Location: Leadville
Top Things to do in Leadville
Top 10 Free Things to do in Leadville, Colorado (CO)
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. 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.
4. Rock Hut
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By A6867XSmelissat
My daughter and I love stones, minerals, crystals, etc. We were SOOO excited to find this little shop on the main drag in Leadville. They have an impressive fossil collection and stones, gems and crystals from all over the world. Extensive offering of books and guides as well. Interesting place to spend some time if in Leadville. Very friendly, knowledgeable staff too!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Leadville National Fish Hatchery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By emilyjodavis - Leadville, United States
The Leadville National Fish Hatchery is great for more than just the historic fish hatchery. They have many great hiking and cross country skiing trails accessible from their parking lot. You can even access the Colorado Trail if you follow the connecting trails to it. At the lakes above the hatchery you can learn about the history of the previous lodge that had hosted tourists many years ago. You can still find remnants of the lodge. There is a playground and picnic area accessible from the nature trail, just a short hike from the parking lot. The fish hatchery is easy to get to, right off a paved road just outside of town. Great stop in Leadville accessible year-round
8. Lake County Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
9. Temple Israel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
A restored, 1880s frontier synagogue in historic Leadville. The only building of its kind west of the Mississippi, it now houses a museum dedicated to the Jewish pioneers of a booming mining city. Come visit Temple Israel to learn more about a vibrant community that supported an active civic and social world whilst satisfying the city's commercial needs.
Reviewed By COGuest
Don't miss! Had visited years ago, and had some people staying with me from back East who were interested in history. So, I took them to Leadville. Called in advance to be sure they would be open, and as luck would have it, got Mr. Korn to show us around. He is the one you want to have give you a tour; he is a font of knowledge about Leadville, the building, the reconstruction of the building, the historic cemetery, and more. This is worth a stop if you are anywhere nearby, or worth a little day trip if you are in Eagle or Summit County for a visit. Be sure to go by the nearby historic cemetery if weather permits.
