Known for its mining heritage and breathtaking natural splendor, Leadville is a must-visit destination for adventurous travelers.
It is located at an elevation of 10,152 feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountains, less than an hour away from Breckenridge, Colorado.
The town’s historic district is home to stunning Victorian architecture, antique shops, and art galleries that capture the essence of the town’s past.
The surrounding San Isabel National Forest offers endless possibilities for outdoor adventures such as fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.
Here is an ultimate guide to the best attractions in Leadville, Colorado.
Best Things to do in Leadville, Colorado
Leadville, Colorado is a picturesque town nestled in the Rocky Mountains.
Sitting at altitudes higher than 10,000 feet, it is one of the highest cities in the United States.
Leadville is rich in history, with its roots dating back to the silver mining boom of the late 1800s.
Here are the best things to do in Leadville, Colorado for a memorable trip.
Go for a stroll in Downtown Leadville
Experience the charm of the Old West as you explore Downtown Leadville.
The town’s history comes alive in its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture, a legacy of the silver mining boom.
A stroll down Harrison Avenue, the main street, offers a glimpse into the past with ornate 19th-century buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Tabor Opera House, built in 1879 by wealthy miner Horace Tabor, is a must-see landmark.
This iconic building hosted performers like Oscar Wilde during its heyday and continues to serve as a cultural hub for plays, concerts, and events.
The downtown area also homes the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, often dubbed as the “Smithsonian of the Rockies”.
This museum showcases the rich history of mining in Leadville and the role it played in shaping the town.
If you’re into shopping, Downtown Leadville has a variety of antique stores and boutiques selling unique souvenirs, from locally crafted jewelry to vintage items.
The district also boasts a range of dining options, from cozy cafes to hearty steak houses, satisfying all tastes.
Visiting Downtown Leadville is like taking a walk through history, with the bonus of stunning mountain views at every turn.
Be amazed by the exhibits at National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum
The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum is an essential visit for anyone interested in Leadville’s rich mining history.
Known as the “Smithsonian of the Rockies,” this museum houses a vast collection of exhibits showcasing the evolution of mining techniques over time, the lives of miners, and the significance of mining in shaping the history of Leadville.
The museum also pays tribute to the men and women who have made significant contributions to the mining industry, inducting them into the Mining Hall of Fame.
This experience visually narrates the story of Leadville’s past and offers a unique insight into the world of mining.
It’s both an educational and engaging visit for all ages.
Watch a show at Tabor Opera House
The Tabor Opera House is an iconic landmark in Leadville, CO.
It builds a bridge between the town’s vibrant history and its present culture.
Built in 1879 by Horace Tabor, a local mining magnate, the opera house is a showcase of exceptional Victorian architecture.
It has hosted a variety of performances and notable figures over its long history, including opera legend, Emma Abbott, and American humorist, Mark Twain.
Today, it stands as one of the most important preserved pieces of Leadville’s rich mining legacy.
Visitors can embark on guided tours to explore the opera house, enjoy captivating performances, and learn about its fascinating past.
This experience is sure to leave you with a sense of awe for Leadville’s cultural heritage.
Travel back in time at the Healey House Museum and Dexter cabin
Immerse yourself in Leadville’s rich history by visiting the Healey House Museum and Dexter Cabin.
The Healey House, a beautifully restored Victorian era home, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the town’s wealthy mining era residents.
With its original furnishings and period-appropriate decor, the museum tells a tale of the town’s golden years.
Adjacent to the Healey House is the Dexter Cabin.
This log cabin was the summer residence of James V. Dexter, one of the wealthiest silver mine owners in Leadville.
The cabin stands as a stark contrast to the grandeur of the Healey House, showcasing the humble living conditions of the era.
A tour of these two historical landmarks is more than just a walk through time – it’s an exploration of the contrasts that defined Leadville during its mining heydays.
Feed the fish at Leadville National Fish Hatchery
The Leadville National Fish Hatchery, founded in 1889, is the nation’s second oldest fish hatchery operated at the federal level.
The hatchery spans across 3,000 acres and plays a crucial role in preserving and enhancing our nation’s aquatic resources.
Once you step inside, you’ll be greeted by an array of exhibits showcasing the hatchery’s conservation efforts, the life cycle of various fish species, and the historical importance of the facility.
The interpretive displays and educational programs make it an engaging and enlightening visit for kids as well as adults.
But the hatchery isn’t just for indoor exploration.
