Perched 10,152 feet above sea level and ringed by fourteeners, Leadville is the epitome of the Colorado high country. After silver was struck here in 1877,it swelled from a handful of inhabitants to a population of 30,000 in just three years, attracting miners, merchants, opera singers, and gamblers. When the silver was gone, so went the people, leaving behind piles of tailings and sturdy Victorian buildings. Now home to the iconic Leadville 100 mountain-bike race and ultramarathon, the town is experiencing a second, slower boom, with mountaineering, fishing, and bike shops replacing brothels. Thankfully, the saloons are still there.聽
Mount Elbert and Mount Massive
The two tallest peaks in Colorado stand southwest of Leadville. The most traveled routes聽are fairly moderate as fourteeners go, making them popular day hikes. Elbert鈥檚 Northeast Ridge route climbs 4,700 feet in nine聽miles through forest, meadows, and talus to a broad, rounded summit. Mount Massive鈥檚 East Slopes route climbs 4,500 feet in eight miles along a well-traveled trail.
Arkansas River
For anglers, the 102 continuous gold-medal miles of the聽Arkansas begin eight miles downstream of Leadville at the confluence of the Lake Fork. Walk and wade聽for rainbows and browns. Colorado Fly Fishing Guides leads trips on the Arkansas and several lakes, and has exclusive permission to fish private waters on the Lake Fork (). The whitewater ranges from rollicking Class III Browns Canyon, farther downstream near Buena Vista, to Class V聽Pine Creek Canyon, 34 miles south of Leadville. Arkansas Valley 国产吃瓜黑料s, in nearby Granite, can set you up with daily trips suited to your appetite for adventure ().
Mount Sherman
Sherman is one of Colorado鈥檚 most approachable fourteeners, with a trailhead just seven miles from town and a聽4.5-mile, 2,150-foot ascent on mellow talus ridges. Stop at for directions and gear.
High Mountain Pies
Known for its rotating lineup of unusual pizzas, also has loads of shaded outdoor seating. Try the Crocodile, with cream cheese, jalape帽o, shrimp, and bacon. 115 W. 4th St.
Scarlet Tavern and Inn
This , set in an 1880s-era brick building with pressed-tin ceilings, features 12 beertaps, live music, and pool, foosball, and Ping-Pong tables. 326 Harrison Ave.
Tennessee聽Pass Cafe
尝别补诲惫颈濒濒别鈥檚 features a dog-friendly deck with live music, a seasonal cocktail menu, and a selection of Colorado beers on tap. The eclectic fare ranges from flash-fried Brussels sprouts聽to grilled Colorado-beef sliders. 222 Harrison Ave.
Leadville Hostel and Inn
A favorite with endurance athletes, this has doubles starting at $40 and plenty of indoor and outdoor common space for hanging out or tuning up bicycles. The owners can help with trailhead drop-offs and pickups. 500 E. 7th St.
Mineral Belt聽Bike Trail
This 11-mile-long paved trail rings Leadville, combining segments of three decommissioned railways that once served its mining industry. Rent a cruiser at at 309 harrison ($25) and pedal through wildflower-studded meadows and aspen groves with views of the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges.
Cloud City Wheelers Mountain-Bike Trails
This 12-mile network of singletrack southeast of town presents flowy easy and intermediate rides. The farther out you go, the more technical the trails become.