Things to do & places to visit in Leadville, Colorado, United States

Leadville city in Colorado, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 11:58.

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Mount Elbert (152 reviews)
- Simply Beautiful
Mountains

Not an easy hike but the reward is worth the effort! Spectacular views!!!! Started at trailhead (north) at 5:35 am and lot was pretty full on weekday. The four of us (21, 54, 56, and 60) summited by 11:30 with breaks included. The trail is constant slope up but not too difficult until you teach a rockier section about 2/3rds up. Slow and steady and you can reach the summit. Bring plenty of water (min 2 liters, best 3 liters); we also ‘hide’ some water at tree line for the descend. Make sure to acclimate yourself prior to hike. We planned 5 days prior to the hike and we were ok but still catching your breath near summit. Saw some picas, chipmunks, and a momma bird with chick. Enjoyed the views for an hour then headed down as storm clouds approaching. Lite rain started but we were down in tree line. Luckily short lite rain passed by quickly. Hike was simply beautiful, majestic and the feeling of accomplishment fantastic See more..
5.0 Mineral Belt Trail (76 reviews)
- Scenic bike ride
Hiking Trails

Can’t beat this trail for scenery and old mining history. The route is 11. 5 miles RT. You climb thru aspens w incredible views of 2 14ers, Turquoise lake and more. Then there are the old mines along the way, Baby Doe ‘s Matchless mine and more Best time to ride this is in the fall See more..
5.0 Mayflower Gulch (56 reviews)
- Hiking with a remarkable view
Mountains • Ski & Snowboard Areas

On my first visit to the area, my family planned on hiking this area. I loved how friendly the hikers were and how clean the trail appeared. I am not an experienced hiker nor am I athletic. We worked slowly up the hill to the top. The view was remarkable and breath taking. I saw several families with young children enjoying this hike. Once on top, we relaxed and took in the sites of what was left of cabins. We were able to sit together and rest before heading down. This experience was one of my favorite in the trip. See more..
5.0 Rock Hut (26 reviews)
- Great Find
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

I was waiting some jewelry that used native stones that are mined in Colorado. I found some beautiful smoky quartz earrings made by local artisans and made from stones from Colorado. They were also reasonably priced. They had a huge selection of beautiful pendants , earrings and bracelets. The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable. A must see on the main drag in Leadville. See more..
5.0 Hagerman Tunnel (13 reviews)
- Don't let your husbans suggest a "little" walk!
Hiking Trails

This is a beautiful hike going up an old 6% train grade. It takes you through the old town of Douglass, where the ladies of the evening were too rough to work in the nearby Mining town of Leadville. I would say an easy hike (harder on the way up than down) at almost 12,000'. But... be prepared... start the hike early enough to be back down before the "daily" afternoon thunder and lightening storm. Remember in the open side of the mountain, YOU are the tallest target for the lightening. See more..
5.0 Mt. Massive (4 reviews)
- Floridian Female Takes on Massive
Spent More than 3 hours Mountains

I hiked Massive solo on June 20, 2020. Being from Florida and only in Colorado for 3 days prior to my hike it was pretty difficult. I knew it would be difficult so I took diamox prior to the climb. The climb took me 10 hours! I took plenty of water 3.75 L and snacks because I knew it would take me all day to complete the 14 mile hike. It was beautiful and the scramble along the ridge was fun. There was snow to wade through and slide in. I wouldn’t make this your first fourteener. I did Elbert last year and I think they are pretty comparable. Elbert is less mileage but same elevation gain so in some ways it was more difficult. Get an early start just before sunrise and be prepared to have to walk a little bit from the overflow trailhead parking. The sense of accomplishment is worth the struggle to the top. See more..
5.0 Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir (4 reviews)
- Amazing view
Spent < 1 hour Hiking Trails

We passed this on our way to the Leadville train at which we needed to be there by 9:30a so we opted to stop on our way back. WOW, how blessed we were as right when we turned the corner, an amazing full rainbow (see picture) presented itself over the icy reservoir. Everyone on the highway was pulling off to take a peak. See more..
5.0 Black Cloud Trail (4 reviews)
- it's steep so get ready
Hiking Trails
You can use this trailhead to access Mt. Elbert, or just go as far up the trail as you wish ad enjoy the scenery. See more..
5.0 Temple Israel (1 review)
- What a unique attraction
Religious Sites
Who would have known that the Jewish community of Leadville was once over 300 people? The building, a charming old structure, is located right across from a church, and is free to enter though they ask for a donation. The synagogue has some really interesting exhibits about Leadville's history and linkages to the Jewish community. It is well worth the visit! See more..
5.0 Colorado Midland Centennial Trail (1 review)
Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails

See more..
5.0 Douglass City (1 review)
- Fascinating ghost town
Spent < 1 hour Ghost Towns

