Sophia May
Things To Do In Leadville Colorado In The Summer – Leadville is surrounded by some of Colorado’s best natural scenery, including the state’s largest mountains, Mount Albert and Mount Massif. This, along with several beautiful lakes, makes Leadville an excellent center for outdoor recreation. Hiking, cycling, camping and skiing are all popular.
Downtown is a National Historic District full of Old West buildings, Victorian homes and sites from Leadville’s mining past. It’s easy to find places to eat and stay in Lake County on this budget. Located just outside of Denver, Leadville offers peace and quiet when you need it.
Things To Do In Leadville Colorado In The Summer
Its location in downtown Rockies makes it an outdoor playground. From fishing, climbing to off-roading, everything from the high mountain is here. Leadville’s elevation is 10,152 feet, hence the nicknames “Two Mile High City” and “Cloud City.”
The Ultimate Guide To Winter Recreation In Leadville
Although Leadville is very tall, the town is quite small with a population of only 2,731 as of the 2020 census, but it used to be one of the largest mining camps in the area.
Gold surfaces were discovered in 1860 in Oro, about a mile from Leadville. As the news spread, the town’s population grew to about 5,000 people. But because of its proximity to gold mines, people started returning to Oro.
Leadville is still a familiar town to the miners who live there. The town was officially incorporated in 1877 when Colorado’s silver boom began. They then established a post office in early 1878 and became a successful telegraph operator.
Entertainment is the focal point of Leadville’s culture. In 1878, Ben Wood opened the first official theater in Leadville, Wood’s Opera House. With the opening of the 1,000-seat opera house, the city’s tradition changed from saloons and bar fights to a grand gentleman’s house suitable for concerts and shows.
Hikes In Leadville
The city’s first mayor, Horace Tabor, a mining magnate, opened the Tabor Opera House a year later in 1879. At the time, it was the most expensive building in Colorado, and materials were brought from far away. During the decade, colorful figures like Margaret “Molly” Brown, Poker’s Alice Ivers and Mart Duggan dominated the talk of the town.
The small town plays an important role in Colorado’s mining economy, raising approximately $15 million annually for its local mining industry. According to one historian, Leadville went from a colonial “struggle state of the century” to a “veritable autocracy.”
Historic District – Downtown Leadville is home to one of the West’s most impressive historic districts, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1961. Harrison Avenue has several blocks of dining and shopping, making it easy to enjoy the streets of Leadville. Stop by Melanzana for Made in Leadville clothing that is in high demand among the outdoor community.
Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad – Ride a train on the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad from late May to early October. You will ride high along the Continental Divide with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the San Isabel National Forest.
Top 5 Things To Do In Downtown Leadville
Mt Albert and Massif – Colorado’s largest and second largest mountains are just outside the city and ready to be explored. Take US-24 three miles east of town to CO-300. Follow the signs to Emerald Lake and Mount Albert, the largest peak in Colorado. It is located near Mount Massif.
Turquoise Lake – This large, beautiful blue lake is located less than 5 miles west of Leadville’s historic district. Ideal for year-round recreation such as fishing and boating in the summer. With more than 300 campsites around the lake, this is one of the best places to camp near the city.
Transportation – Private cabin rental with free drinks and beer. Wi-Fi is available at home.
Inn the Clouds Hostel & Inn – Inn the Clouds is a great option if you’re looking for a more affordable place to stay or just want to sleep with new people. They have colorfully decorated double rooms, private rooms and a common kitchen for everyone to use.
Shops & Attractions
Tiny House Leadville – Experience a tiny house to live in downtown Leadville. This tiny house can be rented nightly all year round and has a furnished bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.
Quincy’s Tavern – The menu includes only one item: steak with baked potatoes and the house salad.
Silver Dollar Saloon – Built in 1883, this is still a favorite drinking spot for the townspeople.
High Mountain Pies – a warm and relaxed place for excellent pizza. They also have sandwiches, salads and other calzones.
Leadville Co & Southern Railroad Co
March – Leadville Ski Joring – an annual two-day winter sports event featuring cowboys, horses, skiers and obstacles on Harrison Avenue.
July – 4th of July in Leadville – Start the day with a 5k run, followed by a classic parade and fireworks at night!
August – Leadville Boom Days – A three-day celebration of Leadville’s Old West heritage held in early August.
August – Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race – Colorado’s Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race is the second oldest 100-mile bike race in North America. World renowned cyclists must qualify or win the lottery to participate in this competition. Located in Lake County, Leadville is one of Colorado’s favorite gems, unique and authentic. You won’t find luxury resorts here, but there are plenty of comfortable places to spend the weekend. There are many things to do in Leadville, Colorado, especially for history buffs and nature lovers.
Historic Things To Do In Leadville Co
The Leadville Museum shares the town’s Wild West with its bars, drugstores and battles. On a self-guided walking tour, you can explore the historic sites of the ghost town and downtown Harrison Avenue. For fresh mountain air, consider hiking, mountain biking, downhill skiing or horseback riding through aspen forests.
As a longtime local, I’m here to help you decide what to do in Leadville, Colorado, in any season. Let’s go swimming!
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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 486-0189 | Site | Schedule: Every day 07.00-15.30 Free entry
Things To Do In Leadville Colorado
Fishing is one of the most fun things to do in Leadville with kids! Here, the fish are raised in stocking sites throughout Colorado. You can buy a fish meal for a quarter and it’s worth it! There are also easy nature trails for families and hiking trails that reach the mountains. Massif and Colorado Trail.
Hiking a 14er is one of the must dos in Colorado, and Mount Albert is the perfect place to tackle it. Mount Albert is the highest peak in Colorado. The drive through the San Isabel National Forest is definitely worth it, but it’s serious work—you’ll climb about 4,500 feet over 5 miles to reach the summit.
🛎️ Need a place to stay in Leadville? Leadville is almost two hours from Denver, so if you’re planning an activity-packed day or two, consider a hotel or rental in town!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 486-3936 | Site | Tickets: $50 adults, $25 under 12, 3 and under free
Virtual Visits To Leadville & Twin Lakes
Take in the sights of the San Isabel National Forest and the Arkansas River Valley on one of the best train rides in Colorado. Southern Railroad has a Holiday Express train during the winter, and riding the fall foliage is one of the best things to do in Leadville, Colorado!
📚 Related Reading: These are my favorite Leadville related books. It culminates in a crazy donkey half marathon that runs through the city every August and is a funny and heartwarming story.
📍 Google Maps: Ski Cooper, Copper Mtn | Phone: Ski Cooper – (719) 486-2277; Mtn Copper – (866) 841-2481 | Cooper Ski Resort; Mtn Copper Site | Lift tickets: Ski Cooper – $50-90, $35-70 for adults and under 14; Mtn Copper – $99-$169, $84-$119 for adults, 13 and under
In the winter, skiing and snowboarding are some of the most popular things to do near Leadville, CO! Because of its affordable prices and family atmosphere, Ski Cooper is our favorite and one of the best ski resorts near Denver. Copper Mountain has a much larger area and may be more suitable for those looking for a higher level experience.
Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad: Scenic Train Rides Through The Rockies
📚 Related Reading: Check out my other recommendations for the best ski resorts in Colorado and see which one is right for you!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 486-8114 | Site | Schedule: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Trail: $25 for adults, $16 for ages 13 and under
The Tennessee Nordic Center has accommodations for rent and well-marked, well-maintained trails. It’s right next to Ski Cooper, so if part of your party wants to descend and part wants to ski, everyone will be happy!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 486-8210 |
Best 10 Things To Do In Leadville, Co During Summer
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