Welcome to leadville

Leadville is the highest elevation city in America, a historic mining community with real grit. It attracts those who are hungry for adventure. The outdoor opportunities are endless, but the town is also famous for its Wild West history and colorful downtown. Here's our best recommendations on what to do when you're in search of a good time.

CULTURE

The National Mining Museum & Hall of Fame — Walk through replicas of underground mines, pan for gold, and learn about the minerals that make the world go round. Discover Molybdenum, the steel hardener that built this town. Nicknamed the “Smithsonian of the West.”

Fish Hatchery — Established in 1889, the second oldest federally operated fish hatchery. Befriend neighborhood trout in 16 raceways and 20 nursery tanks. Don’t miss the educational, 1.1 mile hike around the surrounding forest, great for kids.

Heritage Museum — Discover a scale replica of Leadville’s historic ice palace, hear Baby Doe’s rags to riches, and back to rags story and see her grand piano, and get educated about the high alpine heroes of the 10th Mountain Division.

Tabor Opera House — Dig into the 140 year history of the stage that hosted Oscar Wilde, Buffalo Bill, and Houdini (don’t miss seeing the trap door!). Tours available in the summer.

Leadville Railroad — All aboard the family fun express! Enjoy open air cars or heated lounge seats. Learn about local history.

FREIGHT — Catch a reading, play, or trivia night in this 1884 train depot turned community gathering space.

RECREATION

White Mountain Snowmobiling and Zipline — Ride the Great Divide! From beginner to expert, enjoy a guided tour of Leadville’s natural wonders at Lake Turquoise or Cecil’s.

Nova Guides — Snowmobile tours through historic Camp Hale, scenic snow coach tours, ATV rentals.

Ski Cooper — Right across the parking lot from the Nordic Center, there’s downhill skiing for every ability level. 64 trails, 5 lifts, and average of 260” of natural snow every season.

Mineral Belt — Fat bike or cross country ski this 11.6 mile trail looping through the Mining District. Conifer forests, aspen groves, and wildlife encounters.

Alpine Adventures Dogsledding — Just a few minutes down the road, drive your own dogsled with Alaskan Huskies, or be chauffeured by an experienced guide and a 12-dog team.

SHOPPING

Harper Rose — A Leadville artist collective featuring local talent, regional gifts, and a celebration of the mountain lifestyle.

Community Threads — Used sporting goods, clothing, and consignment. The best place in town to get affordably outfitted for your next adventure.

Leadville Outdoors — All the essentials needed to survive outside. Knowledgable staff to help you pick the right gear for your needs.

Two Dog Travel & Books — The best place to buy books in Leadville: nature guides, Mary Oliver, classic and contemporary fiction, children's books, historical texts.

The Rock Hut — A family owned and operated business, founded in 1974. Old school rock shop with minerals and gifts. Hold an ancient fossil in your hand.

Blueflower Candies + Provisions — Highest elevation candy shop in North America. Paradise for kids and healthy snacks for adults.

Zero Day — A local, intimate coffee shop where everyone knows your name. Matcha, chai, espresso, and mountain equipment.

City on a Hill — Fair trade coffee, roasted in town, family-owned. Cafe food and wood carvings for sale.

Elevation Goods — Handmade goods made by artisans in Colorado, and many in Leadville. Something for every price range. The store smells like Palo Santo and Colorado spruce candles.

NIGHTLIFE

Pastime Saloon — Recently reopened, the roots of this bar go back to 1878, in the heart of Leadville’s former red light district. Epic patio views of the Sawatch mountains. Creative cocktails like the Neon Coconut and Cloud City.

Manhattan — High altitude thirst center. Rough and tumble bar with plenty of regulars. Gather round the pool table or feed your quarters to the jukebox.

Silver Dollar Saloon —The old stomping grounds of Wild West heroes like Doc Holliday and the Unsinkable Molly Brown. Browse the memorabilia and family photos covering the walls, try your hand at shuffleboard, sink into the booths. Haunted!

Before & After — Great spot for happy hour, signature cocktails, and nibbles. A fancier feel.

DOG-SITTING & KENNELING

Mountain Dogs Romp & Chomp — Dog-approved treats, food, and toys. They provide daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, and self-serve dog wash.

Grateful Paws — Premium pet food and supplies for animals. Doggie daycare, in-home pet care and sleepovers, grooming.