban Cafe experience with every bite (and sip).

activity

National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum

Experience life as a miner at the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum in Leadville, Colorado. Tour mine replicas and crystal caves, see minerrs'…

dinner

Quincy's

Quincys Tavern offers a simplistic menu that features a quality meal at an affordable price.

activity

Top of the Rockies - Scenic and Historic Byway

Designated a National Scenic Byway in 1998.

lodging

Rodeway Inn - Leadville

Book a room at our AAA-approved Super 8 Leadville CO hotel off Highway 24 and enjoy easy access to five of the most popular area ski resorts.

Day 2

breakfast

City on a Hill Coffee & Espresso

We are located in the green brick building in the center of downtown Leadville, just south of the traffic light. The shop is a warm place to relax,…

activity

Leadville Railroad

Experience the Rockies and enjoy panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley, San Isabel National Forest, and peaks Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. Hear…

Colorado.com logo placeholder image.
lunch

Two Mile Brewing Company

Flagship brews, seasonal taps, snacks and sammies keep Leadville beer lovers satiated at America's highest altitude brewery.

activity

Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin

Perched at an altitude of nearly two miles and surrounded by some of Colorado’s tallest mountains, the Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin depict…

dinner

Casa Sanchez

Excellent service and excellent Mexican food. Tortilla soup, natural margaritas and seafood burrito are crowd favorites.

activity

Historic Tabor Opera House

Dig into the fascinating past, present, and future of this iconic opera house. Learn about the Tabor’s 140+ year history, the big plans for its future,…

lodging

Rodeway Inn - Leadville

Book a room at our AAA-approved Super 8 Leadville CO hotel off Highway 24 and enjoy easy access to five of the most popular area ski resorts.

Day 3

Insider's Tip

Head South to Twin Lakes

Make the 25-minute drive to the town of Twin Lakes. Resting in the shadow of Colorado’s tallest peak (Mount Elbert), Twin Lakes also lies adjacent to the state's two largest glacial lakes along the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway.

breakfast

The Twin Lakes Inn

The Twin Lakes Inn in historic Twin Lakes Colorado has served guests since 1879. Recently renovated, history and charm still live in its timbers. With…

activity

Colorado Fly Fishing Guides

Leadville's premier walk/wade fly fishing outfitter.  Offering 2 hour, half day, and full day rates.  All abilities welcome. Come experience fly fishing…

Insider's Tip

Make Your Way Back to Leadville

Now that you've explored tiny and charming Twin Lakes, head back to Leadville for lunch and a mine tour.

lunch

High Mountain Pies

We, the High Mountain Pies Culinary Team, are dedicated in our quest to broadcast our fresh and delicious pizza to the hungry world via our mountaintop…

activity

Matchless Mine

This is a historic silver mine associated with the Tabor family 1879-1935. Guided or self-guided tours of the hoist house, headframe, powder magazine,…

dinner

Tree Line Kitchen

Open at 4:30 pm every day. Enjoy the highest rooftop patio in the country.

activity

Silver Dollar Saloon

Established in 1879, the Silver Dollar is the second oldest saloon in Colorado. With its original tile floor and its custom made bar with original diamond…

lodging

Rodeway Inn - Leadville

Book a room at our AAA-approved Super 8 Leadville CO hotel off Highway 24 and enjoy easy access to five of the most popular area ski resorts.