16 Fun Things To Do in Leadville Colorado: Elevation 10,152!

Searching for Leadville Activities and Attractions?

Sitting at 10,152 feet elevation, Leadville will positively surprise you.  It’s stunning location in the heart of the Rockies creates an outdoor playground of dreams. Take it from us: you’ll never be bored with the amazing things to do in Leadville.

This mountain spot offers a perfect mix of old and new! The highest incorporated town in North America holds tight to its silver mining roots but has moved with the times. Come and discover cool cafes, interesting shopping, and non-stop outdoor fun.

We spend a good part of our year in Summit County, Colorado. As it’s only a 30-minute drive to Leadville from home this is a regular day trip destination.

To help you decide what to do when you visit, we’ve pulled together this guide to the best activities in Leadville. Enjoy!

16 Things To Do In Leadville Colorado

What makes Leadville different apart from being ‘high’ is that it is not a ‘resort’ town. Instead, you will find a refreshingly authentic ‘western old town’ vibe!  The town dates back to 1859 and fun fact – it was called Slabtown before Leadville! 

In our opinion, Leadville is far less commercialized than nearby Breckenridge or Vail. With a population of just under 2,600, it’s easy to navigate around the town. Leadville comes with stunning views and easy access to some of Colorado’s highest 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet).  

Furthermore, you will find great eating options and cozy coffee shops right on Harrison (the Main Street), some retaining traditional décor while others offer an edgy 21st-century interior!

Here are our suggestions on what to do in Leadville:

1. Ride The Railroad Train

This 19-mile Rail Road Trip is a ‘bucket list’ adventure when you visit Lake County!

For 2.5 hours enjoy a round trip through San Isabel National Forest. We love taking this ride in September when the aspen trees are golden. The train leaves from the Central Railroad Depot.

Watch out for the point in your trip when you are riding 500 feet above the valley and ‘Birdseye’ curve where you can spot the entire train snaking through the mountainside.  There is also a stop at an original water tower where you can disembark the train for 10 minutes or so.

There are many special themed rides so check in advance what might suit you. We suggest you book ahead if you’re looking to get seating together.  Kids will love the Caboose car!

2. Go High Altitude Zip Lining

With over 8,000 feet of zip lines organized over 6 sections, Top Of The Rockies Zip Line is an adventure like no other in the area. You start by heading up hill on a 4 wheel drive or maybe a Monster Truck to the point of launch.

The base camp (where you leave and return from) is its own destination with over 2,500 acres of private land thoughtfully managed. No other zip line will give you these views of some of the highest 14er peaks of Colorado’s Rockies.

Another option is to combine the train ride with a ziplining adventure. Called ‘Zip and Rail’ you first ride the train and then soar through the San Isabel Forest on the descent. That’s what we call a bucket list day out!

3. Visit The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum 

For a small town, Leadville is rich in museums with 8 on offer. If you only have time to visit one, make it the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum.

Go back in time to the boom days of silver and gold mining and get to know some of the characters who struck the jackpot. Many went from rags to riches (& sometimes back to rags again!).  

The museum building was originally a Victorian school dating back to 1899 and is home to over 1000 gems and minerals. 

As well as local history of mining, the 70,000 sq ft mining hall of fame & museum shares fascinating insights about this industry across the USA right up to modern day life. It certainly lives up to its name of “The Smithsonian of the Rockies.”

The Leadville Heritage Museum is another excellent destination in town. Here you can learn about the 10^thMountain Division – skiing soldiers from WWII – and check out a full-scale model of the iconic Leadville Ice Palace.

4. Drive The Route of the Silver Kings (Old Mines)

The starting point for driving Silver Kings Route is just off Harrison St, at Monroe. The route explores 20 square miles of silver mining history. 

This specific drive was created by Lake County Historical Society to give visitors a structured way to explore the twists and turns of life here almost 150 years ago. Enjoy up to 14 stops each with their own legacy and artifacts.

