Lake County: Peaks, Lakes, and Mining History

In Lake County, high peaks and lakes meet traces of mining and railroad history. The Mineral Belt Trail runs through the center of Leadville; at Twin Lakes, water sports and historic sites are part of the visitor experience. This makes it easy to tailor a trip to a wide range of interests—from scenery and trails to architecture and local history.

Mountains, Trails, and Winter Activities

At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is Colorado’s highest mountain and the second-highest in the contiguous United States. The trails can also be described with specific measurements: the North Elbert Trail #1484 is 4.3 miles each way and gains 4,400 feet in elevation. A 1.1-mile trail leads to Windsor Lake in the Mount Massive Wilderness. The 30,540-acre wilderness was designated by Congress in 1980.

The Mineral Belt Trail is about 11.6 miles long and combines scenic appeal with Leadville’s history. In winter, it is groomed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Another trail runs 6.4 miles from the dam along the shore of Turquoise Lake to the May Queen Campground. Above Twin Lakes, a 5.8-mile trail can be reached via County Road 24 from the South Elbert Trailhead.

The Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail share a route through Lake County for long stretches. Except for the Mount Massive Wilderness, the trails are open to bicycles; some sections are also used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In Leadville’s East Side Mining District, views above the treeline extend to the surrounding mountains. The area also has roads, trails, and mining ruins; in summer, visitors can bike, hike, or drive the county roads.

Leadville: Architecture, Mining, and Railroads

Leadville’s Historic District covers 70 square blocks, with original Victorian architecture and 50 buildings dating from around the turn of the century. A self-guided walking tour of downtown takes visitors to significant historic buildings. Healy House and Dexter Cabin are among the city’s earliest homes; visitors can see Victorian furnishings and a Victorian garden there. The Healy House garden features labeled native plants. From its elevated location, you can look out over Leadville and toward the mountains.

Railroad history is also prominent: the Leadville Railroad is the last remaining section of the original Denver South Park & Pacific Railroad. Its historic train rides depart from 326 E. 7th St. The Tabor Opera House was built in 1879 by silver baron Horace Tabor in just 100 days. Private tours are available by appointment.

Founded in 1889, the Leadville National Fish Hatchery is now the second-oldest federal fish hatchery still in operation. Visitors get a firsthand look at the fish production process. Fishing is allowed at Rock Creek, about a mile’s walk from the hatchery grounds.

Leadville Boom Days takes place on the first full weekend in August. The program includes burro races, mining skills competitions, and a street fair with more than 100 food and craft booths. Visitors planning around this date can make the recurring event a focus of their trip.

Twin Lakes and Special Excursions

Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as guided boat tours, are offered at Twin Lakes. The Red Rooster Boating Site on the northwest shore offers stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking on the lake. Interlaken offers a glimpse of lakeside history: the abandoned resort on the shore of Twin Lakes is accessible only by trail or boat. The National Historic Site’s original buildings include the two-story Interlaken Hotel, built in 1879, and an octagonal privy. The self-guided tour of Historic Twin Lakes Village begins at the Red Rooster Visitor Center.

The Route of the Silver Kings offers another perspective on the region: the self-guided driving tour through the historic mining district around Leadville includes 14 stops and covers an area of 20 square miles. The route is 21 miles long and climbs from Leadville to 11,700 feet at its final stop. For a meal in a remote setting, Tennessee Pass Cookhouse offers a multi-course dinner; access is via a one-mile trip by ski, snowshoe, or on foot.

The Top of the Rockies Byway also passes through a landscape of high peaks, broad valleys, and large lakes. Bighorn sheep may be spotted along the way; seasonal wildflowers bloom in spring and summer. Together, these options suit travelers who want to divide their time among mountain scenery, water, trails, and places shaped by mining history.

Discover more destinations: Leadville, Yuma County, Summit, Gilpin County, Alamosa County, Costilla County, Eagle, Logan

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