Down-to-earth with a rich history, Leadville, Colorado is the perfect little mountain town to visit that boasts impeccable views of mountain ranges in all directions. They love the outdoors. And they love to mix in a few beers. So you know I signed up 🙂 Plus, did you know:
Leadville, Colorado is the highest incorporated city in the United States at 10,152 ft above sea level!
What a place to say you visited?! The outdoor adventure might steal the show around here but that doesn’t mean you won’t also find bars from the 1800s, the highest coffee shop in America, sought-after Melly’s, and a colorful downtown area. Let’s get into more detail, shall we?
Is Leadville Worth Visiting?
Without a doubt. This small town vibe is laid back, fun, and simple with plenty of things to do and sights to see. Our first time in Leadville, Colorado was such a blast and it will not be our last time! Nestled between Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge, Leadville will always be a stop when we are in the area.
What is Leadville, Colorado Weather Like?
Honestly, you just never know! Lol. Be prepared for ALL of it. In a few hours span, you may get sunshine, rain, sleet, wind, snow, and hail. While I was shopping in downtown Leadville, I swear every time I came out of one shop to go to another, the weather was in a different mood!
Make sure you are prepared with layers and hats when you visit. The high elevation makes for some interesting weather changes, but that’s all the fun, isn’t it? There really is no bad weather—just bad clothing. 🙂
What is Leadville Colorado Known For?
A Brief History—because there is PLENTY of it!
The rich history of Leadville, a true Wild Wild West town, is one of triumph and grit. But even before that, its mining history dates back to when gold was discovered in California Gulch in 1860. After that, the mining town grew to have a population of 20,000 and was the second-largest city in Colorado by the 1880s and the boom of silver.
Fun fact: there were 120 saloons at this time to go along with many historic structures that remain as remnants of the 1880s today.
The owner of the silver mines in Leadville (Matchless Mine), Horace Tabor, was the first mayor and helped to bring in everyone from Oscar Wilde to Ulysses S. Grant and the Unsinkable Molly Brown. The silver boom may have ended, and the population may be down to 2,700, but it still stands, supports locals, and brings in tourists throughout the country.
What are the best things to do in Leadville, Colorado? The list gets long!
Outdoor Activities in Leadville, Colorado
Sitting at 10,152 feet above sea level, the outdoor activities are endless. Start with the hiking (including the two tallest fourteeners in Colorado—higher than 14k feet.) And from there add downhill skiing, cross country skiing, biking, rock climbing, rafting, and kayaking. You might never go inside when you visit Leadville, Colorado!
Hike Mount Elbert or Mount Massive
Are you ready to hike a 14er?! You are near the two highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains if that’s something you want to check off your list. But this isn’t for everyone with the high altitude. Mount Elbert (the highest peak in ALL of Colorado) will have you gaining nearly 5,000 feet in elevation in just over 5 miles, making it 10 miles out and back. And Mount Massive? An over 6,000 feet gain in just under 10 miles, totaling 19.1 miles for the out and back trail.
I’ll get to these someday. For now, I’ll just look at it… 🙂
Hike Timberline Lake Trail
While you might not quite be ready for the highest mountains, fear not! Because there are hiking trails for all abilities near Leadville, CO. And Timberline Lake Trail is one of my favorite hikes to date! Located in the Holy Cross Wilderness Area within San Isabel National Forest, there are creeks and rivers, rocky terrain trails with inclines, and a lake with a gorgeous mountain backdrop.
There is a decent size parking lot but be mindful as this is one of the most popular hikes in the area. Try to arrive by 7-8 AM or else 12-1 PM when others are leaving. It’s an easy trail to follow, mixes in a few inclines, and beware: depending on the season, there are places you need to take your boots off and wade through water.
At its highest point, you reach Timberline Lake at 10,880 feet above sea level. This is a perfect place to rest, have snacks, swim, and take in the views.
TIP: If you’re looking for something a bit less popular with equally as beautiful views, give Hagerman Tunnel Trail a go. It’s a 7-mile hike and leads you to what was once the highest railroad tunnel in the world. And, of course, add some mountains and lake views.
Remember, LEAVE NO TRACE. As the area gains in popularity, please leave these gorgeous lands in even better shape than when you arrived. They deserve to be preserved.
Turquoise Lake
This is an easy hike/walk in the area that doesn’t skimp on the views! Explore Turquoise Lake, one of the best places in the Leadville area to move your body, with easy access to the water and plenty of photo ops! You will likely see a couple of boats out on the water, as well as fishermen, casting off the shore.
