Location: Leadville
Top Things to do in Leadville
10 Things to do in Leadville That You Shouldn't Miss
Leadville is the statutory city that is the county seat and only incorporated municipality in Lake County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 2,602 at the 2010 United States Census. Situated at an elevation of 10,152 feet (3,094 m), Leadville is the highest incorporated city and the second highest incorporated municipality in the United States. A former silver mining town that lies near the headwaters of the Arkansas River in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Leadville Historic District contains many historic structures and sites from its dynamic mining era. In the late 19th century, Leadville was the second most populous city in Colorado, after Denver.
Restaurants in Leadville
1. Mayflower Gulch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By 2gonesomewhere - Marathon, United States
A nice short hike, moderate. You can go 5 miles or so, out and back. Climb a ridge to look out across scenery, examine scattered remnants of Boston Mine/town area. Wildflowers abound in season.
2. Hagerman Tunnel
3. Hopemore Mine Tour
4. Mount Elbert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By Tri_Girl22
We did this on Saturday, Sept 5, 2020. We did the south trail and specifically rented a Jeep four wheel drive to access the upper trailhead. We scouted the trailhead a couple of days in advance and found it was no problem for the Jeep. The trailhead area is small but it does fit about 8 vehicles. We got to the trailhead about 4am and starting hiking 4:15am. People were camped at the trailhead. Using headlamps we worked our way well above the treeline for the sunrise (took about 90 min to get above the trees). They was construction going on and that part was a bit rough with loose rocks, otherwise the trail is hard packed dirt almost all the way up. Many rocks and tree roots in parts, but not a lot of loose scree. I used my Salomon trail runners and they worked great. Used hiking poles, very helpful on the way down, had a day pack with 2 litres of water (husband had 3 litres) and we used 4 litres total of water. Temps were in the high 30's when we left, but since the trails takes you up right away, staying warm wasn't an issue until we got above the trees, where I ended up using my goretex rain coat for wind protection. We saw 3 dogs and a baby on the summit, along with MANY other dogs on the way down. Also many mountain bikers hauling their bikes up when we were descending. Distance was 11.6 miles from south trailhead, elevation gain 4,124 ft and our total time was 7 1/2 hours. it was pretty crowded going down, so I would recommend getting above the trees before sunrise.
5. Top of the Rockies Ziplines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 261 reviews
EXPERIENCE 6 THRILLING ZIP LINES AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD. All zips have double cables for the safest zipping. "Self-braking" is not required; our "catch brakes" will bring you to a safe and comfortable landing. TOP OF THE ROCKIES zip line is located on Highway 91 just 14 miles south of Copper Mountain from Exit 195 on Interstate 70. Our PRIVATE 2500 acre property high on the Continental Divide has 40 old gold mining claims, pine and aspen forests, vast canyons and bubbling streams. Ride a 6-1/2 ton Monster Truck up to the first zip line deck at 11,200 feet,then experience SIX separate zip lines with long lines up to 850 feet. All zip decks are flat on the ground for easy access. Zip line areas are connected by scenic, easy walking, down-hill trails. Fly side-by-side on four twin lines and 1 single, then soar side-by-side-by-side from the rocky cliffs on the BIG NUGGET ZIP, a Triple Header. Land on our 100' tall Sky Tower with majestic views of Mount Elbert & Mount Massive, two of the tallest mountains in North America. At least two professional zip line guides accompany every tour group. We are the closest zip line company to Summit County, only minutes away from Copper, Breckenridge, Keystone, Dillon and Vail, approximately one and a half hours from the metro Denver area. Aspen is approx. 1 hour away over Independence Pass in summer months. It's always cool and comfortable year round in this high alpine area. Ask about our Rails & Zip line Combo with lunch. We are the only zip line company in the world to fly over a moving train. Winter Snow Zipping tours include a snow cat/zip line tour or snowmobile/zip lining combos.
6. Mineral Belt Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By pamt464 - Houston, United States
While 12 miles sounds rather short, starting at 10k+' and riding up the mountain can be a challenge for flatlanders. We were happy to find Cycles of Life bicycle rentals in downtown Leadville. Even happier that they had several e-bikes. While my husband chose a traditional bicycle, I wasn't too proud to select an e-bike given the elevation. All of the bicycles were top notch in quality. And, Cycles of Life included a bike helmet with the rental at no additional charge. Their courteous and helpful staff--provided guidance on how to easily access the Mineral Belt Trail. The ride was beautiful and offered informative placards along the route which served to explain the mining history of Leadville while giving us an excuse to stop for a short break along the way. TIP #1: If you are interested in renting an e-bike from Cycles of Life, call ahead to reserve since they have a limited number. TIP #2: The Tennessee Pass Cafe located across the street from the bike shop offers well-prepared, fresh food and local beers. Well worth a stop after bicycling.
7. Douglass City
8. Colorado Midland Centennial Trail
9. Mt. Massive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By chelslynne - Pensacola, United States
I hiked Massive solo on June 20, 2020. Being from Florida and only in Colorado for 3 days prior to my hike it was pretty difficult. I knew it would be difficult so I took diamox prior to the climb. The climb took me 10 hours! I took plenty of water 3.75 L and snacks because I knew it would take me all day to complete the 14 mile hike. It was beautiful and the scramble along the ridge was fun. There was snow to wade through and slide in. I wouldn’t make this your first fourteener. I did Elbert last year and I think they are pretty comparable. Elbert is less mileage but same elevation gain so in some ways it was more difficult. Get an early start just before sunrise and be prepared to have to walk a little bit from the overflow trailhead parking. The sense of accomplishment is worth the struggle to the top.
10. Twin Lakes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Formed by a dam, Twin Lakes is surrounded by biking trails and is also enjoyed by fishermen.
Reviewed By 718teresag - Alamosa, United States
We've stopped here several times on our way to/from Aspen to have a picnic lunch beside the lakes. The area is beautiful, especially in fall. There are several primitive camping areas along the lakes.