Learn about Oro City, with its saloons, dancing halls to Adelaide Park where over 2,500 people lived at one point. Often ruins tell only part of their story. Dig a little deeper and more is revealed.  For example:

#11 on the Route is ‘The Resurrection No. 2’ Mine.  This remained working until the mid 1960s operating at over 1000 feet deep. A 4-mile underground train track was used to move mined minerals to a local mill for smelting.

Do also stop and/or take a guided tour (surface level) around Matchless Mine and Baby Doe’s Cabin.  Another character whose fortunes rose and fell, she sadly was found frozen to death in this very cabin in 1935.

If you are considering a longer Road Trip, read Denver to Crested Butte Road Trip Itinerary route which includes Leadville. 

5. Hit the High Trails With Leadville ATV Tours

Fancy taking an off-road vehicle along miles of trails atop the stunning Rockies?

Well, this is the spot to do it with some of the highest views in Colorado as you follow 100+ miles of trails. Book your Adventure with Leadville ATV Tours.

You can drive any off-road vehicle to your point of ATV-ing or snowmobiling including through any city street and any county road as long as you have a valid driver licence. Pretty cool we think!

If you are planning to be here in winter, enjoy a Snow Cat Ride with Chicago Snowcat Tours. This includes lunch in a yurt along the continental divide and hitting the heady heights of 12,600 feet. 

6. See A Show At Tabor Opera Theatre

It only took 100 days to build this beautiful theatre in the midst of a wild west mining frenzy. Oscar Wilde performed here, and Houdini ‘disappeared’!

Tabor Opera House has stood on Harrison Avenue in Leadville for 145 years and today this iconic city landmark is open for self-guided or guided tours.  One of the most Endangered Places in Colorado, it’s must to pay a visit, and if you can, check out a show.

You can get tickets for range of local performances running typically from mid-April until late November. These include plays, musicals and community performances. This is a jewel of ‘western’ 1800s architecture giving you a peek in Leadville’s history. 

A huge fundraising effort has helped to support much needed updates to the Opera House which are ongoing as of our last visit late 2024.

7. Shop Along Harrison Street, Leadville

Over 50 buildings from the 19^th century and 70 blocks of Victorian architecture remain; this is a unique and fun place to hang out.

Restaurants, coffee shops, and bars are interspersed with independently owned shops, making it easy to take a break as you wander around downtown. 

Melanzana is a Leadville Outdoor Clothing Manufacturer who has built up a huge following since opening in 1994. You need an appointment in advance to shop here, but you can pop in for a peek. There is also a small retail section for walk-ins. 

8. Sip a Cocktail – Old Saloons to Rooftop Bars

Right on Harrison you will find Treeline Kitchen, a family eating spot with a great patio area and rooftop bar.  This is one of several great restaurants in town that we have enjoyed. Open Daily from 3.30 pm.

A little further down the street, opposite the Tabor Theatre, you will see the Silver Dollar Saloon with its many original artifacts from those Wild West days.

Other great restaurants, bars, and cafes on the same street include:

• Golden Burro Café & Brass Ass Saloon – old-style dinner vibe.
• Before and After – Coffee and Cocktails – check out the swings!
• Tennessee Pass Café – Lunch & Dinner, local beers. Dog-friendly patio.
• City On A Hill – Excellent Coffee, Breakfast and Lunch.
• Original Moe’s BBQ – Outdoor Casual Truck with lots of seating.

9. Spend an Afternoon at Twin Lakes

Drive south of Leadville for 20 miles or so and you will be at Twin Lakes, a tiny village with plenty of history. Walk around the town and check out a couple of interesting stores, cafe, and general merchants.

Hire kayaks, SUPs, and canoes (or bring your own) and paddle around the lake. There are also tours to the resort of Interlaken which was built in the 1800s when Twin Lakes developed as an upscale resort! Now it’s a historic site.

Don’t miss checking out the original town cabins – there is a good trail with information posted as you walk around. On our last trip here we saw eagles and deer around the lake and it’s a great spot to fish too.

10. Climb a 14er – Mt Elbert and Mt Massive

If you love hiking and want a little more of a challenge, why not tackle the highest peak in Colorado? Mount Elbert is 14,438 feet which sounds very high and it is. But take either the Northeast Ridge or East Ridge route and you will enjoy a fairly easy hike of around 10 miles round trip.

