The highest incorporated city in the United States comes with plenty of Wild West vibes, a stunning backdrop of massive mountains, and lots of mining history. Whether you’re planning a trip during winter or summer, you’ll find plenty to do.

History:

Abe Lee discovered gold in the California Gulch on April 26, 1860, kicking off a gold rush in the area, according to Leadville. By the end of the summer, Leadville’s population had reached 10,000, and $2 million in gold had been extracted from the California Gulch and Iowa Gulch.

The economy of the area soon took a turn for worse, however, when by 1866 most of Leadville’s gold deposits had been drained. This caused most miners to leave the area and it looked like Leadville would soon become somewhat of a ghost town. Things changed though when the remaining prospectors discovered silver in the heavy, black sand found in the area. Although they kept it secret for almost two years, Leadville became a boom town again by 1879.

Silver magnates like Horace Tabor built their fortunes. According to Colorado Encyclopedia, Tabor gave Leadville it’s official name in 1878 after the lead ore in the area, and the town was officially incorporated. Tabor also created the still-standing Tabor Opera House in 1879, which “brought art and culture to a town whose roots lay in mining camps.”

Leadville’s history of ups and downs continued when in 1893, the Sherman Silver Purchase Act was repealed and the town’s economy grew to be unsteady once again as gold started to become a more prominent asset.

Leadville’s mines would keep producing wealth into the 1900s, though molybdenum would take center stage. By 1957, the nearby Climax Molybdenum Mine was the largest underground mine in the world.

Thankfully, through all its booms and busts, the town has managed to reinvent itself as a spot for tourism and outdoor recreation in Colorado, with it’s prime location in the mountains and historical draw.

Outdoor recreation:

Mount Elbert and Mount Massive – Leadville is known as the basecamp for hiking Colorado’s two tallest mountains, Elbert, 14,433 feet, and Massive, 14,421 feet.

Leadville Trail 100 Run and Leadville Trail 100 MTB – the town hosts these two grueling 100-mile races for runners and bikers.

Turquoise Lake – offers plenty of fun on the water.

Mineral Belt Trail – this trail runs about 11.6 miles through the hear of Leadville.

Top of the Rockies Zipline – offers backcountry zipline tours.

Ski Cooper – located about ten miles north of Leadville, on Tennessee Pass, this ski area offers a family-friendly ski experience.

Snowmobiling – another winter activity offered in Leadville, at places like the High Riders Snowmobile Club.

Culture:

Tabor Opera House – this historic opera house was built in just 100 days in 1879 by Horace Tabor and still hosts performances today.

National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum – this educational museum features glow-in-the-dark minerals, meteorites, and a walk-through model mine.

Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin – originally August R. Meyer’s 1878 Greek Revival Clapboard house, the Healy House was restored and features Victorian furnishings. Beside the mansion is a log cabin where mining investor and businessman James V. Dexter lived in Leadville.

Matchless Mine and Baby Doe’s Cabin – after Horace Tabor died, his wife “Baby Doe” moved into the Matchless Mine’s cabin. Tours of the area today include the mine’s headframe, hoist house, blacksmith shop, and Baby Doe’s cabin.

The Silver Dollar Saloon – this historic bar is the oldest in Colorado. Opened in 1879, historic photos line the saloon’s walls and give the Old West watering hole a 19th century feel.

Leadville Heritage Museum – features all kinds of Leadville memorabilia.

Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad – this tourist railroad takes passengers through the San Isabel National Forest while educating them on the area’s railroad and mining past.

Dining:

High Mountain Pies – a great pizza place in Leadville.

Treeline Kitchen – offers classic American plates.

The Leadville Grill and Cantina – serves up burgers, wings, Mexican specialties, and more in an 1878 venue.

Lodging:

The Historic Delaware Hotel – features Victorian-era vibes and is perfectly located in the downtown area.

The Timberline – also located in the heart of Leadville this is a modern dog-friendly motel.

The Majestic – guests can experience a stay in an 1880s Victorian home with modern amenities.

Columbine Inn & Suites – a great value option in Leadville.

Getting there:

According to Google Maps, Leadville is about a two hour drive from Denver.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)