Leadville, Colorado: Outdoor Adventures, History & More

Mount Elbert is the Rocky Mountains' highest summit, reaching 14,440 feet into the sky above the Sawatch Range near Leadville. The mountain, which is located within the San Isabel National Forest, is the second-highest peak in the contiguous United States after California's Mount Whitney, named in honor of Territory of Colorado Governor Samuel Hitt Elbert, an influential figure in the state's formation during the late 19th century. The stunning snow-capped peak was first ascended in 1874 by Henry W. Stuckle and remains a popular climbing site today, categorized as a Class 1 to 2 route. Hikers can choose from three routes to ascend the mountain, including the moderate-difficulty 4.6-mile North Elbert Trail, the easier 5.5-mile South Elbert Trail, and the Class 2 Black Cloud Trail, which is only advised for expert hikers.

Cooper is one of Colorado's most charming ski resort areas, located near the city of Leadville near Summit County and the tourist-heavy Vail ski resort. The ski resort's origins date back to 1942, when the site was selected as a training area for the United States Army's 10th Mountain Division. Following the end of World War II, the site was opened to the public as a skiing area and has evolved into a complete ski resort today, overseen under the authority of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Visitors can ski in the shadows of some of the Rockies' highest peaks, including stunning Mounts Elbert and Massive. Skiing equipment is offered at the Snowflakes Retail Shop, along with a variety of winter wear and souvenirs. Dining options at the resort include the Cooper Cafeteria, Katie O'Rourke's Irish Pub, and the Ridgeview Cafe. Resort visitors can also ride snowcats to the resort's top for intimate mountaintop yurt dinners, available on Saturdays throughout the winter season.

232 CR 29 (POB 896), Leadville, CO 80461, Phone: 800-707-61140

Twin Lakes is a quaint census-designated place located in the shadows of Mount Elbert, designated as a National Register of Historic Places-listed district since 1974. The community derives its name from its location adjacent to the two largest glacial lakes in Colorado, accessible via the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. It was originally established in the 19th century as a mining transportation hub for nearby Leadville and Aspen and has become a popular recreational area today, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling throughout the year. Visitors can stay at charming bed and breakfasts in Twin Lakes Village or explore historic sites along the Colorado Trail in Interlaken connected to 19th-century mining magnate James Dexter. Nearby, the Cooper ski resort offers skiing opportunities and dining experiences, while downtown Leadville is home to historic hotels, theaters, saloons, and museums.

809 Harrison Avenue, P.O. Box 861, Leadville, CO 80461, Phone: 888-532-3845

The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum is one of Leadville's premiere museums, often referred to as the "Smithsonian of the Rockies" for its extensive collection of artifacts related to the American mining industry in the 19th century. The federally-chartered nonprofit museum, which is open to the public seven days a week during the summer months and Tuesdays through Sundays during the winter months, is home to more than 25,000 square feet of interactive exhibits detailing the history of pioneer mining throughout the Rocky Mountain region and its impact on everyday American life. More than 19,500 catalogued artifacts are held within the museum's collection, including mining artifacts, uniforms, and tools and collections of archival photography and documents. Four levels of exhibits detail mining practices, technologies, and discoveries, including the history of Colorado's gold and silver rushes.

P.O. Box 981, 120 W. 9th St, Leadville, CO 80461, Phone: 719-486-1229

If you are traveling with kids:

The Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad is an historic passenger railroad line embarking on leisure excursions from Leadville, travelling north from the city along the scenic Arkansas River Valley. 2.5-hour excursions travel along the former Denver, South Park, and Pacific and Colorado and Southern Railroad lines toward the Continental Divide, passing through beautiful areas of the San Isabel National Forest and offering unparalleled views of the Fremont Pass, Mount Elbert, and Mount Massive. Travelers can tour the train's caboose and engine and hear historical anecdotes about the region's railroading history and notable figures such as Molly Brown, Baby Doe Tabor, and the Guggenheims. Special excursions offered throughout the year include Devil's Tail BBQ trains, Wildflower Special trains, and package excursions offering opportunities for ziplining and whitewater rafting.

326 E. 7th Street, PO Box 916, Leadville, CO 80461, Phone: 719-486-3936

Romantic Activities and Attractions:

Top of the Rockies Ziplines offer a unique opportunity to explore the Rocky Mountains from a unique high open-air vantage point, offering a variety of excursions and tour packages throughout the year. The company, which opened to the public in 2012, offers the only zipline route in the world to travel over an operating train route, with combination zipline and scenic railroad excursion packages offered in conjunction with the Leadville, Colorado, and Southern Railroad throughout the summer months. Participants can get a bird's eye view of the rushing Arkansas River while soaring through the Continental Divide at altitudes of up to 11,200 feet, with state-of-the-art safety features utilized to ensure a safe and comfortable ziplining experience for all patrons. Excursions offered include exclusive backcountry access to abandoned mining areas, along with tours to view the region's beautiful wildflowers and autumn leaves. During the winter months, combination snowcat-zipline tours offer unparalleled views of Mounts Massive and Elbert. Lunch is provided for participants on all excursions, with complimentary beverages such as hot chocolate available seasonally.

6492 Highway 91, Leadville, CO 80461, Phone: 970-668-5323

The Mineral Belt Trail is one of Colorado's highest-elevation paved pathways, spanning 11.6 miles throughout Lake County and the Leadville region. The trail, which was proposed in 1994 and dedicated in 2000, traverses conifer forest, wildflower meadow, aspen grove, and open sage vista terrains, offering unparalleled views of the nearby Mosquito and Sawatch Ranges. It has been acclaimed as one of the state's top 10 mountain trails by the Denver Post and is a nominee for National Recreational Trail status. Six miles of the trail explore historic mining sites within the Leadville Mining District, incorporate portions of the region's three former railway lines. Joggers, cyclists, inline skaters, and longboarders can utilize the ADA-accessible trail during the summer months, while Nordic skiiers, snowshoers, and winter bikers can enjoy winter recreation opportunities.

PO Box 666, Leadville, CO 80461

Temple Israel is an historic frontier synagogue in Leadville, originally constructed by architect George E. King as a worship facility for the region's Jewish population in 1884. The synagogue was operated for regular services until 1908, attracting regional merchants and pioneers, including David May, founder of the department store chain May. Following use as a dormitory for mine workers throughout the early 20th century, the synagogue was purchased by the Temple Israel Foundation in 1992 and restored to its original condition. Today, it is open to the public as a museum celebrating Leadville's Jewish pioneer history, showcasing a collection of approximately 300 historic artifacts dating back to the mid-19th century. Occasional Jewish services are held at the synagogue as well, which also oversees the nearby Leadville Historic Cemetery.

208 West 8th Street, Leadville, CO 80461, Phone: 303-709-7050

The Mayflower Gulch Trail is a popular year-round backcountry trail located near Leadville along the western end of the Ten Mile Range. The two-mile trail meanders under the shadow of the 13,951-foot peak Fletcher Mountain, increasing in elevation throughout its route from 10,990 to 12,000 feet in elevation along a former Boston Mining Company route. The first mile of the route showcases beautiful wetland wildflowers throughout a spacious meadow before passing the remains of a former mining cabin and ore loading chute near Gold Hill. At the summit of Gold Hill, hikers can catch glimpses of the nearby Clinton Creek watershed and Kokomo mining settlement. In all, the hike takes approximately two hours to complete.

CO-91, Frisco, CO 80443