Douglass City is a fascinating place, accessible from the Colorado Midland Centennial Trail. (Drive up Hagerman Pass Road a bit farther than the sharp right turn where the road starts ascending just after the Native Lake and Windsor Lake trailheads. The trailhead is across the road just after a large parking area you will find to your right. The road is fairly easily passenger car passable to that point, assuming you take reasonable care.) Just follow the trail and you will get to Douglass City. There is a decaying sign as you come to the town (included in the photos attached to this review) that tells the story of the place, and I'll finish this review by quoting from it: "Typical of the short-lived ghost towns of the Colorado Rockies was Douglass City - The remains of which you see here. Douglass City, however, was built for a different purpose [from the usual mining camp ghost towns of the Rockies] - to house the Italian construction workers who labored on the Colorado Midland [railroad] in this area and who helped construct the Hagerman Tunnel, trestles, etc. -- This one street 'city' had eight saloons, mostly in tents plus a dance hall where the 'professor' played the piano while the 'ladies of the evening', too jaded for Leadville, entertained - and took the laborers' money. The wild city was the scene of drinking, shooting, fighting, knifing, and other innocent pleasures." Rest in peace, Douglass City. See more..
4.5 National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum (430 reviews)
- Truly enjoyed the Mining Museum in Leadville
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

We are open for business seven days a week with 25,000 square feet of educational and interactive exhibits for the entire family. See more..
4.5 Ski Cooper (253 reviews)
- A Great Place to Learn!
Spent More than 3 hours Ski & Snowboard Areas

Ski Cooper is a family-friendly, affordable Colorado ski resort located just outside of historic Leadville, known for short its lift lines, soft snow, and an authentic skiing atmosphere. Base area amenities include a day lodge, cafeteria, Irish pub, rental shop, retail store, adult and children's ski school, and ski patrol. Additionally, a mountain-top Yurt provides on-mountain food and beverage. Cooper is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a quality Colorado skiing experience without having to fight crowds and spend a fortune. Discover why Cooper is truly "The Heart of Skiing in the Heart of the Rockies". See more..
4.5 Twin Lakes (180 reviews)
- Picturesque Colorado
Bodies of Water

Formed by a dam, Twin Lakes is surrounded by biking trails and is also enjoyed by fishermen. See more..
4.5 Leadville National Fish Hatchery (73 reviews)
- Fun feeding fish.
Monday: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

I thought the historic fishery building was very interesting . Due to covid-19 we could not go inside. They had a pond outside of the regular settling pools where you can feed the trout. Since the sides were sloped the fish come right up to you and splash you when they went for the food. Then we opted to go on the Rocky Creek loop trail 2.4 MI. We kept following the signs that said Rocky Creek but somehow missed the loop. The terrain kept getting rougher and steeper. Usually a decent trail. Went through some marshy area. Went by some beautiful lakes and a side trip to the mountain stream. When we hit the Colorado trail we knew for certain we had gone too far. decided to finish out the Kearney Park trail. Over 8 mi for the day. Wished we had our walking sticks and more water. Never did see a sign saying Kearny Park. See more..
4.5 Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway (57 reviews)
- Spectacular views at every turn
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Every turn of this highway brought breathtaking views. Do take the side drive to twin lakes, if you want spectacular postcard photos, this is the place to get them, the lakes with the mountains behind are lovely. This is a beautiful drive, along good roads, with plenty of scenic stopoffs. You cross the Continental divide. We drove from Colorado Springs to Buena Vista, up to Vail and then back past Breckenrige. It is a full day of driving, but full of natural beauty. See more..
4.5 Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin (56 reviews)
- Back to the Gold Rush Days
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Built in 1878, the Healy House looks out over historic and scenic treasures of the storied mining town of Leadville. The grounds also include a historic garden with gazebo, and the historic Dexter Cabin built in 1879. The Healy House and Dexter Cabin is a museum of History Colorado. See more..
4.5 Temple Israel (56 reviews)
- Got to love a nice old architecture - this case a nice old Shul
Monday: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites • History Museums

A restored, 1880s frontier synagogue in historic Leadville. The only building of its kind west of the Mississippi, it now houses a museum dedicated to the Jewish pioneers of a booming mining city. Come visit Temple Israel to learn more about a vibrant community that supported an active civic and social world whilst satisfying the city's commercial needs. See more..
4.5 Tabor Opera House (52 reviews)
- Save the Tabor!
Theaters

So glad to see them working to preserve this building. The Tabors were a huge part of Leadville history back in it's boom days (1870ish). Population soared to 30000, and it was ALMOST the capital of Colorado! The area is rich in history and so is the Opera House. Houdini, Oscar WIlde, John Phillip Sousa and Jack Dempsey are among those who performed/fought/disappeared on stage here. Incredible. Restoration has begun and it's a huge project. See more..
4.5 Mosquito Pass (50 reviews)
- Great 3-4hrs pass for 4WD
Hiking Trails

It's beautiful pass to do! We did this as a day trip from Breckenridge. After getting to Leadville through the pass, we came back through weston pass - it was easier. Drive is good, IMO good for not advanced, but with 4WD and plenty of time. See more..
4.5 The Western Hardware (27 reviews)
- Stop here after Camp Hale
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Antique Shops

