Leadville – 10,052′ Above It All
Explore Leadville Year Round and Enjoy Great Shopping, Food and Fun in this 2 Mile High City!
By Lisa Blake
When we’re craving a dose of old west grit and Victorian charm, we look to our westerly friend, Leadville. Home to The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, Melanzana, skijoring, silver mining lore, and a smattering of lung-busting 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks towering over millions of acres of national forest and public land, Leadville is always up for fresh air fund.
Here’s what we’re loving about Leadville:
EAT
Zero Day Coffee
Started by thru-hikers and named for rest days where zero miles are clocked and hikers stock up on provisions, this Leadville coffee, gear and biodynamic wine shop serves vegan pastries from local bakers and a mean cup of chai. Sip yours while perusing mountain gear sourced from indie makers across the nation.
High Mountain Pies
Nab a patio picnic table and catch live music while noshing on a candied walnut, bleu cheese and fig spinach salad and trying to decide which fresh oven-baked pizza to order. Try the San Luis pie with braised pork and green chiles or the Road Runner for a unique creation with basil pesto, chicken, seasonal squash and posole.
Mineral 1886
Tucked inside the renovated Delaware Hotel in downtown Leadville, this eatery is making a name with chef-driven takes on breakfast and lunch. Try the benedict cheeseburger or the fried chicken and Belgium waffles for the best of both worlds.
Treeline Kitchen
Treeline Kitchen is a fantastic spot for eating, drinking, and getting lost in 14,000-foot mountain-top views (check out their rooftop dining). Caribbean Pork and Beans, Beef Stroganoff, and Cast Iron Cornbread dwell on the menu right next to Tuna Tartare, Lobster Artichoke Pasta, and Vegetable Curry. This restaurant is raising the bar for gathering, celebrating food, and fellowship in Leadville, Colorado.
SHOP
Gigi’s General
This is the spot for locally made goodies. Pop into this boutique for everything from vintage sleeping bag jackets to chocolate-dipped jalapenos to artisan soaps.
Harper Rose Studio’s
We always stop into this amazing store filled with the coolest locally crafted goods. Art, jewelry, clothing, housewares and more fill their shelves. Be careful, you might want to buy everything!
Leadville Outdoors and Mountain Market
Find hiking maps and trekking poles, base layers and hydration bottles, camping packs and carabiners. Souvenir seekers and outdoor adventurers spend hours inside this local treasure trove.
Melanzana
If you have time before your Leadville visit, hop on their website and reserve yourself a shopping appointment. Yep, this sewn-onsite clothing shop has such a devoted cult following that you need a reservation to shop the good stuff. The insanely soft micro grid fabric is totally worth it.
PLAY
At 10,152 feet, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the United States. Here’s a high-altitude checklist to inspire:
SUMMER
- Bike the Mineral Belt Trail
- Drive the scenic Top of the Rockies
- Take a guided tour of the Tabor Opera House
- Attend Boom Days August
- Camp, paddle and boat at Twin Lakes
- Hit the links at Mt. Massive Golf Course
- Ride the scenic Leadville Railroad
- Mountain bike to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse
WINTER
- Ski and Snowboard at Ski Cooper
- Nordic Ski the Mineral Belt Trail
- Take a guided tour of the Tabor Opera House
- Attend Leadville Ski Joring
- Fat Bike at Twin Lakes
- Snowmobile with an Outfitter
- Ride the scenic Leadville Railroad
- Ski or Snowshoe to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse
There is so much more to this amazing little city in the sky. A great source for everything Leadville is their website and their new Visitor Information Center right on Harrision Avenue in a newly renovated building from the 1800’s. It is beautiful!
Featured Photo, The Timberline Hotel, by HollyGoSpritely Media
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