If you’re looking to hike, there is an 11.0-mile out and back trail (so you can make it as long as you want) that hugs the north end of the lake. You can also bike the 15-mile paved loop around the water.
Mineral Belt Trail
The Mineral Belt Trail is 11.6-miles and loops around Leadville and its historic mining district. Mountain ranges and aspen groves surround you on this Colorado trail and it’s a popular spot for mountain biking, walking, and running.
Ski Cooper or Copper Mountain
There are two places to go skiing in the Leadville, Colorado area—and honestly, way more if you expand your radius a bit. Cooper is the smaller, cheaper option that is great for families and a place to ski that skips the chaos! But if chaos is what you what, head over to Copper Mountain, which is more advanced and well-known in Frisco, Colorado.
Shopping in Leadville, Colorado
Stroll down Harrison Avenue in the heart of Leadville, Colorado and you will find plenty of fun things to do in close proximity. That includes plenty of shops that range from high-end to consignment. Here are a few of my favorites spots:
Melanzana
Melanzana is a POPULAR spot. How popular? You need to make a reservation just to enter, shop, and purchase a Melly. And you can only visit twice per year and buy two items during each visit. You are unable to purchase anything online.
So What the heck is a melly? Learn fast because they sell out—quickly.
Melanzana offers handmade outdoor gear (made in-house) that is about as cozy and durable as it gets! All of their products are lightweight, come in a variety of colors, and as soon as you throw them on, you’re not going to take it off. I was able to make an appointment and get my hands on the High Loft Hoodie. And it’s the softest, most comfortable thing I own.
Make an appointment online. You will need to create an account (and confirm your email), select your date and 30-minute timeslot, and show your confirmation when you enter the store. Each person needs a reservation, it’s not by group. (And I promise, it’s worth an extra step or two!)
Elevation Goods
Elevation Goods is a gorgeous space that offers local art and handcrafted goods. Grab yourself a new Colorado crew neck sweatshirt and beanie. A hanging rope planter for the house. And a wood charcuterie board, soy candle, or ceramic mug to impress your guests. There are some talented Colorado makers out there and it shows when you enter this store!
Leadville Outdoors and Mountain Market
Anything and everything you could possibly need for a day in the mountains! You will find tents and sleeping bags, skis and snowshoes, hats and gloves, energy foods and dehydrated meals, plus lotion and sunscreen. Leadville Outdoors and Mountain Market will keep you warm, full, and happy while exploring this state’s outdoor playground!
More Leadville Colorado Shops:
I spent a couple of hours along the downtown blocks going into all of the shops and it was an enjoyable afternoon. Here are a few more highlights:
- Western Hardware Antiques: a HUGE antique store where you never know what you’re going to find! It’s an antiquers paradise—my husband spent an hour and a half in here!
- Two Dog Travel: this is a world tours/vacations company that also has a retail store on the main street. Stop in here for fun travel items and products from Colorado artisits. I snagged a handmade candle and goatmilk soap.
Eating & Drinking in Leadville, Colorado
Whether you’re ready for a bite to eat, a cocktail, or (way) too many beers, you won’t have any trouble finding it in Leadville, Colorado. There’s good pizza and tacos, espressos and lattes, plus plenty of Coors Light and craft beers to go around. Here is where to go:
Coffee: Zero Day Cafe
Zero Day, the highest coffee shop in the nation, is a community-driven cafe where you will find hanging out and sippin’ good coffee. It’s named after long-distance hikers who acknowledge “zero days” as no mileage rest days. And you’ll find local art, pictures, and outdoor gear throughout the shop.
My Vanilla Oat Milk Latte was delicious, but the real story here was the camaraderie. Countless people stopped in, talked about each person’s plans, and wished everyone a fun Colorado day. It really is a great place to enjoy the company and leave with a smile.
Breakfast: Buchi Cafe Cubano
How about a nice, hot-pressed panini breakfast sandwich? Plus, Buchi—straight Cuban espresso? Buchi Cafe Cubano is where to come for your first full meal of the day. Order at the counter, grab your number, and find a spot outside with mountain views or in with a full bar.
The Egg, Bacon & Cheese is a quality choice. And don’t leave without one of the Cuban coffees. They also do lunch, so if you’d prefer classic Cuban sammy, come a few hours later in the day.
Lunch: High Mountain Pies
Fresh-made, seasoned dough that’s topped with a delicious sauce and creative toppings. High Mountain Pies are some of the best pizzas you can get in Colorado. And people know it because this place gets BUSY! Expect a well-worth-it wait, especially in the summer months.