Mt Massive peaks at 14,427 feet and is the second highest peak. It is a bit more challenging with class 2 routes to its summit.

From our experience hikes are best done earlier in the day. Check ahead of time with the Leadville Ranger District Office for routes and weather tips.

11. Party At Leadville’s Festivals 

Leadville loves to host a party and as a result, there are many throughout the year to enjoy.

Here are 6 of the best:

• Independence Day Parade – 4th July. Includes a 5K, cook-outs at the airport, fireworks with the backdrop of the Rockies, and the town’s parade.
• Leadville Race Series – July & August.  Hardcore is maybe an understatement! These Trail 100 races are super challenging
• Boom Days Parade – 3 Days in August.  An eclectic mix of burro races, concerts, fairs, and outdoor festivities rolled into a big celebration of life.
• St Patrick’s Day Practice Parade – September. Yes, we know St Patrick’s Day is in March! But why not enjoy a practice run?
• Holiday Parade of Lights – December. With crisp nights, twinkling lights just add to the magic of the holidays.
• Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Festival – March. A tradition since 1949 this horse-led ski jumping main attraction is an extreme sport! Fun activities for all the family – just wrap up warm!

12. Cycle the Mineral Belt Trail

If you are local we suggest you bring your bikes and enjoy this lovely 11.7-mile round trip called Mineral Belt Trail. You can also hike part or all of this trail and it is suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and in-line skating too. 

The creation of this trail came out of a dispute with the EPA when it told residents they would be forced to pay for cleanup following the failure of an underground dam backing up drainage from mines.  

Well, in true Leadville spirit, the locals rejected this ruling and finally it was withdrawn.

This experience resulted in the creation of a community committee to protect and make the best use of local lands. The Mineral Belt Trail was one top voted projects and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike year-round.

13. Visit The National Fish Hatchery & Hike Nearby

Around a 15-minute drive from Leadville, you can visit the 3000 acres of forest areas which is also home to the National Fish Hatchery. Kids will love ‘feeding’ the fish in the facility which includes various species of trout.

Once you’re done at the Hatchery you can either hike the short 1-mile nature trail or head beyond around the 7 miles of trails which offer all levels of hiking. 

If you love bird watching, this is where you might see eagles and many others.  

14. Enjoy Water Activities at Twin Lakes

If you enjoy kayaking or canoeing, drive 20 or so miles south from Leadville to Twin Lakes which was created as a tourist destination in the 1860s with the center-piece being the Interlaken Resort, now a historic site.

Head to Mt. Elbert Canoe & Kayak where they offer a range of rentals from single vessels to up to 4-seater canoes.  SUP Boards are also available to rent.

If you prefer just walk around Twin Lakes small town and follow a short circuit around the lake to older preserved cabins from early settlers. The general store just across from the car park is well stocked with snacks, ice cream, and souvenirs.

From Twin lakes, you can keep going and head over Independence Pass to Aspen (summer months only).

15. Play Golf at The Highest Course in North America

Mount Massive Golf Course is special not only for being the #1 across the USA in elevation!  Apparently due to the thinner air here, your golf ball will travel much further.  

We’re not golfers but that sounds like a unique Leadville activity for anyone who loves to hit a few balls around a different course.  They pride themselves on being affordable and relaxed!

This course is also loved by locals and guests for its natural beauty.  It was designed to weave through forested areas of the Arkansas River Valley and you may well see local wildlife like deer as you walk around.

16. Go Leaf Peeping in Fall via Highway 24

If you are visiting Leadville in September when the aspen trees turn golden, you’re in for a treat.  While much of the surrounding mountain terrain is above the tree line, taking the train through San Isabel Forest is stunning.  

We also love returning to Summit County from Leadville via Minturn via Highway 24.  This route takes you over the Continental divide via Tennessee Pass at 10,424 feet and Camp Hale.  It’s part of the 80-mile Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Bypass route and such a wonderful drive.

