LEADVILLE, COLORADO
Set in the central Rockies at 10,400 feet, Leadville, Colorado is a historic mining town and was quite the hot spot during the mining boom in 1860 through 1880’s. Leadville is touted as the nation’s highest incorporated city at 10,400 feet. There are magnificent views of the central Rocky Mountains from the town and surrounding area. On the road to Leadville and near Leadville itself, you can view some of Colorado’s highest peaks – the “14ers” (elevations over 14,000 feet). Mt. Shavano – 14,229 ft., Mt. Antero – 14,269 ft., Mt. Yale - 14,196 ft., Mt. Harvard – 14,420 ft., and the two largest peaks in Colorado, Mt. Elbert at 14,433 ft and Mt. Massive at 14,421. All nicely lined up in a row on the south or north route to Leadville via Colorado Highway 24, through Poncha Springs and Buena Vista. Leadville, even at over 10,000 feet, offers a fairly mild climate for the elevation. The temp rarely gets over 80 degrees, but be assured the nights can get quite cool. During our trip to Leadville and the Twin Lakes area, the temperature topped out a 67 during the day, and a low of 35 at night. Not bad for the Rockies in September! Even though we dry-camped this round, an extra blanket in the evening was all that was needed. We were a couple of weeks ahead of the Aspen’s turning – but the views were breathtaking nonetheless. History buffs must make a stop at the National Mining Museum in Leadville, which gives a complete history of mining activities and the fortunes made in Leadville in gold and silver – notables such as the Tabors, Guggenheims, Molly Brown and Marshall Field. Scenery buffs and railroad enthusiasts can take a train ride on the infamous Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad (LC&S) which winds through the old Denver and South Park rail lines through the Arkansas River Valley. The cost is $33/adult and $20/children for a 2 ½ hour ride.
ROYAL GORGE (Canon City, CO)
On our way to Leadville, we decided to take the longer way around out of Denver to make at stop at the Royal Gorge, just outside of Canon City, Colorado. The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the world at 1,053 feet high and a quarter mile long. We have been to the Royal Gorge area many times – it is so beautiful and so many things to do in the area:
• Walk or drive the bridge (walking is better – fantastic photography opportunities)
• Petty Zoo and Elk Wildlife Park
• Royal Rush Skycoaster – for thrill seekers! (not for the faint-hearted . . it goes out over the edge of the Gorge – you couldn’t get me on that thing for a million dollars!)
• Trolley and Aerial Tram Ridges
• Incline Railway
• Horseback and burro rides
• Pavilion and Plaza Theaters
• River rafting . . . . . . . and much more!
My most favorite attraction is the Royal Gorge Dinner Train. Very pricey at $80 to $120 per person – but well worth the money and the time. . . and the food is pretty good. You’ll need to MAKE RESERVATIONS early – the train is almost always at full capacity especially in the summer and early fall months. The train departs from the Canon City Depot – right off Main Street (Highway 50) in the center of town. Follow the signs – it’s very easy to find.
TWIN LAKES, COLORADO
At the base of Mt. Elbert, Twin Lakes area in the San Isabel National Forest is a pair of natural spring lakes. Breathtaking scenery and multiple hiking trails to choose from. Our dry camping spot was just about 300 yards up from the lake, $12 a night. After our adventures to Royal Gorge and Leadville, we found Twin Lakes the perfect place to sit back, take in the scenery and relax with the grandkids for the remainder of the long weekend. Perfect!
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