TIP: It’s best to call ahead AND ORDER.
Their indoor space is very small (4-5 small tables) but there is additional seating outside. We stopped in to order our pizza at the counter, walked around town for about a half-hour, and then went back to grab it and eat outside. The Deluxe Pizza (no ham) was top-notch with a crispy bottom and poofy edges.
Brewery: Two Mile Brewing
Enjoy a craft beer at the highest brewery in America! Two Mile Brewing Co is a no-frills, converted gas station brewery that offers a variety of rotating beers. Their white-walled space tacks their one-star reviews to the wall LOL as well as funny signs. They know who they are and don’t apologize.
Order a beer from the friendly bartenders (we enjoyed ours Michelada-style while nursing hangovers lol) and a classic bar snack. Find a spot outside with awesome mountain views and enjoy your beer from 10,200 ft around happy hour time.
Dinner: Treeline Kitchen
Ready for a delicious, locally sourced, sustainable menu that also includes creative cocktails? Treeline Kitchen is trendier than most places in the area and reliable for a good meal. Their front side outdoor patio looks out onto Harrison Avenue and is complete with a firepit. Inside you’ll find a full, beautiful bar and plenty of seating. Bonus, there is a rooftop patio as well.
Grab Colorado Corn Bread for an appetizer (the people next to us got this and I was drooling…), the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and a side of Crispy Crushed Potatoes. And to wash it down? The Local Lavender cocktail.
Bar: Silver Dollar Saloon
I mentioned a hangover. And I’m going to put that on Silver Dollar Saloon! This bar has been around since 1879 during the Wild Wild West! Silver Dollar has served Oscar Wilde, “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” and outlaw Doc Holiday. And most of what lines the walls are from way back when. You GOTTA stop in here if you are in Leadville, Colorado.
As far as my experience…two margaritas (that include Grand Marnier), a couple of Fat Tires, and a few fast-paced Coors Lights while playing shuffleboard and pool caught up to me. But hey. it was a blast, we met cool people, played the jukebox, learned some history, and will be back for more someday!
More Leadville Places to Eat & Drink
- Casa Sanchez: grab some tacos and a margarita or three. (It’s a place I was told is tough to leave sober lol.)
- D’Love Gourmet Coffee ‘n’ Ice Cream: it’s not a fun, mountain town experience without a little ice cream as you stroll the main drag, am I right?
- City on a Hill Coffee and Espresso Co.: we didn’t make it in here but our cabin (more below) offered this coffee and it was unique yet delicious!
Where to Stay in Leadville, Colorado
There are no 5-star hotels in Leadville like you’re going to find in neighboring towns like Breckenridge or Vail. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t great, memorable places to stay. And we were lucky to find one.
FREIGHT S.L.umber Yard
Thirteen tiny cabins are situated just a 5-minute walk from the heart of downtown Leadville. And FREIGHT S.L.umberyard is so worth booking. Clean and simple with so much attention to detail, these cabins are the perfect stay. Complete with a metal outside (for harsh weather) and a beautiful wood interior, it’s a cozy place to lay your head.
Wake up to local coffee, read through some of the Leadville information and history, utilize the high altitude care package, and enjoy the complimentary beverage that’s placed in your fridge. The details, people. They’re KEY!
More Things to Do in Leadville, Colorado
It may be a small, mountain town, but that doesn’t mean they lack things to do in the area. Check out a few more things that might be up your alley:
- National Mining Hall of Fame: commemorates the work of miners and showcases the deep history in this area of the state.
- Southern Railroad: hop on the train for gorgeous views of the San Isabel National Forest and the Arkansas River Valley.
- Tabor Opera House: this opened in 1879 and it still stands!
- Mount Massive Golf Course: the highest golf course in America—of course, with a beautiful setting.
The Best Things to Do in Leadville, Colorado
Are you ready for a trip to the highest incorporated city in North America? Leadville, Colorado, located on Lake Country, is right near Twin Lakes, only a half hour or so from Buena Vista, and only 45 minutes from Breckenridge. You should absolutely add this city to your trip out to Colorado. It’s perfect for solo exploration, a romantic getaway, or family fun.
Enjoy the mountains! 🙂 And check out a few other guides including Skiing Breckenridge for the First Time and the Best Things to Do in Grand Lake, Colorado.
Did this post help you out? Support the work and pass along $5 for a Coors Light 😉 VENMO: @Amber-LBB or PAYPAL: amber@littlebluebackpack.com. THANK YOU.
