The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals.
The Odometer: Roughly 100 miles, one way from Denver (1 hour, 50 minutes)
Other mountain towns may offer more tourist-focused amenities, but anyone who wants to kick it Colorado-style—hiking, biking, camping—needs to check out Leadville, North America’s highest incorporated city. The onetime mining town maintains its historic ruggedness and authenticity but with a funky flair, thanks to gritty cast of characters: hippies, bikers, cowboys, lifties, and other outdoor adventurers. There’s a parade of burros, a legendary ski-joring event, and one of the world’s most hallowed trail races.
Leadville has something for every adventurer. Read on to create your perfect itinerary.
Jump Ahead:
What To Do in Leadville
The first thing you notice as you approach Leadville on Highway 24 is the two enormous silhouettes of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive—the state’s two tallest fourteeners. That goes for the view from Harrison Avenue, the main drag downtown, too. Carve out time to explore the several-block stretch of restaurants, bars, galleries, and stores selling a quirky array of art, clothes, and outdoor gear at 10,200 feet. The goods generally aren’t as overpriced as at some of Colorado’s more touristy towns, and you won’t find many chain stores in this neck of the woods.
If you’re looking to step back in time, don’t miss the Tabor Opera House, a high-society relic of the Victorian era which recently secured funds for a major renovation and restoration. The venue hosts musicians, comedians, and plays throughout the year. The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum gives you a glimpse into the area’s long history of mineral extraction—and a peek down a real silver mine shaft.
If the sun is shining, hop aboard a Leadville Railroad train for two-and-a-half hour scenic rides along the lines that used to connect Denver to the town throughout the summer (tickets start at $59 per adult).
Outdoor Adventures Near Leadville
The outdoor options begin literally steps outside of town. The Leadville 100, of course, is the city’s signature event; the race itself is held every August, but there are numerous running and mountain biking tilts throughout the summer.
You’ll see cyclists wheeling in and out of town from every direction; if you’re looking for a paved experience, check out the nearly 12 miles of the Mineral Belt Trail, which will take you on a two-wheeled tour of Leadville.
If you prefer not to pedal, Leadville sits amid a seemingly endless array of hikes. Even beginners will enjoy the ramble along the Twin Lakes Trail, located about 15 miles outside of town. Or take on Colorado’s highest peak, Mt. Elbert, with an elevation of 14,433 feet. (Plan ahead before you hike.) Or use Leadville as your home base while you tick off any one (or more) of the 13 other fourteeners in the Sawatch Range within an hour’s drive.
In the winter, there’s Ski Cooper, a fun little hill and the former training ground of the original 10th Mountain Division troops. The area also offers cross-country skiing at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center and has a web of snow-covered roads around Turquoise Lake that close to traffic each winter.
Where To Eat in Leadville
Leadville’s nearly two-mile-high food options offer just enough to satiate. If you’re as hungry as a miner and half as dirt-streaked, you’ll still be welcomed at the Silver Dollar Saloon. This divey restaurant has undeniable character; try the Rabbit & Rattlesnake sausage, Lamb French Dip, or a Smothered Breakfast Burrito (chorizo, home fries, eggs, queso, country gravy, and green chile) all day long. The Golden Burro offers Mexican-American favorites like breakfast tacos in a diner-like atmosphere. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, make a reservation at Treeline Kitchen, a gourmet eatery where you can sip seasonal cocktails on one of the state’s most dramatic rooftop patios.
After a long day of hiking, biking, working, or enjoying the mountain air, locals flock to High Mountain Pies; try the San Luis pizza (garlic oil, braised pork, ranchera sauce, green chiles, cotija cheese, fresh avocado, mozzarella, and cilantro) or a muffuletta (ham, pepperoni, salami, olive relish, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and balsamic vinaigrette on a fresh-baked baguette).
Where To Drink
Coloradans know that hydration at elevation is key—but once you’ve downed your requisite Nalgene of water, Leadville offers several tasty libation locations. Grab your caffeine fix (and a giant scone) at City on a Hill Coffee Roastery, a buzzy joint with a mint green storefront that roasts its own coffee beans and serves ready-made breakfast and lunch sandwiches all day. While you’re waiting for your Americano, marvel at the carved fourteeners from Precision Peaks on display around the cafe.
If you need something a little stronger than a cup of joe, head to Before & After Coffee & Cocktails. Post-adventure ales await at Two Mile Brewing (try the flagship Leadville Lager or Camp Hale Pale Ale), or if you prefer something sweeter, sip on a honey-fermented Palisade Peach at the cozy Cloud City Mead.
Wind the night down back at the Silver Dollar; they’ve been slinging local drinks (like Deerhammer Distilling and 10th Mountain whiskey) since 1879.
Where To Stay in Leadville
Leadville’s accommodations have expanded significantly in the last decade. While camping is always an option—and the town’s website has a helpful selection of locations—you can also stay right in town. The Timberline has plenty of options, including pet-friendly rooms, right on Harrison Avenue.
The Leadville Motor Lodge offers budget-friendly, newly renovated rooms for people and pooches alike. The historic Delaware Hotel, a stately brick bygone of Leadville’s days as a mining metropolis, has vintage-furnished rooms fit for the silver mining boom. For a hostel-like experience, check out the convent-turned-lodge: the Abbey.
The Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts (located at the base of Ski Cooper just 15 minutes north of town) sleep up to six people, and offer a more intimate backcountry experience among the pines—with the added bonuses of having all your gear schlepped to the hut by snowmobile or ATV and in-yurt room service.
If You Do One Thing in Leadville…
Visit the home of Colorado’s favorite microgrid fleece: Melanzana. The scuba hoodies are so popular that you now need an appointment to purchase up to two items, but even if you can’t book a time, pop by to see the sewers at work and check if they have any overstock for sale.
