Seasonal Fun Guide: Things to Do - Activities/Events
Whether it's the perfect powder for Snowcat, Backcountry, and Downhill Skiing or the amount of runoff for Fly fishing, Kayaking, and Rafting, Mother Nature dictates the perfect outdoor conditions for all the activities and events in Leadville. As the seasons change in "The Heart of the Rockies" so does the type of activities, events, and family fun. Each activity and event has a description and other helpful information. The Things to Do - Activities are listed from Antiques to Zip line. "Click on a Activity Icon" to review that activity. Please look over your favorite activities & events before choosing your special time of year to vacation with Cielo Vista Vacation Properties. A few moments now will "Elevate Your Vacation".
Things to Do - Activities
Things to Do - Kids Activities & Seasonal Events
Successful Vacations always start with the children and your ability to keep them happy and engaged. You can preview the Kids Activities and the Seasonal Events and create your own personal to do list. Pick the ones that will keep the kids busy and put a permanent smile on their faces and memories in both your and their hearts long after you leave. The kids activities are listed in alphabetical order and the seasonal events by chronological order. Just "clic" on the Kids Activities to find all the things that your child will tell all their friends about when they get back home. If you hear your kids say, "Way Cool", "That was Awesome", "Let's do that again!" or " You guys are the best Parents on the face of the Earth", you know you were successful. It might take a few years before you hear the last one. Also "click" on the or Seasonal Events Icon to view a list of Leadville's and other vacationers favorites for children and grown ups alike. If you are within 3 months of vacationing in Leadville and would like to look at a more comprehensive list with greater details on dates, time, locations and other important information you can check out all the Current Seasonal Events or look under Local Color and Conditions drop down menu.
Kids Activities Seasonal Events
Antiquing
Leadville’s mining history and western past left behind a treasure trove of unique artifacts, heirlooms, geological gems and even pre-historic fossils. There are 5 locations in town that sell antiques, pre-historic artifacts and collectibles. Most are located on or just a few blocks off of Harrison Avenue, the main through fare of town. For the “Avid Collector”, make it a multi-day excursion with a scenic drive. In every direction out of Leadville there is a Scenic Byway that leads to another small mountain town with antiques. Imagine driving through the heart of the Rockies surrounded by 14,000’ mountains with great scenery. All these drives are exceptionally beautiful in the fall with the added color of the turning aspen leaves. Travel south to Buena Vista on US 24, west to Minturn on US 24, or north on Highway 91 to I-70, then east on I-70 to the Frisco exit. All these small mountain towns have 3 shops or more locate on or close to the main thoroughfare. Take a moment to googled each town for antique shop location and operating hours. Below are a few of the local proprietors and establishments that are more than happy to help you out. Call ahead for hours, directions, contact information, and their services.
Archery
There is no greater skill than shooting a bow to increase you eye hand coordination. And when kids learn skills their minds and confidence grows. What a great way for Fathers to spend quality time with their children. Every year the Rocky Mountain Bowmen Club sponsor several events in Leadville to promote the sport. The David Lucero Memorial Father’s Day 3D Shoot will take place June 20-21 at the Rocky Mountain Bowmen Club Range. This competitive 3D archery shoot features 14 divisions, including pro, two scored ranges, one fun range, sight-in range, team challenge shoot, food vendor, picnic area, playground, Colorado Bowhunters Association merchandise, camping area, door prizes and more! They also hold a Snowshoe and Shoot competition in March. The archery range is located south of Leadville at the end of County Road 23A. Turn south off of Highway 24 at the airport exit, and follow the signs. The range is operated and maintained by the Rocky Mountain Bowmen Archery Club.
Biking, Road
Road Cycling or Touring in the High Country is one of the most scenic ways to view the natural beauty of the Rockies. One of the best scenic and historic byways is the “Top of the Rockies”. From Leadville there are 3 direction and 112 miles of road, most above 8000 feet to conquer. Overnight you can store you bikes in the garage for security. The next morning you can mount up and ride right out of the garage to start your adventure. Ride south along the Sawatch Range and the Arkansas River to Buena Vista and on to Poncha Springs to extend the ride. Or head through town then west over Tennessee Pass towards Minturn. Bring a lunch, and a jacket, you’ll need it. There are multiple races every year in Leadville for those that offer race support or enjoy the thrill of competition. Most of them are considered to be “Epic” rides or races. Don’t forget to check in at the Leadville Race Series Headquarters in town for all the race schedules and cool gear. For more information go to www.topoftherockiesbyway.org. Below are a few of the local proprietors and establishments that are more than happy to help you out. Call ahead for hours, directions, contact information, and their services for road biking.