So happy we stopped. This mall is a congregate of different dealers, making their selection expansive ! There are two floors maximized to display different treasures. One dealer had 50% off everything and I was able to buy some great finds from that dealer alone. Definitely would come back ! See more..
4.5 Turquoise Lake Recreation Area (15 reviews)
- Camping at Silver Dollar & Molly Brown
Parks

Camping at Turquoise Lake offers lots of outdoor fun. Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a level hiking trail are easily accessible from Silver Dollar and Molly Brown. Some medium-rated jeeping trails are close by. We were able to drive over Hagerman Pass in mid-June between a 15 ft. high snow wall! The RV campsites at Silver Dollar were not as level or as easy to park in as the ones at Molly Brown. However, every site is heavily treed though you can easily visit with neighboring campers as the sites are fairly close. It is short hike to the lake. These sites were some of the dustiest we have ever camped in. With all the trees, putting up hammocks is a breeze. At the Molly Brown Campsite, you are right on the water. You can see the water from your campsite. This campsite is not quite as treed as Silver Dollar and definitely more open but on the plus side you are right by the water. See more..
4.5 Hagerman Pass (15 reviews)
- 4WD only
Spent 2-3 hours Mountains • Hiking Trails • Scenic Drives

This is a serious 4WD road and shouldn’t be attempted if you think you’re going for a nice smooth ride in the mountains. No, there are no signs to warn you; you should do your homework before ascending a grade like this. The winters were too much even for the Colorado Midland, a standard gauge railroad (not narrow gauge) that ran in the late 19th-early 20th centuries. The train never ran over the pass but through nearby tunnels. It’s a great and beautiful journey but travelers should be prepared for both a bone-jarring ride and cooler temps. And no cell service except just below the eastern side of the summit for about 1/4 mile. See more..
4.5 Lake County Public Library (10 reviews)
- Excellent Help with Genealogy
Libraries

We met Janice at the Lake County Public Library recently for help with genealogy. Janice had already sent us material on our family. She spent about 2 hours with us and showed us how to use their online records and sat with us and looked through census books and city registers. This was a wonderful and very helpful experience. We really appreciate all the resources that are available and Janice’s skillful and efficient guidance! See more..
4.0 Matchless Mine Tour (54 reviews)
- Guided tour adds life
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Mines

Please be aware that we offer SURFACE tours of the mine site. Tours DO NOT take you down into the mine, which is too dangerous to enter. Tours focus on the history of the Tabor family and mining in Leadville. Guided tours ($14 for adults) are offered at noon, 1:30 and 3, while self-guided tours ($8 for adults) can be taken anytime from 11 until 4:45. Cash or credit cards can be used at the site, and tickets also can be purchased online or at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. See more..
4.0 Heritage Museum (21 reviews)
- Great history and artifacts
Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Love going here whenever we are in leadville the staff is great and it's a great place to take the family and enjoy learning about our wonderful western history. See more..
4.0 Leadville Lake County Chamber of Commerce (13 reviews)
- Great stop for travel and history information
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Recent renovation of the visitor center to now include Leadville and Colorado history as well as local Lake County information. The staff is friendly and knowledgable about the area and area attractions. There are many museums in Leadville, including the National Mining Museum, and you can purchase a museum passport to visit the museums at a discounted rate. There are many brochures filled with information about recreation, shopping, lodging, and reataurants. A great place to stop when you arrive in Leadville. See more..
4.0 Route of the Silver Kings (7 reviews)
- A great drive
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Picked up the map from the visitor center and used it as guide. The roads are poorly marked but we were able to figure things out. Our Subaru handled everything okay and for sure would not attempt in a car. The route takes you by several beautiful sights and is very much worth the time and the drive. We were there on a Friday and only encountered a couple of other vehicles. I would recommend a real map as opposed to the visitor center version to help find the roads. I would do this drive again for sure. See more..
4.0 Weston Pass (6 reviews)
- Weston Pass Rd, beautiful views
Scenic Drives

GREAT VIEWS on the west side of the pass. Weston Pass Rd. is an unimproved 20mile back country road, County Rd 22, between Hwy 24 (just south of Leadville), and Hwy 285, south of Fairplay CO. The 6miles west of the Pass (elev. 11,921 ft) are pretty rough--GO SLOW! SUVs can handle, but it would be very difficult for a sedan. Our Jeep Wrangler had no problem, and I only used 2-wheel rear drive. Good drive!! See more..
4.0 St. Joseph Cemetery (1 review)
- A Baby Cememtery?!?!
Cemeteries
I love cemeteries, and this place blew my mind. Drive straight in and you'll come to a huge statue with three white crosses, dedicated to all babies ever aborted. As if that's not weird enough, look around. I walked to the right and saw a lot of the headstones had toys on them & quickly realized all the graves were small children. Most were under two years old when they died. It was kind of creepy. You would think people would bury their dead babies on a family plot, next to where the parents will be buried. I don't know. Maybe St. Joseph ran a terrible orphanage with a high mortality rate?? There are other graves closer to the gate that aren't children. Some have beautiful iron-work. The whole baby section was just crazy though. Never heard of such a thing, and I've been to a lot of cemeteries. See more..