Leadville, Colorado, is the highest city in the USA; find a charismatic mountain town full of outdoor adventures. Our love is hiking, and the nearby trails will exceed your expectations! The perfect base for every season to get outside.
Listed below are our favorite trails for you to explore …
NEAR TURQUOISE LAKE
HAGERMAN TUNNEL TRAIL
Hagerman Tunnel Trail, also known as Midland Trail near Leadville, CO, is famous for its stunning scenery throughout your hike. It is one of our favorite trails with colorful history, an alpine lake, and gorgeous views.
Hagerman Tunnel Trail is the Colorado/ Midland Trail
5.5-mile loop.
Rated: easy/moderate
Horses and dogs ok
Family-friendly
A great read “A Quick History of Leadville”, for history buffs!
WINDSOR LAKE TRAIL
Windsor Lake Trail on Hagerman Pass near Leadville, CO is a short beautiful hike. Might be short but it is strenuous! Lung and leg busting with tremendous rewards at the top.
2.2 miles out and back
Steep and strenuous!
Located: Hagerman Pass
Lake elevation: 11,640″
Osprey Backpacks – My favorite backpack for day hiking!
Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Top – Merino Wool should be the layer next to your skin in the heat and cold temperatures.
Six Moon Design Hiking Umbrella – For sun, rain, and sleet protection. Lightweight. I love mine!
NATIVE LAKE TRAIL
Native Lake Trail, near Leadville, CO, is one on the bucket list of hikes in Colorado. You’ll find yourself hiking uphill through dense pines and spruces, crossing creeks, hiking across alpine tundra above treeline, then down again with towering views of Mt. Massive and the Continental Divide.
8.2 miles out and back
Rated: moderate
Elevation start: 10,780 ft. Across the tundra 11,879 ft. at the lake 11,293 ft,
Open to leashed dogs
No restrooms
Notable items you might regret not having with you while hiking near Leadville – be prepared with appropriate hiking gear. > Hiking Essentials
NEAR TWIN LAKES
HOPE PASS via WILLIS GULCH TRAIL
Hope Pass via Willis Gulch Trail is a challenging climb that will test your strength & breathing! An incredible trail that takes you far above treeline to views beyond your expectations. One of Colorado’s amazing hikes!
10 miles out & back
Rated: strenuous
3,254′ elevation gain
Highest elevation: 12,508′
No restroom
Leashed dogs ok
INTER-LAKEN TRAIL
Need an easy trail with stunning views in Colorado’s high country? Inter-Laken Trail is one of our favorite hikes for a laid-back day. Sitting at the base of Independence Pass in Twin Lakes, Inter-Laken Trail rolls gently up and down alongside one of Colorado’s most beautiful lakes.
Like history? You’ll definitely enjoy hiking Inter-Laken Trail to a historic Colorado resort. You’ll be thrilled to wander around and read the interpretive signs while mingling through old buildings.
Rated: Easy
4.7 miles out and back
Start Elevation: 9,272 ft. minimal gain
Popular for: hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, horseback, fishing and trail running
Open year-round
INDEPENDENCE PASS
MOUNTAIN BOY RIDGE
Mountain Boy Ridge Trail at the Summit of Independence Pass is a must-do if prepared. Absolutely stunning as you hike past the Summit along Mountain Boy Ridge across the Continental Divide and see views like no other.
Bring your boots and hiking essentials, and wander far beyond the lookout. You won’t be disappointed!
6 miles out & back
Rated: difficult
Nearest towns; Aspen, Leadville
Highest elevation: Near 13,000′
Restrooms at Summit
LINKIN’S LAKE TRAIL
Linkins Lake Trail is short, steep, gorgeous, and packed with everything Colorado on such a small adventure. So take a break on the drive over Independence Pass, and take in this beauty that starts above the treeline to an Alpine Lake.
More trails leading in several directions from Linkins Lake make this an adventure.
1.6 mile out & back
Rated: Moderate
Lake elevation: 12,008′
HYDRATION is ESSENTIAL IN COLORADO! A few I’ve used and highly recommend. NUUN Tablets, Jelly Belly Sport Beans, Skratch.
TENESSEE PASS
FANCY LAKE HIKE
Fancy Lake Trail is an enchanted forest with lush greenery, wildflowers, birdsong, craggy ledges, cascading waters from snowmelt, and one stunning alpine lake. Options for more alpine lakes can keep you hiking for days beyond Fancy Lake!
6.2 miles out & back
Rated: Strenuous
2,345′ elevation gain
Nearest towns: Leadville, CO, and Minturn, CO
Popular for backpacking
Dogs ok
Restrooms at trailhead
WHY CHOOSE LEADVILLE, CO?
Access to many outdoor activities is the perfect area to base your vacation.
Leadville is the highest city in the USA – 10,430′ elevation.
Famous 14er peaks surround Leadville, including Mt. Elbert, the highest 14er in the Rocky Mountain region.
The Mineral Belt National Recreation Trail is an 11.6-mile all-season biking/walking/snowshoe/XC Ski trail around Leadville, Colorado, and its historic mining district.
Winter Activities include Downhill Snow Skiing, Dog Sledding, and Nordic XC Skiing.
Home to “Melanzana,” a top-rated outdoor clothing company found only in Leadville. Handcrafted by locals and can only be purchased in Leadville. Read their story!
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
Can't wait to see you on the trail!
LEAVE NO TRACE
ENCOUNTERING WILDLIFE
APPROPRIATE HIKING GEAR