Official Visitor Guide

1. Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic
Byway – This paved, 115-mile scenic byway is one of
just 53 in the nation. While you’re here, take the drive
in both directions for two entirely different views!
El-e-vacationers' tips: Pull over at the base of Tennessee
Pass and hike to the historic site of Camp Hale. The
training site for the 10th Mountain Division during
World War II, Camp Hale is an excellent place for
watchable wildlife, including foxes, deer and elk; U.S.
24 south of Leadville is a good place to spot pronghorn
antelope, bighorn sheep, moose and jaw-dropping
views of the Collegiate Peaks. Always find a safe spot to
pull off the road.
2. On the trails — Landscape and wilderness
photography is unrivaled around Leadville and Twin
Lakes. Get off the roads and on the trails to find the
spots that others might miss. More than 188,000 acres
of national forest and Bureau of Land Management
land will keep you busy for days!
El-e-vacationers' tips: The Timberline Lake Trail is a
five-mile hike that’s suitable for beginners. The Leadville
National Fish Hatchery has a one-mile loop, the
Evergreen Lakes Nature Trail, with interpretive signs
that identify flora and fauna. There are five trails that
access the famed 500-mile Colorado Trail, including
access from Twin Lakes and the Mt. Massive Trail.
3. Mineral Belt Trail – You can hike, bike, ski and
snowshoe this 11.6-mile, non-motorized trail that
loops downtown Leadville and the outlying areas.
You’ll be in awe of the Sawatch and Mosquito
mountain range views, wildflower meadows, conifer
forests and major historical sites.
El-e-vacationers' tips: You can explore California Gulch
and the mining district from this trail, which is paved
and ADA-accessible.
4. Historic Mining District – The Route of the Silver
Kings leads visitors on a driving tour through the
historic mining district surrounding Leadville. This
tour of mines, ghost towns and mining camps begins
downtown at Monroe St. and Harrison Ave. It takes a
few hours to complete by car.
El-e-vacationers' tips: Maps and souvenir booklets are
available at the Leadville-Twin Lakes Visitor Center.
5. Chicago Ridge - Soak in spectacular scenery along
the Continental Divide as a cozy snowcat takes you to
12,600 feet. The slopes in this backcountry area,
roughly the size of Vail's Back Bowls at 2,600 acres,
vary from 3,000 to 10,000 feet in length with vertical
drops up to 2,000 feet per run in abundant, all-natural
snow. Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours is one of the
longest continuously operating backcountry ski
touring operations in the world; don't miss this
one-of-a-kind adventure.
skicooper.com/snowcat-skiing
El-e-vacationers' tips: If backcountry skiing and
snowboarding aren't for you, take a two-hour tour in
the snowcat and take home some amazing photos of a
dozen peaks and panoramas from this high-altitude
vantage point.
6. Turquoise Lake – This peaceful mountain lake is a
locals’ favorite for fishing, hiking, camping— and even
stand up paddle boarding in the summer; for ice
fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing
in the winter.
El-e-vacationers' tip: Get some shots at the lake, and
then get a birds’-eye view of this pristine blue-water
phenomenon on a horseback ride through the San
Isabel and White River National Forests.
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