Boating
Lake County has several destinations for boating. Turquoise Lake has motorized access for boats on the south side of the lake and non-motorized boats on the north. For a small launch fee you can cruise around the lake and enjoy the vistas. Early morning paddling with the sun focusing on the mountain peaks and the lake with mirror-like conditions makes for great photo opportunities. Fishing in the lake can be exciting for the little ones as for the experience angler. Other activities include sailing, canoeing, and even water skiing. Don’t forget the wet suit, burrrrrrr! Twin lakes between Leadville and Buena Vista also offers some forms of boating. Below are a few of the local proprietors and establishments that are more than happy to help you out. Call ahead for hours, directions, contact information, and their services for water sports.
Canoe/Kayaking
Turquoise Lake offers endless hours to recreation and sliding a canoe in at the Tabor Boat Ramp is one of the best. Whether you chose to fish for Browns, Rainbows, and Mackinaw or leisurely paddle around the shoreline, the open views are spectacular. For a small fee, you can stop the hands of time and reflect on life. It’s a small price to pay for serenity. The Arkansas River offers over 100 miles of whitewater rafting & kayaking. Starting north of Buena Vista, Colorado heading towards Leadville extreme kayakers and rafters run Pine Creek, one of the most challenging class V whitewater kayaking sections in Colorado. Below Pine Creek is the Numbers section, this is a great advanced class IV-V whitewater section. The most popular whitewater section in Colorado is Browns Canyon. This is the best whitewater rafting trip for families but a great class III-IV section for intermediate kayakers. If you bring your own, don’t worry. You can store them in the garage for safe keeping while you’re in town. Below are a few of the local proprietors and establishments that are more than happy to help you out. Call ahead for hours, directions, contact information, and their services for paddling.
Fall Colors
Leadville has so many ways to enjoy the Fall Colors in the Rocky Mountains. You can take the family on a drive along the Scenic Byways complete with rivers slowed down to a trickle. Maybe it`s a hike in the woods or bike on the trails. The Fall Splendor is Magnificent. Why you can even choose to see it from a train, a zip line or a zip Line overtop of a train. Either way the North East has nothing on the Colorado Rockies and Leadville in the fall.
Fish Hatchery
Leadville National Fish Hatchery (NFH), established in 1889, is the second oldest Federally operated fish hatchery in existence today. Leadville National Fish Hatchery was created by Executive Order of President Benjamin Harrison for the purpose of increasing the supply of fish for inland waters. The hatchery grounds occupy 3,072 acres near the city of Leadville, Colorado, at an elevation of 10,000 feet. The hatchery’s subalpine forest surroundings, with its cold, clean water supply provide the ideal location for trout production
Fishing, Fly
The headwaters of the Arkansas River starts in Leadville and traverses over 100 miles of terrain. Throughout this corridor there is extensive public access, in the form of BLM/USFS lands, state park sites administered by the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, and leased lands/state wildlife areas historically managed by the Division of Wildlife. The river is paralleled by US Highways 24, 285, or 50 along much of its path and the mothballed Denver and Rio Grande Western rail line follows it as well. Leadville offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to fish for Trout in Gold Medal Waters along the Arkansas River. South of town, you can present your Wooly or Nymph to Browns or Bows and if the action is right, make the water swell with activity. There is something about fly fishing that puts the Gent in Gentlemen. Below are a few of the local proprietors and establishments that are more than happy to help you out. Call ahead for hours, directions, contact information, and their services for Fly-fishing.
