Leadville, Colorado, is a perfect place for adventures of all kinds. I have visited in the summer before for the incredible hiking, fishing, and mountain biking in the area, but Visit Leadville invited me up to experience the town in the winter, and it blew me away! Let me show you why this is a must-see destination year round.
Winter brings the droves of people to the large ski resorts, but winter in Leadville means less crowds, which gives you a more authentic and relaxed view of this charming town. Thus, you get to experience the real Leadville without sacrificing adventure!
Before we get into it, remember that if you are visiting during the winter, always look up conditions, practice snow safety and have a Plan B when mapping out what activities you want to do. Always check road conditions during the winter as things change up here rapidly!
Activities you can’t miss in Leadville:
The Tennessee Pass Cookhouse:
This is hands down the most unique dining experience I have ever had. You start by hiking, snowshoeing or skiing a mile up to the cookhouse. You are then treated to a delicious four course meal with incredible views in the cozy yurt. My tummy and my mountain soul left satisfied. Click here for more.
Top of the Rockies Zipline
Have you ever ziplined in the snow? I never had before, but let me tell you…it is one of my new favorite things to do! The views from the highest zipline in the U.S. cannot be beat, and the guides had us laughing nonstop as we zipped along the peaks. Taking the snowcat up and ziplining down the mountain is something I will never forget.
Victorian Main Street
The main street of Leadville and surrounding blocks have such charm. We loved wandering around them and checking out some of the local small businesses. Don’t miss grabbing coffee at Zero Day or City on a Hill. For some delicious pizza, hit up High Mountain Pies. For breakfast, stop by Mineral 1886 in the Delaware Hotel or Silver Llama. And don’t miss out on all the local stores! We loved the handcrafted goods at Elevation Goods.
Check out some of the mining history:
Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the USA. To delve more into the history of this town check out the Matchless Mine Shaft with a mining tour, visit the National Mining Hall of Fame, or take a ride on the Scenic Leadville Railroad. One of the places we stayed: Freight’s S.Lumber Yard has the train drive right by and is inspired by the women of mining Leadville!
Leadville is rich in mining history, and it sits near the nation’s newest national monument: the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument. This is where World War II soldiers learned to fight on skis!
Hiking:
You all know I love to hike! So here are some of my favorite trails in the area. As always, check AllTrails for the most up to date trail conditions and check for avalanche danger when venturing out in the winter. Many of these trails are perfect for snowshoeing or cross country skiing as well as hiking!
-Silver spoon trail
-Mineral Belt Trail
-Mt Massive Golf Course ski and snowshoe trails (recommended $10 donation)
-Tennessee Pass Nordic Center
-Turquoise Lake
-Mayflower Gulch
-Windsor Lake
For a unique experience check out the Fish Hatchery:
Take the family to learn more about the process of recreational fish repopulation, and enjoy the scenic nature trails around the area. The drive past the Hatchery is very scenic and eventually connects you right back to downtown Leadville as well.
Take a Drive:
During the warmer months, drive one of the most scenic passes in Colorado: Independence Pass. In the winter you can drive to the gated portion and cross country ski or snowshoe on the pass itself, but you can’t drive up and over it due to conditions.
The Route of the Silver Kings Drive takes you along the mining routes surrounding Leadville, and details the history that led to the town we know and love today. Note: some sections require 4WD or high clearance, so click here for more information.
Looking for a place to stay?
For a place right in downtown Leadville check out the S.Lumbar Yard at Freight! These cabins are all named after the women of Leadville. The cabins are charming, come with a record player and kitchenette, and even provide an altitude survival kit for those of you not used to being above sea level. Plus it’s pet friendly and they provide dog bowls and dog beds for your furry friends! Kenai loved it!
For a more intimate mountain retreat, check out Alpenglow Cabin. This cabin sits about 30 minutes outside Leadville near Twin Lakes. I have NEVER seen a view like this from a cabin before. I could sit in their deck hot tub for hours on end soaking in the vistas. The cabin has so many homey touches that make you feel cozy and at home in the heart of the mountains. This cabin is also on the way to Independence Pass, which makes a day trip to Aspen easy in the warmer months.
No matter what time of year you visit, Leadville has something to offer for everyone. This region has quickly become one of my all time favorites in Colorado. Whether you want adventure or a laid back mountain retreat, this is the town for you, and I hope this has inspired you to visit soon. As always, drop any questions in the comments below and subscribe to stay up to date on the latest. Happy adventures, fam!
*I was hosted and compensated for this trip and media production
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