Leadville, Colorado
Top Spots in and near Leadville
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Leadville, Colorado
Overnight at the Emma and Marceline Yurts, Leadville
11 mi / 1200 ft gainDrive past the main downtown of Leadville and then head into the mountains south of town, following Mt. Sherman Road to the Yurt parking along a ridge before you come to the Black Cloud Mine. There are signs that say "Yurt Parking". Follow the road a little further down to a jeep road just before...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Ski Hut-to-Hut from Uncle Bud's to Skinner Hut
5.024.5 mi / 4700 ft gainThe trek starts just outside of Leadville near Turquoise Lake at 9800 ft. The first day you'll travel 6.5 miles and gain 1700 ft. to Uncle Bud's Hut, which sits around 11,400 ft. The second day you'll ski 7.1 miles to Skinner Hut and gain 2100 ft, mostly in the last 3 miles after having dropped...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Fly Fish Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is a beautiful lake (or could it be called a pond?), set in the shadow of the Rocky Mountain’s highest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, can be found about six miles south of Leadville, CO on the west side of US 24. This lake holds a healthy trout population and is stocked regularly...Read more -
Turquoise Lake, Colorado
Escape to Turquoise Lake
5.0Turquoise Lake is an 'off the beaten path' gem only 3 hours from the Denver Metro Area. The area surrounding the lake is home to some spacious and tree-shaded campgrounds. If you plan ahead and book early, you'll have your pick of the best spots within close proximity to the lake. The campground ...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Ski or Snowshoe to the Weston Pass Hut
5.013.4 mi / 2400 ft gainYour trip starts at the winter trailhead for Weston Pass, approximately 6.7 miles from the hut. Depending on road conditions, you may be able to cut off a few miles by driving further up the road.In the summer, you can drive all the way to the hut, and enjoy a great basecamp for hiking and trail ...Read more -
Fairplay, Colorado
Hike Mount Sherman
4.210.5 mi / 2100 ft gainA mile South of Fairplay, turn West onto 4 Mile Creek Road (dirt) and follow it for about 8 miles. The road passes a number of excellent camping spots and finally ends at the ruins of an old mine. Parking is available about a quarter mile from the mining area. Don't park at the gate as its possib...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Ski or Snowshoe to Vance's Cabin
3.1 mi / 750 ft gainVance's Cabin is a private hut near Tennessee Pass booked by the 10th mountain division. The hut was completed in 1988 and sleeps 16; 6 beds upstairs in a loft and 10 bunk beds downstairs in a communal bunked area around the wood stove. It's a compact cabin compared to some of the other huts in...Read more -
Fairplay, Colorado
Climb Horseshoe Mountain via Boudoir Couloir
7 mi / 2500 ft gainHorseshoe Mountain is a peak that is ranked in the top 100 tallest peaks in Colorado at 13,898 feet, and it can be done in the summer but is arguably more fun in the spring as a snow climb. Avalanche safety, snow climbing, and snow safety experience is necessary. To get to the trailhead, follo...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
North Mount Elbert Trail
4.59.07 mi / 4432 ft gainStart your trip at the North Elbert Creek trailhead, reached by taking Colorado 300 just south of Leadville, and then a left on County road 11 and a right on Halfmoon Creek road. The dirt road to the trailhead is well traveled. The trail begins from the parking lot and winds upwards past 2 clear...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Colorado Trail: Mount Elbert Trailhead to Twin Lakes
8.49 mi / 1099 ft gainColorado Trail: Mount Elbert Trailhead to Twin Lakes is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Leadville, Colorado.Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Hike Mount Massive
4.8Starting from the Mt Massive Trailhead off of Halfmoon Creek Road (a half mile past the more popular Mt Elbert Trailhead), follow the excellent and easy trail into the woods. This trail is wide and abnormally flat for a 14er trail for the first three miles. During these first 3 miles the only rea...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Backcountry Ski at Fremont Pass
Starting at 11,319 feet of elevation, you can choose which direction to head into the backcountry. Park at the pull-off area at the bend in the road. From here, you can head into the woods to the right (there are usually tracks from other skiers to follow) or follow Trail Rd. to reach some peaks ...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Decalibron Loop (CLOSED)
4.87.5 mi / 3000 ft gainNOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) Start your hike at the Kite Lake trailhead, where you can find overnight camping for a small fee, or park a bit down the ro...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Mt. Democrat (CLOSED)
4.84 mi / 2150 ft gainNOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) To begin this wonderful hike, drive from the town of Alma, Colorado and head up Buckskin Street for about 6 miles. I would ...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Mounts Democrat, Lincoln, Cameron and Bross (CLOSED)
4.08 mi / 3500 ft gainNOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) Find your way to the Kite Lake trailhead near Alma, Colorado. The road up to the trailhead is suitable for most vehicles, i...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Camp at Kite Lake
5.0Kite Lake is a beautiful little lake that is surrounded plenty of fourteeners. Just outside of Alma, Colorado, Kite lake can be accessed from Buckskin Street. Buckskin is a simple left turn after the only bar in Alma, or a right turn before the only bar in Alma... Do note, this road is not drivab...Read more
Camping and Lodging in Leadville
Leadville, Colorado
Silver Dollar
Overview
Silver Dollar Campground is situated near the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in the shade of a lodgepole pine and subalpine fir...
Leadville, Colorado
May Queen
Overview
May Queen Campground is located at the far western end of Turquoise Lake in a shaded lodgepole pine forest. Conveniently perched...
Turquoise Lake Road
Baby Doe
Overview
Baby Doe Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in the shade of a lodgepole pine and subalpine fir forest...
Turquoise Lake Road
Father Dyer
Overview
Father Dyer Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in the shade of a lodgepole pine and subalpine fir for...
Turquoise Lake Road
Printer Boy
Overview
Printer Boy Group Campground is located near Turquoise Lake, in an area with plenty of recreational opportunities, including boa...
Turquoise Lake Road
Molly Brown
Overview
Named after the "unsinkable" Molly Brown on the Titanic, Molly Brown Campground, on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake, sits in...