Major city · United States
Leadville
Spend 1–2 days in Leadville for historic downtown, train ride and nearby hikes; arrive by car, no need to stay long.
Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the US (10,200 ft) with a well‑preserved historic district, a scenic railroad, and easy access to 14,000‑ft peaks and ski areas. The compact centre is walkable, but most outdoor activities need a short drive.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug (hiking), Dec–Feb (ski)
- avoid Jan (extreme cold, limited services)
- Airport
- KLXV
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Leadville911 ▾
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Leadville, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyLeadville is safe for tourists; main risks are altitude sickness and winter road closures.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police/fire/ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportKLXV Lake County Leadville Airport (General‑aviation only, 9,934 ft elevation; no scheduled service).
- Getting aroundTown centre is about 1 km (0.6 mi) across and walkable; cars are needed for ski resorts and mountain trailheads.Town centre is about 0.6 mi (1 km) across and walkable; cars are needed for ski resorts and mountain trailheads.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–$5
- Street or quick mealBurger or sandwich$8–$12
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$30
- Mid-range bedDouble room (2 people), a night, per roomUS$130
- High-end bedDouble room (2 people), a night, per roomUS$200
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$140 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- KLXV Lake County Leadville Airport (General‑aviation only, 9,934 ft elevation; no scheduled service)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Mar
not flagged
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
Apr
not flagged
55°C (131°F)131°F (55°C)
May
not flagged
65°C (149°F)149°F (65°C)
Jun
Best
73°C (163°F)163°F (73°C)
Jul
Best
78°C (172°F)172°F (78°C)
Aug
Best
77°C (171°F)171°F (77°C)
Sep
not flagged
70°C (158°F)158°F (70°C)
Oct
not flagged
58°C (136°F)136°F (58°C)
Nov
not flagged
44°C (111°F)111°F (44°C)
Dec
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Best: Feb, Jun–Aug, Dec. Mixed: Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (78°C (172°F)172°F (78°C)), coolest Jan (13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C) low), wettest May (9 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Leadville: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Feb
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6 rd
Mar
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7 rd
Apr
55°C (131°F)131°F (55°C)
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
8 rd
May
65°C (149°F)149°F (65°C)
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
9 rd
Jun
73°C (163°F)163°F (73°C)
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
7 rd
Jul
78°C (172°F)172°F (78°C)
48°C (118°F)118°F (48°C)
6 rd
Aug
77°C (171°F)171°F (77°C)
47°C (117°F)117°F (47°C)
6 rd
Sep
70°C (158°F)158°F (70°C)
41°C (106°F)106°F (41°C)
7 rd
Oct
58°C (136°F)136°F (58°C)
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
8 rd
Nov
44°C (111°F)111°F (44°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
Dec
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Town centre is about 1 km across and walkable; cars are needed for ski resorts and mountain trailheads. No public bus service.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mt Elbert trailhead
goDoor to door: ≈45 min total
Drive 30 min north on CO‑82, park at trailhead
Highest US peak; 10‑mile round‑trip hike, start early.
Copper Mountain ski area
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Drive 45 min east on US‑24, follow signs to resort
Lift tickets $120‑$150 per day (2026 estimate).
Continental Divide Trail resupply
goDoor to door: ≈20 min
Walk 15 min east to Twin Lakes General Store
Check store hours before arrival.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Inn the Clouds Hostel & Inn
Mixed dorms and private rooms, kitchen, free parking; popular with hikers
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–$100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–$180 excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room (2 people)1 × 1 night × US$130 | US$130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$140 | US$280 |
| Leadville Railroad round‑trip ticket2 × US$60 · check | US$120 |
| Scenic flight tour (one person)2 × US$350 · check | US$700 |
| Car rental (2 days, economy)1 × US$120 · check | US$120 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$135 |
| Trip total≈ US$743 per person per day, bed included | US$1,485 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–$5 |
| Burger or sandwich | $8–$12 |
| Leadville Railroad ticket (adult) | $59 |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.60 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Altitude can cause shortness of breath; hydrate and ascend slowly.
- Sidewalks are narrow and often uphill; bikes are discouraged in the centre.
- Winter storms can close mountain passes; check road conditions.
Emergency numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
LeadvilleLeadville
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulate in Denver; nearest US embassy in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Denver → Leadville (car, 2 h): ≈120 mi, $30–$40 fuel (check)
- Leadville Railroad round‑trip: $59 adult (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry
- Gracias — Thank you
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is this?
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the restroom?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Leadville. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug (hiking), Dec–Feb (ski) · avoid Jan (extreme cold, limited services) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Drive from Denver (≈2 h, 120 mi) – rent a car or use rideshare.
- Stay at Inn the Clouds for easy kitchen access and trail info.
- Book Leadville Railroad tickets early (season May–Nov).
Sources
Ask about Leadville
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