Lake County: Mountains, Lakes, and Mining History

Lake County combines striking mountain landscapes, large lakes, and traces of its mining history in an unusually diverse way. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is Colorado’s highest mountain and the second-highest mountain in the contiguous United States. At the same time, Leadville, Twin Lakes, and historic trails tell stories of transportation, mining, and the lives of earlier generations. When planning your trip, the main question is therefore whether you want to focus on nature experiences, water activities, history, or a combination of these.

Mountains, Trails, and Winter Experiences

The North Elbert Trail #1484 is 4.3 miles each way and has an elevation gain of 4,400 feet. Take this distance and elevation gain into account when planning your day if you are considering an excursion in the Mount Elbert area. In the Mount Massive Wilderness, designated by Congress in 1980 and covering 30,540 acres, a 1.1-mile trail leads to Windsor Lake. Another 6.4-mile trail runs from the dam to the May Queen Campground on the shore of Turquoise Lake. Above Twin Lakes, a 5.8-mile trail can be reached via County Road 24 from the South Elbert Trailhead.

Shorter or differently oriented activities are also part of the Lake County experience. The Mineral Belt Trail runs through the center of Leadville and is approximately 11.6 miles long. In winter, it is groomed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. The Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail run together through Lake County for long stretches. Both trails are open to bicycles except in the Mount Massive Wilderness; some sections are used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Lakes, Rivers, and Special Views

Twin Lakes offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as guided boat tours. Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are possible at the Red Rooster Boating Site on the lake’s northwest shore. Historically, Twin Lakes was an important transportation route for supplies and ore between the mining towns of Leadville and Aspen. Those who prefer spending time on the river can find habitat for wild brown trout and extensive public access for fly-fishing along the Arkansas River, designated as Gold Medal Trout Waters.

For a drive through the landscape, the Top of the Rockies Byway is a good choice. It passes through high peaks, broad valleys, and large lakes; in spring and summer, bighorn sheep and seasonal wildflowers may be visible along the way. All roads to Leadville and Twin Lakes are part of the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway. Another way to explore the historic mining district is the Route of the Silver Kings: a 20-square-mile driving tour with 14 stops. The route is 21 miles long and climbs from Leadville to 11,700 feet at its final stop.

Leadville and Twin Lakes: History to Discover

In Leadville, the Historic District covers 70 square blocks with original Victorian architecture, as well as 50 buildings dating from around the turn of the century. A self-guided tour of notable historic buildings offers another way to explore downtown. Healy House and Dexter Cabin are among Leadville’s earliest homes and showcase Victorian furnishings and a Victorian garden. The Heritage Museum is located in the town’s first library. The Tabor Opera House was built in 1879 by silver baron Horace Tabor in 100 days and offers private tours by prior appointment.

The Leadville Railroad also highlights the region’s past. It is the last remaining section of the original Denver South Park & Pacific Railroad and offers historic train rides departing from 326 E. 7th St. in Leadville. On the first full weekend in August, Leadville Boom Days features burro races, mining-skills competitions, and a street festival with more than 100 food and arts-and-crafts vendors. Near Twin Lakes, Interlaken is a National Historic Site with original buildings, including the two-story Interlaken Hotel from 1879 and an octagonal outhouse. The abandoned resort on the shore of Twin Lakes is accessible only by trail or boat.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Desired Travel Experience

When searching for a vacation apartment or vacation home in Lake County, you can take your trip’s focus into account. Leadville is a good base for historic buildings, museums, the train ride, and the Mineral Belt Trail. Twin Lakes places water activities, the history of lake transportation, and the Red Rooster Visitor Center at the forefront as the starting point for the self-guided tour of Historic Twin Lakes Village. For nature- and scenery-focused planning, the area’s trails, mountain roads, and protected areas are also worth considering.

One of the more unusual experiences is the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, which can be reached along a one-mile route by ski, snowshoe, or on foot and offers a multi-course dinner in a remote setting. At Mount Bump, west of the Red Rooster Visitor Center, there is a stargazing site with stairs and a ramp, benches, and a level area for a telescope. This allows you to choose your accommodation according to your preferred daily rhythm and the interests of your travel group.

Discover More Destinations

For further searches, you can also explore El Paso, Pitkin, Weld, Arapahoe, Dolores County, Pueblo, and Broomfield.

For the higher-level travel overview: Colorado.