Railroad Extends Schedule Thru October

Fall Colors By Rail and Trail

The fall colors season is already shaping up to look pretty promising and autumn doesn’t even officially get started until September 23. The aspens are slowly starting to turn and those extended blue-sky summer days made up for the late summer start.

And now you can add one more good thing about this special time of year. Well, make that two. The Leadville Colorado and Southern Railroad is extending its season in 2019 and adding weekend trips through October 27.

All Aboard The Pumpkin Patch Express

If you’re looking for a fun fall activity that’s perfect for the entire family, there’s a new kind of Halloween party coming to Leadville! Every Saturday & Sunday in October the Leadville Railroad will be magically transformed into The Halloween Express for its 10 a.m. ride. This special Track or Treat 2.5-hour ride takes passengers from our historic depot on E. 7th Street up, up, up to the Headwaters of the Arkansas River Valley. Enjoy this spooky, kid-friendly trip taking in nature’s sights and sounds while enjoying some tasty seasonal treats. Ticket holders are encouraged to come in costume. Before or after the train ride, visit our historic depot and gift shop. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Oktoberfest on the Leadville Railroad

Come, raise a glass with the Leadville Railroad and celebrate Oktoberfest in the Rocky Mountains.

Board our train in Leadville and enjoy a special selection of seasonal libations. Take in the beautiful mountain views from the train as you take in an ale on the rails! Or sip your cider as you watch the golden aspens pass by, breathing in the crisp alpine forest. The Oktoberfest Railroad Rides will be leaving their historic depot every Saturday and Sunday in October at 2 p.m. Enjoy the beauty of an alpine autumn as you travel up above the Headwaters of the Arkansas River during this 2.5-hour scenic train ride. Special rides include seasonal add-ons from a flight of seasonal beers to fresh-pressed cider and some culinary treats you can only find this time of year.

For more details connect online at www.leadvillerailroad.com -or- call 1-866-386-3936. Saturdays & Sundays at 2 p.m. in October.

Of course, the train’s Fall Photo Weekend Rides continues this Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. It’s coming into peak season so best to book online as not to miss out.

MBT Fall Colors Tour for Seniors

Readers may recall, LT reporting about the Annual Phyllis Hakala Fall Colors tour. Presented by Leadville’s Mineral Belt Trail (MBT) Committee and the Lake County Senior Citizen Center this once-a-year, the autumn tour was originally scheduled to make the rounds this week. However, they decided that they would postpone the ride until the aspens are a bit further along with their golden hues.

The annual Phyllis Hakala Fall Colors Tour on Leadville’s Mineral Belt Trail will take place on September 26, allowing local senior citizens and disabled residents an once-a-year opportunity to see the changing aspens on the usually non-motorized trail. Photo: Leadville Today.

The new date will be Thursday, Sept. 26, leaving the Senior Center at 10 a.m. So there’s still time if someone you know, someone who may not be able to do so otherwise, gets out and see the fall colors. This special motorized tour is open to those individuals who do not wish to – or cannot due to mobility issues – walk or bike the trail. This tour is the only time the county allows vehicles other than maintenance vehicles on the trail, allowing senior citizens and others the opportunity to enjoy the fall scenery along the trail. The event was named after long-time Leadville resident Phylis Hakala, who always made sure that the seniors and those less mobile were able to get out and experience the natural beauty of their surroundings.

Call the senior center for questions and reservations as participation grows every year, so please RSVP so that organizers may plan accordingly 719- 486-1774.

A Golden Hue – and Victory – for Leadville Racing!

A golden hue surrounds these student-athletes with the Leadville Racing Team as they train on #Leadville trails. The cyclists are off to Snowmass this Sunday for Race #3 in the Colorado High School Cycling League. Go Team! Bring home your own golden victory!