Leadville, CO

Things to Do in Leadville, Colorado

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Get Outdoors In Leadville, CO

Outdoor Activities

Leadville, Colorado sits at about 10,152 feet, the highest incorporated city in the United States, and it’s roughly a two-hour drive from Denver. The town grew up around the 1870s silver boom, and its historic downtown still has its Victorian-era storefronts. Today Leadville is a year-round base for the outdoors: skiing and groomed Nordic trails in winter, and hiking, biking and paddling at Twin Lakes in summer. Here are our favorite things to do in Leadville, from the team that hosts guests here every week.

Click the icons below for more on each activity, or visit our county’s tourism guide for a full list of outdoor activities.

Ski Cooper
Twin Lakes
Hiking
Paddle Boarding
Snowmobiling

Things To Do In Leadville, CO

Historic Downtown

The
Tabor Opera House

Leadville is home to the historic Tabor Opera House, which opened in 1879. Restoration work is ongoing, and tours and performances typically run from late spring through September. Check the Opera House’s website for current hours before you go.
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Historical things to do near Leadville, CO

The
Tabor Opera House

Historical things to do near Leadville, CO
Leadville is home to the historic Tabor Opera House, which opened in 1879. Restoration work is ongoing, and tours and performances typically run from late spring through September. Check the Opera House’s website for current hours before you go.
Learn More
Subtitle Text Here
The National Mining Museum Hall of Fame things to do in Leadville, CO

The National
Mining Museum
& Hall of Fame

This museum honors the dangerous work of miners and the people who work with natural resources, and it helps teach the public about the mining industry.
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The National
Mining Museum
& Hall of Fame

The National Mining Museum Hall of Fame things to do in Leadville, CO
This museum honors the dangerous work of miners and the people who work with natural resources, and it helps teach the public about the mining industry.
Visit Website

Downtown Leadville

While visiting Leadville, don't forget about all that downtown has to offer. The historic streets are lined with colorful buildings, unique shops, and plenty of places to grab a bite or drink after exploring the mountains. From local hangouts to family friendly stops, there’s always something to enjoy in the heart of town:
  • Breweries
  • Local Restaurants & Bars
  • Leadville Dog Park​
  • Retail Shopping​
Downtown Things To Do near Leadville, CO

Downtown Leadville

Downtown Things To Do near Leadville, CO
While visiting Leadville, don’t forget about all that downtown has to offer:
  • Breweries
  • Restaurants & Bars
  • Leadville Dog Park
  • Retail Shopping

Things to Do in Leadville in Winter

Winter is one of the best times to visit Leadville. Here’s where to start:

  • Ski Cooper: A family-friendly ski area about 9 miles north of town at the top of Tennessee Pass, with skiing and snowboarding for every level.
  • The Mineral Belt Trail: An 11.6-mile loop around Leadville that’s groomed in winter for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. Check the grooming report before you go.
  • Snowmobiling: Guided tours head into the high country around Leadville for some of the best mountain views in Colorado.
  • Holiday events at FREIGHT: From holiday markets to nights at the Boxcar Bar, see what’s coming up on our events calendar.

After a day in the snow, warm up in one of our Leadville cabins and boutique hotel rooms, a short drive from Ski Cooper.

Become a Tourist Pro

For a more comprehensive list of things to do in Leadville, please visit our county’s website
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Stay With Us
& Discover Leadville

After a full day exploring the mountains, lakes, and historic streets, you’ll want a comfortable place to relax. FREIGHT offers unique lodging options right in Leadville, giving you easy access to everything the area has to offer. Whether you’re here for skiing at Ski Cooper, hiking Mount Elbert, or simply enjoying the charm of downtown, our cabins and boutique hotel make the perfect base for your adventure.

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Musician performing on a wooden stage in the foreground at Freight in Leadville.
Black and white photo of a child sitting in a cabin room near a white wall under an exposed wooden beam ceiling at Freight in Leadville.

FAQ For Things to Do in Leadville, CO

What are the best things to do in Leadville in the summer?

Summer in Leadville is perfect for outdoor adventure. Hike the trails around Mount Elbert or take a leisurely walk along the Mineral Belt Trail with its sweeping mountain views. Many visitors head to Twin Lakes for kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing on the crystal clear waters. Biking is also popular in the warmer months, especially with routes that wind through alpine meadows and historic mining sites. If you’re here in August, don’t miss Leadville Boom Days, a lively festival celebrating the town’s mining heritage with parades, burro races, and local food.

What are the top things to do in Leadville, CO in winter?

Winter brings plenty of snowy fun to Leadville. Ski Cooper, a family friendly ski area, is one of the top attractions for skiing and snowboarding. Snowmobiling through high mountain passes is another unforgettable way to explore the backcountry. Visitors also love the annual ski joring competition, where skiers are pulled by horses down Leadville’s main street in an exciting race. After a day in the snow, many people relax at cozy restaurants and bars downtown, warming up with hearty Colorado comfort food.

What events and festivals happen in Leadville?

Leadville is full of unique seasonal events that draw visitors year after year. The summer highlight is Boom Days, which transforms downtown into a festival of history, music, and parades. In winter, ski joring is a must see event that blends skiing with cowboy culture in a thrilling competition. The Leadville Race Series, a set of ultramarathons and bike races, brings athletes from around the globe to test their endurance in high altitude conditions. And in autumn, visitors flock to the area for scenic drives to see Colorado’s stunning fall foliage at its peak.

What is Leadville, Colorado known for?

Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the United States, at about 10,152 feet. It was one of Colorado’s biggest silver-mining towns in the late 1800s, and today it’s known for its historic downtown, the National Mining Museum and Hall of Fame, the Leadville Race Series, and easy access to Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak.

How far is Leadville from Denver?

Leadville is about a two-hour drive from Denver, depending on traffic and mountain pass conditions. In winter, check road conditions before you go, since snow can slow travel over the passes.

Where should I stay in Leadville?

FREIGHT offers cabins and boutique hotel rooms right in Leadville, including The Slumberyard at FREIGHT, a short drive from Ski Cooper and Twin Lakes. See our Leadville lodging and cabins.