Copyright: Zander Higbie-Interactive Outdoors, Inc.
Mount Massive from Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway
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Description - Leadville began as a silver, gold, and lead mining town in 1878. It boomed in the early 1880s, when many people became wealthy from the mining investments they made in the vicinity. The true bust of Leadville's mining days came in 1893 when the silver market crashed due to the repeal of the Sherman Silver Act.
Attractions
- The Leadville area includes two recreation areas run by the National Forest Service, Twin Lakes Reservoir and Turquoise Lake Reservoir. These areas provide access to fishing, boating, camping, hiking, biking and four-wheel driving. This area brags of the highest mountain range in the state, the Sawatch Range. It is a mountaineers dream with over ten 14,000 foot peaks within a short distance of each other. The Sawatch Range provides varied terrain for many outdoor activities. The history enthusiast will enjoy the colorful past of Leadville and the wonderful architecture that remains. There are several opportunities in and out of town to augment your outdoor experiences with those of Leadville's mining history.
Recreation - The Leadville Area provides endless recreation opportunities no matter what outdoor adventures visitors seek. The fishing is great in Twin and Turquoise Lakes and countless mountain streams. The hiking trails are endless including some spectacular high alpine terrain. The biking trails provide terrain to challenge beginners, intermediates and experts. Boating in Twin and Turquoise Lakes will entertain visitors for days. During the winter months local organizations maintain miles of cross-country ski trails in the area. Snowshoeing and snowmobiling trails provide views of breathtaking scenery. For the visitor interested in alpine skiing, Ski Cooper grooms runs for all abilities. Climate - With Leadville's high elevation, the climate is relatively cool and precipitation happens often, especially during the summer months. The humidity is very low especially in higher elevations, so drink more water than normal. Its easy to become dehydrated when your active so be sure to carry water. Thunderstorms happen nearly every afternoon in July and August. If you're planning to hike or drive to a summit above 11,000 begin your trip in the early morning. Starting early will bring you down from a high, unprotected place before thunderheads start forming and lightning strikes. Location -
Leadville is located in the Arkansas River Headwaters. It is south of Highway 70 on Highway 91 about 30 miles from Copper Mountain. Highway 24 runs north and south through town and connects it with Buena Vista and Salida to the south. The Sawatch Range of mountains lies to the west of Leadville and the Mosquito Range to the east.
LAT: 39.2508229
LONG: -106.2925238
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