Fishing, Lake
Guest why it’s call Lake County! Small or large, shallow or deep, they all offer great fishing. There are several reservoirs in the valley where fishing from shore can be very good. Near Leadville, is Turquoise Lake. The state recreation area offers great fishing and views. It has trail or road completely around the lake, giving great fishing access. South of Leadville is Twin Lakes Reservoir. This cold deep lake is at the base of Mt. Elbert. Catch and release has its merits but, something about family and friends out on the deck with the olive oil drizzled in a cast iron skillet sizzling around the legal limit of trout is appealing, not to mention nourishing. Toss in some light herbs and a bay leaf or two and you got yourself an old Fashion Rocky Mountain Fish Fry. Finally, Clear Lake Reservoir is just south of Granite, small, but probably the best lake fishing in the valley. These lakes are close enough that a fisherman can try his luck on all three in one day. These lakes also have launch ramps for those lucky fishermen with boats. There are so many lakes and streams in the valley that it would take years to fish them all. Better get started soon! Give a call for hours, directions and contact information for related services that will help bring home the bacon, I mean fish.
Golfing
You really don’t think of Leadville as a Golf Haven, until you hit that first tee shot 50 yards further than you ever have. Fresh mountain air will help your drives be the longest you`ve ever hit (about 20% further than at sea level), and the spectacular natural setting will inspire you and your game to new heights. Before you start thinking, “Green Jacket”. Let’s not get carried away, “Tiger”. How about 4 close friends playing 9 or 18 holes surround by great scenery. Mountain Massive Golf Course is just on the edge of town and the 9 hole pricing start as low as $16.00 walking. It’s family friendly, reasonably priced and not a house, hotel or condo in sight. Set in the rural Arkansas River Valley, ringed by the highest peaks in the lower 48, play golf the way it was meant to be played - at Mt. Massive Golf Course. The surrounding areas like Vail, Beaver Creek, and Breckenridge also have great resort courses too. In fact, you can use your stay with Cielo Vista as the Golf Center of the Rocky Mountains. There are 6 courses within 60 minutes of Leadville. Wow! Six people, six day, six courses, and only sixty minutes away. Sounds like a Golf Vacation to me. Call ahead for tee time, hours, directions and contact information for related services that support your hole in one.
Hiking
Hiking in, through, and around the mountains is very special in the Colorado Rockies. The terrain, vista, and weather are constantly changing. And because you are away from the noise of town you can actually hear the quiet! After a few moments you start to hear the chatter of squirrels, the sound of the wind before you feel it, and the flap of every wing, bird or bug. The two longest trails in the Leadville area are The Continental Divide Trail which runs from Canada to New Mexico and The Colorado Trail that runs from Denver to Durango. That should keep you busy for a while. Now toss in endless miles of mining and logging trails, lake shores and trails to the top of fourteeners and you are due a new pair of hiking boots. Don’t worry, there are several places in town to buy new ones. Oh, let’s not forget the multi-use Mineral Belt Trail that runs through and around town. Keep in mind that every one of these trails give you a new perspective on the awesome mountain scenery in Leadville and the opportunity to see some rocky mountain wildlife such as mule deer, elk, mountain goats, marmots, and eagles. Check out any of the places below for hours, directions and contact information for related services that support finding a new pair of boots or spectacular hiking trail. One of the best websites for hiking in and around Leadville is http://www.hikingwalking.com because of the excellent descriptions and details. Most of the hikes listed are featured on their site.
Horseback Riding
The West has not been forgotten or abandon in Leadville. Riding horseback is not only welcome, roads and trail are clearly marked for equestrian use. There are 45 trails within the Leadville Ranger District for horseback riding with staging areas that accommodate trailers, Giddy Up. Come experience the high country the way the pioneers did! If you don’t own a horse don’t worry. There are several local outfitters that offer one hour to multi day rides, and rides that feature lunch and dinner. You can experience a wilderness trip in either the Holy Cross or Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Areas near timberline seeing spectacular views that others only dream about. Most outfitters tailored their trips to meet your desires whether it be for fishing, hunting or photography. Below are a few of the local proprietors and establishments that are more than happy to help you out. Call ahead for hours, directions, contact information, and their services for wear to ride the storms out.
Ice Fishing
When old man winter blows into town it’s time to go, that’s right, fishing. Grab your shanty and ice auger and head for Turquoise or Twin Lakes. The goal is “Big Mackinaw” but rainbows are plentiful. And each year the Rod and Gun Club of Leadville sponsor Ice Fishing Derby. There are several places in town that can help outfit you. Call ahead for hours, addresses and contact information for services that can help get the big one out the hole.
