| Leadvilles mining history is still evident as you pass through its modern incarnation. Home of Silver King Horace Tabor, his scandalous second wife, Baby Doe, the nationally known Unsinkable Molly Brown, Doc Holliday, and many well-known figures. Leadvilles population reached a peak of over 40,000 and missed by only two votes being named the capitol of Colorado.Leadville is the highest incorporated city in North America, at an elevation of 10,152, surrounded by Colorados two tallest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. Nestled in a high mountain valley, crossed by the Upper Arkansas River, the majestic Sawatch Range to the west, the Mosquito Range eastward, Leadville offers magnificent scenery and abundant recreational opportunities throughout the year, including a favored ski area of locals and visitors. Historic buildings are everywhere in Leadville, many of them once saloons, brothels, or 19th century Victorian homes. In the present day, these buildings serve as restored hotels and quaint bed and breakfasts, interspersed with the occasional drinking establishment and churches of all denominations.Turquoise Lake offers excellent year around fishing and has a 16.5 mile hiking/biking trail tracing its shoreline. The Mineral Belt Trail is a paved, scenic, 12.5-mile loop around the city and through the mining district, an easy route for walkers and bikers of all ages.Recreation abounds in this mountain community, and your options for exploring Leadvilles past and present are endless. Aside from the entire downtown National Historic District, Leadville is home to the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad, the National Mining Hall of Fame, and six other significant cultural heritage museums. |
