Leadville / Twin Lakes
Getting There
The closest international airport to Leadville and Twin Lakes is Denver International Airport (DEN), which is about 2 hours away via I-70 E. The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is about 45 minutes away via US-24 W and CO-82 E, however this section of CO-82 E is closed from October to May. The longer route is about 2 and a half hours away. Aspen Airport offers direct flights to Salt Lake City and Denver.
Getting Around
Visit LeadvilleTwinLakes.com for a full list of things to do and places to eat and stay.
Situated in the midst of Colorado’s Sawatch Range, the dual CDT Gateway Community of Leadville and Twin Lakes is surrounded by mountains with summits above 14,000 feet — known locally as “14ers.” There are 15 such mountains within an hour’s drive from the two towns. This unique location makes Leadville and Twin Lakes the perfect place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, biking, horseback riding, camping, and ziplining.
This area was historically home to people of the Ute tribe, Colorado’s oldest residents, until the town of Leadville was founded by white settlers in 1860 following the discovery of gold in the area. Prospectors also found silver, lead (from which the town gets its name), and molybdenum, an important steel hardener. In its heyday, 60,000 people lived in Leadville, and it was at one point considered for the capital of the new state of Colorado. Although the economy has made a recent shift towards outdoor recreation, mining continues to be an important aspect of the town’s identity, celebrated most famously each August during Boom Days.
Twin Lakes, which sits next to its eponymous lakes a few miles south of Leadville, is home to Interlaken Resort, once a popular international vacation destination. When the nearby lake was dammed, the resort lost popularity and the building was abandoned. It has since been restored and is open to the public, and can be easily accessed via the CDT!
Getting To The Continental Divide Trail
The Continental Divide Trail can be accessed from a variety of spots in and around Leadville and Twin Lakes, including at Tennessee Pass and historic Camp Hale, home to the training grounds of the 10th Mountain Division, America’s ski soldiers during World War II. The tallest mountain in Colorado, with a summit at 14,440′, Mount Elbert is a quite popular day hike that can be easily accessed from Twin Lakes via the CDT at the South Mount Elbert trailhead. The Timberland trailhead sits west of Turquoise Lake and the Mt. Massive trailhead is just south of Leadville. The Mt. Massive stretch of the CDT is particularly beautiful in the fall, as it is home to large stands of aspens.
Ten things to do in Leadville and Twin Lakes
Take a scenic train ride through the mountains
Explore the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum
Experience the history of the area at the Healy House
Take a tour
Spend some time at the Tabor Opera House
Discover the historic Interlaken Resort
Watch skijoring
Take in a festival
Wander around the East Side Mining District
Play a round on the world’s highest golf course
Suggested Hike
Hiker Resources
- wifi
- camping/ lodging
- showers
- food
- laundry
- camp supplies
- Leadville Post Office
- 130 W 5th St, Leadville
- CO 80461
- Twin Lakes General Store
- 6451 CO-82, Twin Lakes
- CO 80461
- 719-486-2196
- Leadville Outdoors
- 225 Harrison Ave, Leadville
- CO 80461
- 719-486-7392
- Community Threads
- 609 Harrison Ave, Leadville
- CO 80461
- 719-486-4000
- Leadvelo Bicicasa
- 719 Harrison Ave, Leadville
- CO 80461
- 719-293-236
- Cycles of Life
- 309 Harrison Ave, Leadville
- CO 80461
- 719-486-5533
- Safeway
- 1900 N Poplar Way, Leadville
- CO 80461
- 719-486-0795
- Lake County Public Library
- 1115 Harrison Ave, Leadville
- CO 80461
- Mountain Laundromat
- 1707 N Poplar St.
- Leadville, CO 80461
- 719-293-2282
- Inn the Clouds
- 500 East 7th Street
- Leadville, CO 80461
- (719)427-4888
- Melanzana
- 716 Harrison Ave
- Leadville, CO 80461
- 719-486-3245