Ice Skating
There is nothing more humbling than a fall on you “Kiester” in front of your peers. And yet, you look back at the whole ordeal and laugh. Winter fun and games always seem to leave an indelible smile on your face. Just a few blocks from the heart of downtown on 5th street is the Leiter Ice Rink. It’s fun for the whole family and affordable. At 30,000 square feet, this is one of the largest manmade rinks in Colorado! The facility features skate rentals, a snack bar, a warming hut, and a great sound system. Call ahead for hours, directions, contact information, and more information about county parks and recreation services.
Indoor Aquatics
Who would have thunk it. Leadville and Aquatics! It’s true. Indoor swimming year round for you and the children. When the kids need a little something other than the natural beauty of the surrounding, take them to Indoor Aquatic Center. Colorful Slides and Sprinklers just might do the trick. There is a Hut Tub and Dry Sauna to. Call for hours, addresses and contact information for services that support your aquatic fix.
Movies/Plays
A few years back the old movie theater closed but there are still great alternatives for movie watching. One is DVD rentals at the Movie Store in Town. Another is Red box at Safeway. All our vacation rental homes are equipped with wide screen TVs and DVD players. Finally there is a movie theater located in Dillon Colorado about 40 minutes away. Coming Soon! Leadville is patiently wait the for the restorations to finish on the Tabor Opera House. Once they are complete, A full schedule of plays are expected like the "Unsinkable Molly Brown"
Museums
The historical nature of Leadville’s role and allure to riches has created an atmosphere for Museums. There are 5 official museums in town with a few more establishments and structures that are associated with stories that added to the mystic and legend of the American Wild West. Carnegie, Rockefeller, Tabor, Earp, Holiday, Brown, and Smith all left marks on Leadville, Good and Bad. Imagine that scene in a smoked filled saloon packed with hard rock miners! Call ahead for hours, directions, contact information, and more information about museums and historical sites.
Off Road
You would think the best thing the National Forest Services provides is trees, but you would be mistaken. Roads, yes roads and thousands of them. Most of the roads are maintained for fire access. Jeeps and ATVs have miles and miles to travel with unprecedented terrain and vistas. Leadville also has an ATV Park just south of town. Now strap on your safety gear and remember to follow all the safety rules and land regulations public and private and let the fun begin. Call for hours, addresses and more information about off road travel, jeep rentals, and the ATV Park.
Parades
Nothing says close knit, community oriented, small town like a parade. And Leadville fits the bill. The first one celebrates our Nation`s birth and our Freedom. The next one celebrates the Leadville`s Mining Heritage. Come to the Colorado Rockies and enjoy them with us.
Peak Bagging
For years the Colorado fateful have awaken early to drive hundreds of mile to get up and down a fourteener before the afternoon thunderstorms form. With Leadville as a Base camp, you can have time for a great Breakfast on the deck, drive a short distance to the trail head and still be down for lunch before the weather has changes. Peak Bagging offers unprecedented views and a new perspective on life. Leadville offers quick trail head access to 3 of the top 4 tallest mountains in Colorado and the Rockies. In an hour’s drive or so from Leadville you can be at the base of 15 fourteeners and ready for a journey of a lifetime. The goal is not to summit, it’s to make it down safely. Click Here for hours, addresses and more information about 14er’s trail access, weather, and maps.
Rafting
Rivers in the Rockies are not large or deep but they are fast and cold. When its hot time, summer in the city and the back of your neck is dirty gritty, head to Leadville. There are multiple half and full day white water rafting trips out of Leadville that are guaranteed to cool you down and wash you off. Click here for hours, addresses and more information about outfitters, rafting trips and water conditions.
Range Shooting
There is a new Sherriff in town, a brand new public shooting range on the south side of town thanks to grants from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Friends of the NRA. It will provide locals and visitors a designated, safe and contained area for firearm use. It includes a 50-yard pistol range, 100- and 200-yard rifle ranges with concrete benches and a vault restroom are included. After completion, grants for a second phase will be applied for adding more benches with shelters, an improved road to the range and a shotgun area. Call for hours, addresses, maps and more information about where to go and how to get there.
