Overview
Leadville is a city in Lake County, Colorado that is about tourism, especially outdoor recreation. In the winter, multiple ski areas are within driving distance. In the summer, hikes abound. The Continental Divide Trail and the Colorado Trail pass near enough to Leadville that through hikers can rest and receive supplies here. It is the highest city in the continental United States, at 10,200ft, and is in the heart of the Sawatch Range. Offering access to the highest 14,000ft peak in Colorado Mt Elbert and Mt Massive.
2 things to do · 4 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Leadville
Leadville Railroad
A special sightseeing train with open cars runs out from Leadville, through rugged mountain scenery, and returns 2.5 hours later. Packages combine the trip with zip line or rafting adventures. The railway line is a linge…
Leadville Scenic Flight Tours
Fly in a small Cessna 182 single-engine propeller plane on a circular tour near Leadville. See the Climax Mine, Mount Elbert, Independence Pass, the Copper Mountain ski area, and more rocky, mountainous peaks than you ca…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jun–Aug. Summer highs reach about 79°F; winter lows dip to about 5°F. Cold months (Jan, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ASE Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field), Aspen — 31 mi away. Directions
- EGE Eagle County Regional Airport, Eagle — 43 mi away. Directions
- COS City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, Colorado Springs — 91 mi away (major hub). Directions
As Leadville is a small town set deep in the Rocky Mountains, driving is the only practical way in or out.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Leadville Railroad
- Lunch The Grill
- Afternoon Leadville Scenic Flight Tours
- Dinner The Famous
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Walk along Harrison Avenue, the main street, and you will pass any number of restaurants serving the tourist trade.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Leadville is a former silver mining town that lies near the headwaters of the Arkansas River in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Leadville is the highest incorporated city and the second highest incorporated municipality in the United States. It was the second-largest city in Colorado in the late 19th century, so its Historic District has beautiful late 19th-century buildings that are well worth your viewing if you are in the area.
Get in
As Leadville is a small town set deep in the Rocky Mountains, driving is the only practical way in or out.
Go Lake County Leadville Airport (KLXV)
KLXV is famous among general aviation in North America for being the highest-altitude airport open to the public in North America. At 9,934 feet above Mean Sea Level, flights here start at altitude which many recreational aircraft from the flatlands can barely reach. There is no scheduled airline service, but pilots with their own aircraft are welcome. It is wise to be familiar with mountain flying, prepared for cold weather, and have an aircraft equipped for the altitude. When you land here, the FBO here will be happy to issue you a certificate commemorating your accomplishment.
Get around
The heart of tourist-centric Leadville is only a kilometre across, so distances are walkable. However, with the altitude, you may find a gentle uphill stroll to be more of a strain than you expect. Sidewalks and streets are narrow, not offering much room for bikes. Cars, however, will find roads and plenty of parking.
See
Leadville Historic District includes 67 historic mines to the east of town and a number of striking late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings in Downtown Leadville.
Do
Do Leadville Railroad
A special sightseeing train with open cars runs out from Leadville, through rugged mountain scenery, and returns 2.5 hours later. Packages combine the trip with zip line or rafting adventures. The railway line is a lingering remnant of what started in 1884 as the Denver South Park & Pacific Railroad "highline".
Do Leadville Scenic Flight Tours (Leadville Flying Club)
Fly in a small Cessna 182 single-engine propeller plane on a circular tour near Leadville. See the Climax Mine, Mount Elbert, Independence Pass, the Copper Mountain ski area, and more rocky, mountainous peaks than you can count. The local flying club includes pilots who are certified to conduct the tours.
Buy
Shop Twin Lakes General Store
Small seasonal general store and common CDT/Colorado Trail resupply stop; accepts and holds hiker resupply boxes. Confirm current hours, package instructions, and pickup policies before mailing.
Eat
Walk along Harrison Avenue, the main street, and you will pass any number of restaurants serving the tourist trade.
Eat The Grill (The Leadville Grill and Cantina)
Give The Grill a try to eat Mexican food with the locals. A neighbourhood staple since the 1960s (the current owners claim, since 1938), don't leave without enjoying a dessert sopapilla.
Eat The Famous
A sports bar vibe, a skilful kitchen, and patio with glorious mountain views. This historic building has been renovated, and this is the result.
Eat Mineral 1886
Nestled in a historic Delaware Hotel, Mineral is popular for hearty breakfasts.
Eat Golden Burro
A diner vibe combined with vegan options and limited outdoor seating on Harrison Ave. An economical choice for breakfast or lunch.
Drink
Head to the Silver Dollar Saloon to enjoy a drink or two in a historic bar. Free pool and shuffleboard
Sleep
There are many listings for whole-house rentals in Leadville on AirBNB, VRBO, and the like. Perhaps this reflects the popularity of groups renting a house as a base for trips to local ski areas during the winter.
Stay Inn the Clouds Hostel & Inn
What looks like an enlarged, rambling ranch house contains a selection of rooms with private bath, rooms with shared bath, and dorm rooms for mixed or single gender with shared bath. A generous all-access kitchen offers a fridge to store groceries and stoves and utensils to cook. A large dining room table, and some outdoor tables, offer places to eat in the company of other travellers. They are particularly welcoming to hikers from the nearby Continental Divide Trail. The management has a friendly, family feel. Some of the infrastructure (plumbing, air conditioning) is straining from the load. Free parking in front of the inn, or on the street nearby.
Nearby
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My experience
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