Things to Do
Year ROUND Activities | Summer Activities | Winter Activities
Year ROUND Activities
There’s always something to do in Leadville!
Downtown Leadville
The cutest little mining town. It's kept all its charm from the Gold Rush days but also has new, modern restaurants and shops with everything you'll need during your stay with us.
TABOR OPERA HOUSE
Built in 1879 at the height of the silver boom and named a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Tabor Opera House is a few blocks down Harrison Avenue. It hosts concerts, theater and tours through the year, and it is worth a look inside even on a quiet night.
Railroads
Scenic rides through the Rocky Mountains with views of all the highest peaks, wildflowers, and aspen groves and you'll learn about Leadville's history. This is the perfect trip in the summer or fall.
Museums
Learn about Leadville's amazing history in our 8 museums (that's more museums per capita than anywhere else in CO). You can explore historic homes or learn about the mining history.
Hunting
In Leadville, you'll have access to GMUs (game managed unit) 48 and 49 where there are pronghorns, moose, elk, deer, and other smaller game like snowshoe hares and ptarmigan. These GMUs are 80% public land, so bring your bows and rifles, there's enough room for everyone here..
Zip Lining
Zipline at the Top of the Rockies, only a 10-minute drive from Leadville, and is open all seasons! Enjoy a two-hour prospect tour or enjoy zip lining in the middle of a train tour!
Summer Activities
Don't forget to bring sunscreen and canned oxygen!
Hiking
If you're looking for a long or short hike, Leadville has it. There are so many trailheads close to Leadville. Easier hikes include Turquoise Lake Trail, Native Lake Trail, or Mineral Belt Trail. If you want to become a true Coloradan though, you can hike a 14er (14,000 ft mountain) like Mt. Massive, Mt. Sherman, or the highest peak in CO - Mt. Elbert.
Mountain Biking
Another way to explore the Rockies is Mountain Biking. Going on a self-guided tour in the mountains is one of the best ways to explore and adventure through the land. The Mineral Belt Trail is a 12.5-mile paved loop that wanders through Leadville’s Historic Mining District.
Running
These races will take your breath away. Because of Leadville's elevation, these races are some of the hardest in the country, but you'll get some great views of the Rockies with these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Fish Hatchery
The second oldest federally operated National Fish Hatchery in the country. This was made to increase the depleting fish supply for inland waters. The hatchery grounds occupy 3,072 acres of clean, cold water that creates the perfect environment for growing trout.
Golf
Colorado's Highest golf course with the prettiest view of the mountains. Mt. Massive Golf Course is open to the public and is located near the Arkansas River headwaters.
Boom Days
Boom Days is a Colorado Mountain Festival and a celebration of the Old West. There are gunslingers, burro races (CO's state summer sport), contests of mining skills, and over 100 booths. Experience Leadville in all its glory with three days of food, art, craft, and activities that everyone will enjoy.
Horseback Riding
Go on a Horseback Riding trip through the Rockies at tap into your inner rancher. You'll have incredible mountain views (of course) and pass old mines and logging sites, you could even ride to the top of Mt. Zion!
UTV + Dirt Bike Tours
Guided tours through trails in 4-seated UTVs or dirt bikes through Leadville's terrain.
Fly Fishing
Walk/wade fly fishing in the Arkansas River. You're likely to find some wild brown trout, but the smaller streams support a healthy population of wild browns and brook trout and you can find cutthroat trout in the high alpine lakes in the area.
Rafting
What's a CO trip without whitewater rafting? Travel to Breckenridge or Frisco, just an hour outside of Leadville to experience this amazing adventure.
Canoes, Kayaks + Paddleboards
Experience the fresh, clean mountain water from a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or even a fishing trip!
Winter Activities
Yes, you still need sunscreen in the winter here.
Ski Joring
Leadville has run its ski joring race down Harrison Avenue every March since 1949. The snow is packed onto the street, and horses and riders tow skiers over jumps at a full gallop, right past our front door. Book early; the town fills up.
Ski Cooper
Yep, you read that right. Ski Cooper has 59 trails served by 5 lifts that span 470 lift-served acres. SkiCooper is the closest ski mountain to Leadville (10 minute drive). Because of its base elevation and an average of 260" of snow every year, the snow stays dry and fluffy.
Snowcat Skiing
"Soak in spectacular scenery as we climb along the Continental Divide with dozens of Colorado’s highest peaks in view. Enjoy remarkable runs with small groups and a guide" just on the other side of SkiCooper.
Copper Mountain
20 miles away from Leadville is Copper Mountain Ski Resort, another great place for skiing or snowboarding. World class resort and part of the Ikon Pass.
Nordic Skiing + Snowshoeing
Nordic skiing is a great way to explore miles and miles of the area. If skiing isn't really for you then don't worry! Rent a pair of snowshoes to adventure on foot.
Fat Tire Biking
Biking is a year-round event here in Colorado. After you rent your bike in town, take it to Mineral Belt Trail, the Historic Mining District, or Turquoise Lake -- some of Leadville's most popular trail for fat tire biking.
Snow Mobiling
Enjoy a Scenic Snowcat tour that climbs its way over 12,000 feet high into the Rocky Mountains. The snow covered Mountains will amaze everyone in your group. We travel right up close to one of Colorado’s highest mountains Mt. Sherman and get out to take some amazing vacation pictures. Tours start December 15th!
UTVs
Take a 2.5hr Winter tour through the amazing scenery Leadville has to offer. From the many abandoned mines to exploring in the Rocky Mountains!
Tubing + Sledding
Bring your own tube or sled (or rent from the rental hut) to Dutch Henry Sledding Hill.
Ice Skating
Huck Finn Ice Rink is the largest man-made ice skating rink in Colorado and it's right here in Leadville! Bring your own skates or rent them from rink!
Dog Sledding
Go with a small group to experience this "dog-powered fun" where you get to drive the dog sled!
Ice Fishing
Go out to Turquoise Lake, Twin Lakes, or Clear Creek Reservoir for the best ice fishing in Leadville. For a more secluded experience, try Hayden meadows or Crystal Lakes which are just south of Leadville.
Ice Castles
Visit this award-winning frozen attraction that is only a 40-minute drive from Leadville. There are ice mazes, slides, and plenty of caverns to explore here. It is the perfect excursion for kids and adults. They even have private alcoves you can book perfect for a special occasion.
Hot Springs
Experience Colorado's natural heated pools this winter in Buena Vista. Cottonwood Hot Springs and Mount Princeton Hot Springs are both located here, just an hour south of Leadville.