Rock Hounding
There’s Gold in them there hills, and silver, turquoise, semi-precious stones, and pre-historic fossils of fish and ferns. There’s old gold and silver mines and claims all over the mountains. Even a turquoise mine above the lake. Brown’s Canyon, Marshall Pass, and Mt Antero are great places to hunt. Call these fine establishments for hours, addresses and more information about where to go and how to get there.
Scenic Byways
Fall comes early at 10,000 feet. Just a few cooler than normal nights in early to mid-September is Mother Nature’s signal to transform. Aspen quake with gold and sometimes scarlet leaves upside evergreens and a backdrop of towering peaks is more than picturesque. Driving in and around Leadville on the scenic byways offer endless opportunity of that perfect frame. Below are a few of the local proprietors and establishments that are more than happy to help you out. Call ahead for hours, directions, contact information, and their services for aspen viewing.
Skiing Snowcat
Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours is operated by Ski Cooper on 2600 acres of open powder bowls, glades and timber in the San Isabel and White River National Forests. This is an area roughly the size of Vail’s Back Bowls, with similar length, pitch and vertical. Guests soak in spectacular scenery as we climb along the Continental Divide with dozens of Colorado’s highest peaks in our view – a beauty scene unlike any we’ve seen elsewhere. We’ll take you as high as 12,600 feet. The slopes vary from 3,000 to 10,000 feet in length with vertical drops up to 2,000 feet per run.
Skiing, Backcountry
Leadville is the first home of the Tenth Mountain Division and their Hut system. During the winter there are endless miles of Hut to Hut trails and backcountry ski terrain. From Leadville to Aspen to Vail and back to Leadville should keep you busy for a while.There are more places to enjoy. The tenth is just the most famous. Call for hours, addresses and more information about where to go in the snow and how to get there.
Skiing, Cross Country
Right through town runs the Mineral Belt trail that is maintained for cross country skiing during the winter. Take in the local color of Victorian homes and big mountain views. If mountain scenery is more to your liking take the Turquoise Lake Road. You can ski around the lake for spectacular vistas. Ski Cooper also offers a trail and rentals with expert advice. There’s miles of groomed trails in and around Leadville for all levels, novice or advanced. Call any of the sites below for hours, addresses, maps and more information about where to go in the snow and how to get there.
Skiing, Downhill
Leadville has its own Ski area called Ski Cooper. It’s very seldom crowded and a great place to ski for the whole family. Affordable rentals and ski school for the kids make it an ideal place to ski. If bigger is better for you, Leadville is less than a 60 minute drive from 5 other ski resorts. Ski a lot for a little or ski a little for a lot. It’s you dime. Click or call any of the sites below for hours, addresses, maps and more information about where to go in the snow and how to get there.
Sledding/Tubing
If you need to get the kids engaged in the outdoors and burn off some of that youthful energy take them to Dutch Henry Hill. It’s the highest and fasted hill in all of Colorado. Hours of fun for a small price and you only have to drive a minute south of town. They even have tubes for Mom and Dad’s @!#*, rear end. Click or call any of the sites below for hours, addresses, maps and more information about where to go in the snow and how to get there.
Snowmobiling
One of the fastest ways to go and come back in the snow is snowmobiling. There are over 30 miles of safe groomed trail around Turquoise Lake and many, many more around the Leadville area. All of which come with spectacular views. Bring your own sled or rent in town. There is a parking area with bathroom at the north east entrance of the lake. Click or call any of the sites below for hours, addresses, maps and more information about where to go in the snow and how to get there.
Snowshoeing
Strapping on snowshoes and taking in all the clean mountain air is a great way to enjoy Leadville. You can take the Mineral Belt Trail in town or shoe around the Turquoise Lake on and off trail. Either way, fun in the sun with to die for scenery makes for one great outing. Bring snacks or a picnic lunch and soak it all in. Click or call any of the sites below for hours, addresses, maps and more information about where to go in the snow and how to get there.
