This summer, my family is spending a lot of time in Leadville. A month ago, my husband ran the trail marathon and in a couple weeks he’s running support for a friend who is doing the Leadville 100. Needless to say, I’m on tap to find a good place to refuel.

I’ve got just the place: High Mountain Pies, which is a pizza shop located off the main drag. Inside there are only a couple tables but walk around back (thread your way through the always-jammed patio) and discover a sprawling backyard. There are picnic tables, a small playground, and lots of room to stretch sore muscles.

From the menu of pizza, sandwiches, salads, wings, and…ribs, I order two pies: the Tuscan Sun and the Mediterranean (pictured). Lunch can take a little while since everything is made from scratch but that gives the kids time to play and one of us time to walk to the liquor store for a six-pack (High Mountain is BYOB).

When the pizza arrives, the crust is crispy and warm and the toppings are fresh and plentiful. My favorite of the two selections is the Tuscan Sun, which swaps garlic oil for red sauce and comes piled with Italian sausage, caramelized onion, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, Romano, and mozzarella. With hot slices, panoramic views, and a chill vibe, it’s the ideal mountain meal.

Bonus: For more about the Leadville 100, read here.

115 W. 4th St., Leadville, 719-486-5555

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.