- Visit the authentic mining town of Leadville, Colorado
- Bike the Leadville Mineral Belt Trail
- Fish in Turquoise Lake Reservoir or Crystal Lake
- See the history of mining come to life at the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum
- Enjoy a multiple-day ski trip in the backcountry
Overview
Leadville is one of the last of America’s authentic mining towns, and nestled almost two miles above sea level (10,430 feet) in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. It’s been named as one of the US top 20 “dream towns.”
Location
Leadville is located on US Highway 24, east of Aspen and southwest of Denver.
Services/Amenities
Dining in Leadville offers a wide choice of eateries. From casual family dining to fast food like burgers or burritos, you’ll find exactly what will satisfy your taste buds. Grab a pizza or sit down to some Chinese, Italian or bistro cuisines.
Choosing an elegant Victorian hotel might be just the thing for your Leadville visit. There are other quaint Bed & Breakfasts, vacation rentals or cabins to choose from, either tucked away in the dense forest or on the edge of a clearing.
Activities
It doesn’t matter what time of year you come to Leadville, you’ll discover many outdoor activities that will thrill the whole family.
- Hiking and Biking
Miles of hiking and biking trails are available to you around Leadville. The Leadville Mineral Belt Trail is a 12-mile loop trail in the community that offers a great trip for families among the pines, with wonderful scenery. Those who like a little more exciting stimulation will go to the backcountry and get out into Mother Nature at her finest. - Whitewater Rafting
You will find incredible whitewater action around Leadville. On top of great rapids, you will be surrounded by Colorado’s most impressive scenery of towering peaks. - Fishing
There are many places to fish around Leadville Colorado, including Turquoise Lake Reservoir (4 miles west of town), Crystal Lake, Twin Lakes, Halfmoon Creek and Mt. Elbert Forebay. - Camping
Take your pick of a huge selection of campgrounds and RV parks. Rough it and pitch a tent or park your mobile home so you have mountain views right outside your window. Relax and enjoy all that Leadville and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. - Skiing
You can participate in multiple-day ski trips, going from cabin to cabin within the Tenth Mountain Ski Hut System, or you can enjoy nearby ski areas. The white powder will give you the best ski trip ever.
Attractions
Leadville has been designated a National Historic Landmark, and contains some sights you won’t want to miss.
- Historical Walking Tour
Taking this tour will allow you to see the amazing Victorian architecture and many historic places of interest. - Train rides
Ride the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad where you will experience a scenic journey into the untamed wilderness around Leadville. See the highest peaks in Colorado, and enjoy the beautiful Arkansas River Valley. - National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum
Leadville, Colorado, a famous silver mining boomtown of the 1880s, created the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum to commemorate the people who pioneered the development of our natural resources. See the history of mining right before your eyes. - Top of the Rockies Scenic & Historic Byway
You may traverse this byway when coming to Leadville from Denver, crossing the Tennessee Pass on Route 24. When you top the 10,424-foot pass, you know you are truly at the top of the world.
Getting Here
To get from Leadville to Aspen, Colorado, you follow US Highway 24 to Colorado Highway 82, which will take you right into Aspen. It’s about 58.5 miles or a one-hour and 29-minute drive.