Outside, a host of activities await. Enjoy a serene walk along the nature trails with interpretive signs detailing local flora and fauna.
The trails offer excellent bird watching opportunities and breathtaking mountain vistas.
For those seeking a bit of adrenaline, the Hatchery also provides access to challenging hiking trails, including the route to the summit of Mount Massive, Colorado’s second highest peak.
In winter, these trails transform into beautiful routes for snowshoeing, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing.
The hatchery also has a lovely picnic area, making it an ideal location for a family day out.
Feed the fish, learn about aquatic ecosystems, immerse yourself in nature, and savor the tranquility of this unique spot in Leadville.
Find your next read at Lake County Public Library
Lake County Public Library, located in the heart of Leadville, is more than just a library.
It’s a hub for the community, offering a vast collection of books, e-books, and audiobooks to cater to literary enthusiasts of all ages.
The library also hosts a range of regular events and workshops, from children’s storytelling sessions to adult book clubs, fostering a vibrant community of readers and lifelong learners.
Its serene and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal place to escape the crowds, dive into a novel, or delve into the rich history of Leadville.
Take the famed Hopemore Mine Tour
The Hopemore Mine tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Leadville’s rich mining history.
As one of the last operational mines in the town, it invites visitors to experience the life of a miner in the late 19th century.
Descending 600 feet below the surface in a vintage mining cage, you will explore the intricate network of tunnels and witness the immense effort that went into extracting precious metals.
Interactive exhibits, firsthand accounts, and the echo of pickaxes striking rock combine to create a realistic mining experience.
Families especially love this tour for its sense of adventure and excitement.
Visit the Temple Israel Museum
The Temple Israel Museum in Leadville is a significant part of the town’s rich history.
It was initially a synagogue, built in 1884 to serve the region’s Jewish population during the mining boom.
Today, it stands as a restored museum offering visitors insight into the Jewish experience in the Wild West.
Exhibits at the Temple Israel Museum shed light on several aspects of Leadville’s Jewish history, including mining era relics, artifacts from everyday life, and a collection of photographs that paint a vivid picture of this unique community.
Visit the Temple Israel Museum to immerse yourself in an authentic experience of Leadville’s Jewish mining history.
Spend a day out on the gorgeous Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes, located approximately 21 miles southwest of Leadville, is a captivating destination that promises to leave you awestruck with its natural beauty.
This area, named after its two beautiful glacial lakes, is the highest in Colorado and offers a serene escape into nature.
Visitors to Twin Lakes can indulge in a variety of activities.
For the adventure enthusiasts, the area is a paradise with opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and even bird watching.
The beach area on the lake is also quite popular.
The Interlaken Trail is a popular hiking path that provides breathtaking views of the lakes against the backdrop of Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak.
Why visit Twin Lakes?
Simply put, it’s a gem in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Plus, it’s a spectacular spot for photography, with its crystal clear waters, lush greenery, and majestic mountain vistas.
Mountain bike on the Mineral Belt trail
The Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville, Colorado is an absolute must for outdoor enthusiasts.
This 11.6-mile loop is one of the highest and most scenic trails in the state.
It circles the city, offering incredible views of the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges, while passing through dense forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and historic mining sites.
The Mineral Belt Green trail takes you on a journey through Leadville’s past, as interpretative signs along the route provide a glimpse into the town’s rich mining heritage.
The trail is easily accessible from various points around the city and is well-maintained, making it suitable for activities year-round, such as walking, cycling, and cross-country skiing.
Enjoy a scenic drive on the Leadville Railroad
The Leadville, Colorado and Southern railroad is a scenic route through the surrounding wilderness.
It is not just a mode of transportation but a journey into the past.
This captivating railroad route traces the path of the Arkansas River Valley, offering passengers a breathtaking view of Colorado’s picturesque landscapes.
The train route winds its way through the untamed wilderness and lasts 2.5 hours.
From the train, you can see alpine meadows, majestic Rocky Mountains, and dense forests.
Along the way, you will also witness remnants of the region’s bygone mining era, a significant part of Leadville’s rich history.
Remember to bring your camera as the ride provides ample photo opportunities.
Enjoy the terrain at Ski Cooper
Ski Cooper is a popular attraction in Leadville, offering an exhilarating experience for winter sports enthusiasts.
Situated approximately 9 miles north of Leadville, Ski Cooper boasts a varied terrain that caters to all levels of skiing and snowboarding ability.
