Nestled high in the central Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Lake County is a compact but fascinating region where mining history, alpine scenery, and small-town charm intersect. Travelers who explore the corridor from former camps like Malta to mountain towns such as Red Cliff discover quiet trails, historic cemeteries, ghost town remnants, and some of the state’s most dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
Where Is Lake County and Why Visit?
Lake County lies in central Colorado, anchored by the well-known high-altitude city of Leadville and ringed by smaller communities and historic sites whose names often appear alphabetically in local records—from Malta to Red Cliff and beyond. Sitting above 10,000 feet in elevation, the area offers cool summers, snowy winters, and sweeping views of Colorado’s highest peaks, including Mount Elbert and Mount Massive.
Travelers come here for the combination of outdoor adventure and living history: abandoned mining structures, historic cemeteries, and quiet backroads evoke the stories of people who once crossed these passes, worked these mines, and built short-lived railway towns along the valley floors.
Malta: A Forgotten Railway Stop with Big Views
Just south of Leadville, the former community of Malta once served as a notable railway and smelter hub in Lake County. While little remains today beyond subtle traces and a few historical references, the landscape itself makes the stop worthwhile for curious visitors.
What to See Around Malta
- High-altitude plains and wetlands offering views toward the Sawatch Range and the Arkansas River headwaters.
- Old rail grades and roadbeds that hint at the transport networks that supported the region’s boom years.
- Access to scenic drives leading toward Leadville, Twin Lakes, and southward valleys.
Travelers interested in local stories can pair a visit to the Malta area with time in Leadville’s museums and historic districts, which explain how these smaller camps fit into the county’s broader mining and railroad history.
Leadville and Surrounding Historic Cemeteries
Leadville, the main community in Lake County, serves as the practical base for exploring the region from M to R on the map. Above town, on a pine-covered hillside, a collection of historic cemeteries preserves the names, cultures, and traditions of the many groups who once lived and worked here.
Walking the Historic Cemetery Hill
Travelers can walk the network of lanes that wind among distinctive burial sections representing different communities and faiths. While it is important to treat these spaces with quiet respect, they are also open-air archives of Lake County’s past, with weathered headstones, wrought-iron fences, and occasional interpretive signs.
Visiting these cemeteries offers:
- Insight into immigration and cultural history of the mining era through surnames, languages, and symbols on markers.
- Peaceful forest views that contrast with the bustle of Leadville’s main streets.
- Seasonal atmosphere, from snow-dusted silence in winter to brilliant aspens in autumn.
Many travelers combine a morning walk among the historic graves with an afternoon of museum visits, heritage walking tours, or a ride on the local scenic train.
Outdoor Adventures Between Malta and Red Cliff
The stretch of central Colorado between Malta in Lake County and Red Cliff in neighboring Eagle County is rich in mountain passes, forest routes, and high-country trailheads. It’s a prime area for travelers who want less crowded alternatives to Colorado’s more famous corridors.
Hiking and Biking in High Country
Travelers can access a range of experiences:
- Moderate forest hikes near Leadville and around the upper Arkansas River valley.
- Alpine routes toward 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks for experienced hikers prepared for altitude.
- Gravel and mountain biking on old mining roads and forest tracks that run between valleys and passes.
Weather in this part of Colorado changes quickly, so visitors should always check forecasts, carry layers, and be prepared for afternoon storms, even in midsummer.
Red Cliff: A Mountain Town at the Edge of Lake County’s Orbit
Though technically in the neighboring county, Red Cliff is closely tied to the travel experience of those exploring Lake County and its nearby communities. Perched above a dramatic canyon and accessed by winding mountain roads, Red Cliff has a photogenic metal arch bridge, colorful historic buildings, and trail access into surrounding wilderness.
Reasons to Include Red Cliff on Your Route
- Scenic drives over high passes that link Leadville, Minturn, and Red Cliff.
- Photography opportunities of the canyon, bridge, and jagged ridgelines above town.
- Quiet, slower pace compared to larger resort areas in the region.
Travelers using Leadville or nearby communities as a base can plan a day loop that includes Red Cliff, high mountain passes, and viewpoints over both the Sawatch and Gore ranges.
History Beyond the Headlines: Interpreting Local Stories
While visitors sometimes encounter lists of historic names linked to Lake County, the deeper story is found in the physical landscape: preserved buildings, mine remnants, and these scattered communities from Malta to Red Cliff. Travel here becomes more meaningful when you approach it as a layered narrative rather than a simple sightseeing trip.
Tips for Respectful Historical Exploration
- Treat cemeteries and former townsites as places of memory, staying on paths and avoiding damage to markers or structures.
- Use local museums and visitor centers to add context to what you see along backroads and trails.
- Observe posted signs around private property and active mining claims.
This approach allows travelers to appreciate the human stories behind Lake County’s rugged scenery while helping preserve it for future visitors.
Staying in and Around Lake County
Because the region from Malta to Red Cliff is relatively compact, travelers can choose from a range of overnight options in and near Lake County. Leadville serves as the main lodging hub, with small inns, historic-style hotels, and simple motels that suit hikers, road trippers, and heritage travelers alike. Some visitors opt for nearby lakeside or forest-adjacent cabins to wake up closer to trailheads and scenic drives.
For those planning to explore multiple passes and communities in one trip, it can be helpful to spend at least a couple of nights in the area rather than trying to rush through in a day. Staying locally gives you time to adjust to the high elevation, wander through historic districts at a relaxed pace, and enjoy sunrise or sunset light on the surrounding peaks. Travelers who prefer quieter evenings often choose midweek stays or shoulder seasons, when the streets and scenic overlooks are less busy.
Practical Travel Tips for Lake County Visitors
Altitude and Weather
- Acclimatize slowly if you are arriving from lower elevations; plan lighter activities during your first day.
- Hydrate and pace yourself on hikes, as even short walks can feel more strenuous above 10,000 feet.
- Prepare for sudden changes in weather, packing layers, a waterproof shell, and sun protection.
Getting Around
- Mountain roads and passes may be narrow, winding, or seasonally closed; check current conditions before you go.
- Fuel up in larger towns like Leadville before exploring smaller communities or backroads.
- Allow extra time for scenic stops and slower driving on steep grades.
Planning a Themed Route: From Malta to Red Cliff
A rewarding way to experience this part of Colorado is to design a loop that highlights both nature and history. One sample route might include a morning among Leadville’s historic cemeteries and neighborhoods, a midday drive near the former Malta site, and an afternoon crossing a high mountain pass toward Red Cliff, with photo stops at overlooks and historic structures.
By approaching Lake County not just as a single destination but as a chain of interconnected communities and landscapes from Malta through to nearby Red Cliff, travelers gain a richer understanding of Colorado’s mining-era past and its enduring mountain environment.