Trains
The Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad travels back in time to a view of the mountain only miners got to see. A 2 1/2 hour trip takes you above the valley through the mountains and trees. This is one the kids love because every seat in the house is great and they can move around. You can take advantage of the water tank stop to have a family picture moment. You can also book different theme rides during the year like the Wildflower Train with an experienced guide for a 20 minute hike through pine forests, aspen groves and open meadows. View a multitude of varieties of wildflowers at the water tower. There is also a Fall Foliage Train. This tour goes all the way up our line, an additional mile and a half, allowing you to see the sweeping vistas of the Arkansas River Valley. Get that special shot framed by Colorado`s autumn beauty, make sure to bring your camera and your jacket! On the way back look for the forest animals and don’t forget to pack snacks. Click or call any of the sites below for hours, addresses, maps and more information about where to go and how to get there.
Wildlife Viewing
All along the scenic routes in and out of Leadville are your best opportunity to see Rocky Mountain Wildlife. You do not need binoculars although they can not hurt. Elks grazing in the fields and people’s front yards is very common. So are the Bald Eagles perched in the trees all along the Arkansas River. Mule deer and fox can be seen crossing the road anywhere and everywhere. Add in the fact that Leadville is surrounded by Wilderness Area and it seems like you are on the other side of the fence at the Zoo. At higher elevation you might see some of the Rockies more exotic animals like Picas, Marmots, Mountain Goats, Ptarmigan, Big Horn Sheep and Ermines. You’ll never guess what that last one is. Click or call any of the sites below for hours, addresses, maps and more information about where to go and what you might see there. Call ahead for hours, directions and contact information for related services that support finding any of the woodland creatures.
Zip Lining
Flying among the trees, high in the Rockies has a feel all of its own. If you have never done it, you can not describe it so come take a ride. Do not be surprise when you hear and see the train because they are the only zip lines that passes over a moving train, The Leadville Colorado and Southern Train. So whether they have to take the Monster truck up or the Snowcat, you show up and they will get you to the top. And we all know the saying, What goes up, must go down! Gravity will get you to the bottom. Call for hours, addresses, maps and more information about where to go and how to get there.
Biking, Mountain
From a leisure ride on a mountain trail around Turquoise Lake to the Leadville Race Series “MTB 100 and 50”, there is something for everyone. Bring your own or rent in town. If you bring your own don`’t worry. You can store it in the garage while you are not riding. Either way, keep your eyes on the trail, if you can. Here are just a few of the great trails in and around the Leadville area. A - Wurt`s Ditch Road - Beginner B - Tenth Mountain Hut - Intermediate/Advanced C - Lilly Lake - Beginner/Advanced D - Jenny June Loop - Intermediate/Advanced Maps can be found at the Leadville Ranger station locate south of town on Hwy 24. Below are a few of the local proprietors and establishments that are more than happy to help you out. Call ahead for hours, directions, contact information, and their services for mountain biking. The trails listed are just a sampling of the trails in and around Leadville. The best website to visit for more information and directions is www.mtbproject.com which is listed below.
Kids Actvities
One of the most enduring features about Leadville is the fact that all or most of the outdoor activities are for the young at heart and can be shared with the whole family. But sometimes kids just want to do kid stuff with kids. So let’s use the “Smile Meter” to judge how much fun the kids will have during the following activities. If you read over the list below and ask your children which one or ones they would like to do, be ready to grade their facial expressions. Watch for the biggest smile then “clic on a pic” for more information about that activity. If the smile reaches the ear to ear stage you know you have chosen the right one. Just below is a list of a few fun things that might make this vacation for the kids a memorable one. Review any or all the activities below to find out more about your child`s favorite activity and support businesses.
Seasonal Events
Through out the year, Leadville celebrates it`s Western and Mining History with events that are as unique and epic as the terrain that surrounds it, the Rocky Mountains. From The Leadville Race Series and Boom Days in the summer to the Winter Carnival and St. Patrick`s Day Parade in the winter, each season comes and goes with events that symbolizes the Rocky Mountain life style and welcomes visitor participation. Below are a few of our reoccurring events. For a more detailed up to date or current list check out or Current Seasonal Events list. Pick your season to stay in a Cielo Vista Vacation Properties and play in Leadville, Colorado, "The Heart of the Rockies".