It’s known for its unpretentious vibe, high-value experience, and family-friendly environment.
This resort is home to 41 runs spread over 400 acres of skiable terrain, serviced by four lifts.
Notably, Ski Cooper is also the training site for the 10th Mountain Division, a light infantry division of the United States Army that served in World War II.
The resort offers ski and snowboard lessons, equipment rentals, and a lodge where guests can warm up and enjoy a meal after a fun-filled day on the slopes.
Play a round of golf at Mt. Massive Golf Course
Mt. Massive Golf Course is a scenic 9-hole golf course in Leadville, Colorado and is considered one of the most challenging courses in the state.
The golf course offers stunning views of Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado.
In addition to its challenging terrain, Mt. Massive Golf Course also features a driving range and practice area, as well as a pro shop staffed by experienced golf professionals.
Here you can rent golf clubs and other equipment, pick up golf accessories, take lessons from PGA certified instructors, or simply relax with a drink and snack in the clubhouse.
Hike the Colorado trail
The Colorado Trail Segment 10 is an beautiful part of the 567-mile long Colorado Trail, which is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse terrain.
Located near Leadville, Colorado, this segment of the trail extends for about 12.6 miles and is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.
As you traverse the trail, you’re treated to spectacular views of the Collegiate Peaks and the surrounding wilderness.
The trail is a moderate to strenuous hike, with some steep sections, but it’s well worth the effort.
See the mining ruins on Mayflower Gulch Trail
Mayflower Gulch Trail is a popular hiking destination in Leadville, Colorado.
Located in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, this trail is approximately 6 miles round trip, making it a moderately challenging but rewarding excursion for hikers of all levels.
The path will lead you through lush forests, blooming wildflowers in the warmer months, and stunning alpine meadows.
At the end you will find the historical mining ruins with a dramatic mountain backdrop.
The trail is easily accessible, only a 20-minute drive from downtown Leadville off Highway 91.
Its combination of natural beauty and historical intrigue makes it a must-visit spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Scale to the top of Mt. Elbert
Mount Elbert is one of the most challenging hiking trails in Colorado.
Mount Elbert is the tallest peak in Colorado and the second-highest in the contiguous United States.
The trail to its summit provides a thrilling challenge for experienced hikers and mountaineers.
The trailhead is located on Halfmoon Road, just outside the city of Leadville.
There are two common routes to the summit: the North (Main) Trail and the South Trail.
The North (Main) Trail is a 9.5-mile round-trip journey that starts in a lush forest before breaking above the tree line to a challenging ascent of the peak.
The South Trail is a 11.5-mile round-trip hike that provides its own set of unique views and challenges.
Both trails are rated as difficult due to the steep incline and high altitude.
But the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit make it an unforgettable experience.
Take note to start your hike early in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, bring plenty of water, and take your time to acclimatize to the high altitudes.
Camp on the shores of Turquoise Lake
Turquoise Lake, just west of Leadville, is a stunning lake known for its crystal clear waters and mountain views.
Surrounded by towering peaks and verdant forests, the lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and hiking along its shoreline trails.
The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, making it a favorite amongst anglers.
You can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle around the lake, taking in the magnificent mountain scenery and watching for wildlife along the shores.
There are also several hiking trails surrounding the lake.
Camping at Turquoise Lake is a truly special experience.
There are eight campgrounds with over 300 individual sites to choose from, each offering a unique vantage point of the lake and mountains.
Many of these sites provide direct access to the lake and the surrounding trails.
The campgrounds are equipped with basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire grills, and vault toilets.
Be sure to reserve your spot early during peak season, as the campsites fill up quickly.
Drive the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway
The Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway is one of the most popular scenic drives in Colorado.
It is one of our favorite mountain driving experiences.
The road stretches for over 75 miles and goes over three mountain passes that exceed an altitude of 10,000 feet.
On the drive, you can enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, vast alpine meadows, and sparkling turquoise lakes.
You’ll come across historic mining towns and the Continental Divide, which offers stunning vistas in every direction.
It’s a perfect destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Please note that due to its high altitude, it’s advisable to check road conditions before embarking on this journey to avoid possible road closures due to snow.
With its friendly locals and stunning scenery, Leadville, CO is a memorable and charming destination for anyone seeking to explore the beauty of the Colorado Rockies.
What are your favorite things to do in Leadville, Colorado? Let us know below.