You might spot a steel bridge spanning Eagle River on this drive.  It’s called ‘Lovers Leap’ as folklore suggests a Ute Chief’s daughter and her lover jumped from here to escape persecution as they came from communities in battle.

From the town of Minturn, re-join I-70 and head east towards Frisco, and onwards to Denver.

If you are interested in visiting another wonderful mountain town nearby read our Things To Do In Frisco article here.

Where To Stay in Leadville

Although we are close by and tend to make day trips to Leadville, as locals who know the area we recommend these places to stay overnight.

S.L.Umber Yard Hotel (next to the railroad depot) – Built to reflect traditional mining cabins, these cute individually named cabins are a perfect overnight choice for couples. Dog Friendly.

Delaware Hotel – With over 130 years of guests, there are plenty of bygone age stories (& ghosts apparently) in this classically built, service orientated hotel.  

GrandWest Village Resort  – Although only 5 mins from town, these cabins really offer a rocky mountain vibe. Spacious rooms and plenty outdoor space around the resort. Kid Friendly!

The Timberline – right on Harrison Street, these recently renovated units offer you flexibility with kitchenettes and are super popular. Parking on site and dogs are welcome.

In addition, you will find many other types of Local Accommodation from Yurts, RV parks, motels, Air B&Bs and a variety of Cabins. Or, put up your own tent at Mountain RV Park or Sugar Loafin Cabins.

Getting to Leadville

The east way to get to Leadville is by car.  If you are travelling from Denver, (100 miles drive), head up I-70.

Turn off at Exit 195 (just at Copper Ski Mountain) onto Highway 91.  Continue 24 miles on this road to Leadville.

If you are coming from Salida then the most direct route is US 24 – 60 miles. 

FAQs

Is Leadville Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Leadville has blended its natural beautify, electrifying history, mining legacy and modern attractions together so well.  Imagine coming to somewhere with the highest 14er peaks in Colorado, abundant parks and trails, small town hospitality with great places to eat and shop at.

The best time of the year to visit is between May and September.  Winter brings solid snowfall and a whole other set of amazing activities. 

Is Leadville a good place for kids?

Yes!  The town is very kid friendly – it’s one big outdoor adventure park. We think teens will also love cool things like zip lining, ATVs and hiking. 

The Leadville Train makes for a fun trip around the mountains. In winter, Ski Cooper nearby is perfect for kiddies getting on skies for the first time.

There are many local community parks with playgrounds and kid friendly events in town – most are well advertised around town.

How much snow does Leadville get?

As the highest town in the USA, Leadville gets it fair share of powder and snowy days.  Records indicate average of 156” of snowfall per year with snow likely on around 70 days. 

Highest snowfalls are January to March. That’s why the Leadville Ski Joring and Crystal Carnival takes place each year on the first full weekend in March! How about coming to this and also checking out Things To Do In Frisco Co in Winter? You can plan a fabulous winter vacation between the 2 towns.

But the sky is often blue despite chilly days with over 300 days of sunshine. The nearest ski resorts are Ski Cooper and Copper Mountain, near Frisco.

What famous person is buried in Leadville, Colorado?

Although the Wild West legend called Doc Holiday lived in Leadville for many years during his notorious life, he actually died in Glenwood Springs nearby.  

Perhaps less known is Margaret (Molly) Brown. From humble beginnings she married at 19 and through her husband’s mining success accumulated wealth in her own right after splitting from him.  

Molly boarded the Titanic in 1914 and miraculously survived.  Known as ‘Unsinkable Molly’ she died 18 years later, but her legacy lives on.

Wrap Up – Best Activities In Leadville

Leadville is a true hidden gem within the Colorado Rockies.  Not only is the place stunningly beautiful, there is a refreshing authenticity compared to many Colorado resort type towns.  Like us, once you make a first visit to Leadville, you’ll very likely want to return. 

Combine a day in Leadville with a short jaunt to Twin Lakes or over Independence Pass! On your way back to Denver you can stop off for a bite to eat. Our ‘Guide to the Best Happy Hour Places in Frisco’ points you in the right direction!

We hope you enjoy our guide and found it helpful ahead of your Rocky Mountain High adventures.