Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP OF CHAPTER
Leadville
POP 2602 / ELEV 10,152FT
Originally known as Cloud City, Leadville was once Colorado's second-largest city (pop-
ulation 40,000) and a quintessential Wild West town, where fortunes were made and lost
overnight, swindlers ruled the roost, and Doc Holliday got into a shootout with the law
and won.
It was silver, not gold, that brought riches to the lucky few, but after the bottom dropped
out of the silver market in 1893, Leadville took a serious nosedive. Other minerals kept
the town alive, however, particularly after the discovery of molybdenum (atomic number
42), which was extremely popular in wartime as it helped to reinforce steel: Germany,
Japan and the Soviet Union were the three biggest customers of Climax Mine during the
1930s. Unsurprisingly, the US government subsequently designated Climax (atop Hwy 91
and still in operation) the nation's most important mine in the following decade.
Today, Leadville may feel slightly abandoned, but there's adventure to be had in them
there hills. You can climb the two tallest peaks in Colorado, run a 100-mile race, mountain
bike for 24 hours straight, cross-country ski to a gourmet meal or simply hop on a historic
train to glimpse wildflowers. Well, what are you waiting for?
LEADVILLE MOUNTAIN BIKING
There's a reason that one of the largest mountain-bike races in the world - the Leadville Trail 100 - happens here.
There are simply so many trails that you could bike for weeks and never retrace your path.
Mosquito Pass
presents a unique opportunity to ride above 13,000ft in treeless alpine scenery. This extremely challenging 7-mile
ascent follows E 7th St from Leadville.
Another good destination where you can enjoy panoramic vistas is
Hagerman Pass
(11,925ft), west of Lead-
ville. Riders follow a relatively easy railroad grade on USFS Rd 105 for 7 miles to Hagerman Pass from the junc-
tion on the south bank of Turquoise Lake Reservoir. On the way you pass
Skinner Hut
(
970-925-5775;
www.huts.org
;
per person $25), maintained by the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association.
An easy ride follows the shoreline trail on the north side of Turquoise Lake Reservoir for 6 miles between
Sugar Loaf Dam and May Queen Campground. Another follows the Colorado Trail north from Tennessee Pass
for 2½ miles to Mitchell Creek. For other suggestions, pick up a map from the USFS Leadville Ranger Station.
Sights
Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin
MUSEUM
