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Colorado Field Guide Established in 2017 Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

Cruising Elevation: Leadville & Twin Lakes

Cruising Elevation: Leadville & Twin Lakes

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More Itineraries

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

The Reel Deal:

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The Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing app can help you discover 1,300 fishing locations, check conditions and regulations and more. Search CPW Fishing in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

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 by Oscar Wilde, and two historic 1879 churches.

Lunch

Golden Burro Cafe & Lounge

Since 1938 it has been voted "local's favorite" over and over again, and has been featured in almost every national newspaper across the country at one time or another. It truly remains as one... Read More

Activity

National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum

What would it be like to work in a mine, blasting rock in narrow passageways deep underground? Find out at the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum, where you can tour replicas of mines and... Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

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, use the internet, meet up with old friends or... Read More

Activity

Leadville Railroad

Spectacular railroad trip in the Rocky Mountains. Incredible views of Colorado's two highest peaks, colorful wildflowers and majestic aspen groves. Escape to the wilderness while enjoying an on... Read More

Lunch

Periodic Brewing

World's highest-altitude craft brewery, learning how to perfect the craft at 10,156 feet in America's highest incorporated city - Leadville.

Activity

Hopemore Mine Tour

One of Colorado's few remaining underground mine tours, the Hopemore Mine Tour is led by a long-time miner and journeys deep into the earth through an original mining shaft.

Dinner

Casa Sanchez 2

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

Activity

Historic Tabor Opera House

Historic opera house, active with performances, tours, seminars, weddings. A step back into the days of the Wild, Wild, West. Interactive with visitors as they share magical moments on-stage... Read More

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. Read More

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 (Mt. 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 12 uniquely styled rooms, including 4 with... Read More

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 on the headwaters of the Arkansas RIver!

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 pizza shop. Read More

Activity

Matchless Mine

The Matchless Mine, a historic silver mine purchased in 1879 by H.A.W. Tabor, was estimated to have produced 7.5 million dollars during its peak operating years. Once fabulously wealthy, the... Read More

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 Silverdollar is the second oldest saloon in Colorado. With its original tile floor and its custom made bar with original diamond dust mirrors. Come in and enjoy a drink some... Read More

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. Read More

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