Visit Leadville
The best-kept secret in the west
Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, ski, swim, boat, board, run, dine out, museum hop, shop, or just enjoy some mountain air, Leadville is ready for you.
Experience the Beauty and Adventure of the high Rockies
Leadville, Colorado, is a charming and historic town located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. As a former mining town, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and adventure of the American West.
At over 10,000 feet, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in North America. Its stunning mountain views and crisp alpine air make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by three national forests (White River, San Isabel, and Pike), Leadville is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. Leadville also boasts incredible views of many of the highest peaks in the American Rockies. Mount Elbert (14,439 ft) and Mount Massive (14,428 ft) are visible from just about every spot in town—including the motel.
Leadville feels very far from the resort towns along the i70 corridor, but it offers unparalleled access to the stunning mountains of Colorado. We’re a mere 20-minute drive from Copper, 40 minutes from Vail, and less than an hour from Breckenridge and Keystone. With its affordability and charm, Leadville provides a delightful alternative to the typical resort experience and is an ideal base camp for exploring multiple mountains.
Oro City
Slab town
Leadville
Leadville is a town with a rich and fascinating history. Founded in 1877, at the start of the Silver Boom, Leadville was a new settlement for the people of Oro City, two miles away, and was initially named “Slab Town”. For obvious reasons, the people demanded a more marketable name, and “Leadville” was chosen. Leadville became a boom town of the Colorado Gold Rush and was home to some of the country’s wealthiest and most notorious figures. From Molly Brown, the “unsinkable” survivor of the Titanic, to the infamous outlaw Doc Holliday, to businessman and US Senator Horace Tabor. Leadville’s history is filled with colorful characters and larger-than-life stories.
Come explore our town’s history through its many museums, historic buildings, and tours. The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of mining in the American West, while the Tabor Opera House (pictured here) offers a glimpse into the town’s cultural past. Visitors can also take a walking tour of the town’s historic district, which features over 70 Victorian-era buildings, or visit the Dexter Cabin, the oldest remaining log cabin in Leadville. Every building here has a story, and much of it has been painstakingly preserved. Much of Leadville’s main street, Harrison Avenue, is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Top 10 Things to Do while you’re in Leadville
Ride the Mineral Belt
The Mineral Belt Trail is an 11.6-mile loop around the town of Leadville and much of the mining district. It’s paved, open all year, and very, very beautiful.
Get Yourself A MElly!
Melanzana is a cult classic outdoor fitter that makes its threads right in town. You can only buy them in person, by appointment! They book our far in advance, so make yours today.
Grab a beer at the Legendary Silver Dollar Saloon
The Silver Dollar has been serving it up since 1897. Walking through its doors is like walking back in time in the very best way.
Visit Turquoise lake
Under 5 miles from the center of town, Turquoise Lake is a must-visit. With breathtaking mountain views and crystal-clear waters, it’s perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
Take a Ride on the Leadville Rail
The Leadville Train is open almost year-round and is a fun way to see the gorgeous forest surrounding town. You can get lunch while you ride, and the Christmas train is highly recommended!
Visit the mining museum
The National Mining Museum and Hall of Fame is a fantastic look into the start of American Industry. The museum can be done in 30-45 minutes and is great for kids.
HIke the mayflower
Mayflower Gulch is a picturesque 6-mile hike that takes you ruins of the old mining town of Climax, CO. It takes about four hours to complete and is worth every minute!
SEe a show at the TAbor
The Tabor Opera House is a designated National Treasure. Walk on the stage that Harry Houdini and Oscar Wilde performed on! Or time your trip to see a performance—they do much more than opera.
Tour matchless mine and baby doe’s cabin
Hear the rags to riches soap-opera-esque story of Horace, Augusta, and Baby Doe Tabor through a tour of one of Leadville’s most productive mines of its day and a walk through Baby Doe’s final home.
Check out Ski cooper
Ski Cooper is the gem of winter life in Leadville. Less than 15 minutes from town, no lift lines, fresh powder almost every day, and the most affordable skiing in CO. Ski Copper is laid back and perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking to avoid the rush at the major mountains.
Our Top Leadville Eats
Breakfast
BEst breakfast Burrito
We love City on a Hill’s burritos, coffee, and pastries. It’s a great, classic coffee shop, and we promise it’s worth the line on the weekend!
Best Full Breakfast
Mineral 1886 is the restaurant inside the Delaware Hotel. It is our favorite go-to for a leisurely breakfast or brunch.
BEst Coffee
Zero Day Leadville will give you the perfect boost for a day outdoors. Fun fact: It’s is the highest coffee shop in America!
Best Diner
The Golden Burro is a local favorite. It’s a fully vegan restaurant, but we promise you won’t miss it! We are meat eaters, and this is one of our favorite spots in town.
Lunch + Quick Eats
BEst Sammy
Buchi Cafe Cubano is a Denver favorite that moved up to Leadville in 2020. The Cuban Mix is not to be missed!
BEst Quick Mexican
La Mina is located right by Safeway, and offers drive through or dine in. Service is really quick and the food is very fresh! Fantastic margs too 😉
BEst Bar Food
Not only is the Silver Dollar Saloon the bar with the best atmosphere, but the food is incredible! It’s great for brunch, lunch, or early dinner—the kitchen closes at 6 PM.
Best Sit down Lunch
The Silver Llamma is a great spot for homemade soup, salad, and sandwiches.
Dinner + evenings
BEst All-Around
The Treeline Kitchen is our most recommended spot in town. Delicious modern American food, a great atmosphere, solid cocktails, and a truly unparalleled rooftop view! Reservations are strongly recommended.
Locals’ Favorite
Casa Blanca is in the white house located just behind the motel. Laid-back, New Mexican food and has been family owned for 47 years!
Best Pizza
High Mountain Pies has amazing pizza, sandwiches, and ribs. They have a large outdoor garden for the summer and do delivery all year round. It’s a very popular spot and if you’re doing delivery, we recommend ordering early!
BEst Bar Food
Not only is the Silver Dollar Saloon the bar with the best atmosphere, but the food is incredible! It’s great for brunch, lunch, or early dinner—the kitchen closes at 6 PM.
Best Cocktails
Before & After is run by the same owners as the Treeline. It offers a more extensive cocktail selection and a small menu that features primarily aps and snacks. Perfect for date night!
Best Live Music & Atmosphere
The Pasttime Cafe reopened this past year after almost 4 years closed! The new ownership has done an amazing job bringing life back into this historic bar. There is also often a great food truck, The Mountain Goat, parked just outside if you’re looking for a quick bite.
