Leadville Activity Recommendations
Summer
- Bike or Walk the Mineral Belt Trail. The Mineral Belt Trail is a paved 11.6-mile trail that circles Leadville. It offers amazing views of town and the surrounding mountains. There are numerous trailheads along the trail. I like using this trailhead next to the Dutch Henry Tubing Hill. A map of the Mineral Belt trail is included in this binder. You can go in either direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise). Bike rentals are available at Cycles of Life in Leadville for $40. Trail access is free!
- Recreate at Turquoise Lake. A trip to Leadville isn’t complete without a visit to Turquoise Lake. It’s just a 5-minute drive from the condo. Anglers and boaters will enjoy the 1,800 acres of crystal-clear water. Mountain bikers, hikers, and runners will enjoy the surrounding trail system.
- Ride the Leadville Railroad. The Leadville Railroad offers scenic, family friendly rides. The route starts in Leadville and snakes up the Arkansas River Valley toward Mount Arkansas before returning to town. The roundtrip takes 2.5 hours. Adult tickets are $54.
- Drive up to Independence Pass. Sitting at 12,095 feet, Independence Pass is one of the highest elevation paved roads in the United States. Independence Pass connects Leadville and Twin Lakes with Aspen. The pass is only open from June through October. The road is steep and there are many sharp switchbacks. Any passenger vehicle can safely access the pass, but RVs and trucks over 25 feet long are prohibited. It’s a 1-hour drive to the top of the pass from the condo. Combine with lunch in Aspen (an additional 30 min drive) for a full day excursion.
- Hike a 14er. The two mountains overlooking Leadville to the west are Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert. Mt. Massive is the 2nd highest peak in Colorado with an elevation of 14,427 feet. Mt. Elbert is the highest peak in Colorado and the 2nd highest in the lower 48 states with an elevation of 14,438 feet. These 14,000 foot tall mountains (“14ers”) are popular hikes for physically fit, well prepared folks. Hiking season on these peaks goes from July through September. Bring the 10 Essentials and make sure you are prepared for adverse weather. Start your hike early in the morning (before sunrise) to avoid being caught high on the mountain when afternoon thunderstorms roll in. A good rule of thumb is to summit by 11 AM. 14ers.com is an excellent resource for planning your hike.
Winter
- Downhill Ski at Ski Cooper. Ski Cooper is the closest ski resort to the property. It is only a 10-minute drive. Ski Cooper is a small ski resort with a mom & pop vibe. If you’re looking for affordable lift tickets, no lift lines, and plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain, Ski Cooper is the clear choice. Adult lift tickets are $60-95.
- Downhill Ski at Copper Mountain. Copper Mountain is the second closest ski resort to the property. It is a 30-minute drive. Copper Mountain is a large ski resort with world-class terrain. The U.S. ski team regularly trains at Copper Mountain. If you’re looking for some of the best intermediate and advanced terrain in Colorado, choose Copper Mountain. Adult lift tickets are $200+.
- Cross Country Ski or Fat Bike at Tennessee Pass Nordic Center. Tennessee Pass Nordic Center is located right next to Ski Cooper. It’s only a 10-minute drive from the condo. They offer rentals of classic XC skis, skate XC skis, and fat bikes. Trails are groomed daily. Trail passes are $25. XC gear rentals are $25-30.
- Cross Country Ski or Fat Bike the Mineral Belt Trail. The Mineral Belt Trail is a 11.6 mile trail that circles Leadville. In winter, it is a prime fat biking and cross country skiing destination. The trails are groomed by volunteers as needed. You can rent XC ski gear at Alpine Ski & Sport in Leadville for $24. You can rent fat bikes at Cycles of Life in Leadville for $50. Trail access is free.
- Go on a Snowmobile Tour. White Mountain Snowmobile Tours offers guided snowmobile tours. You can choose a tour in the Turquoise Lake area or the Mount Arkansas area. $180-220 per driver. $80 per passenger.
