6 Reasons You Should Visit Leadville | AVA Rafting & Zipline
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6 Reasons You Should Visit Leadville

Leadville, Colorado Boom Days

6 Reasons You Should Visit Leadville

Known for being the highest city by elevation (10,152 feet) in the United States, Leadville seems like a popular tourist destination. Upon arrival to the town, however, you might begin to wonder what exactly there is to do there. I can’t say I blame you because if you were driving through and blinked, you might have missed the town. It is a small little town that many might just pass through without a second thought, but just like every small town it has its hidden gyms.

The History

Leadville use to be one of Colorado’s historically lawless mining towns. Known as boomtowns, these areas expanded quickly with fortune seeking miners and some dangerous outlaws. Leadville is very proud of its heritage and has over 8 museums throughout the town for your viewing. Spend the afternoon checking out replicas of underground mines and impressive collections of minerals at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, then get an idea of how people lived in Leadville during the silver-mining boom at the Healy House Museum. Moreover, you can come the first weekend in August and join in as Leadville celebrates its mining heritage with burro races, mining competitions, a Victorian mosey, a parade, and more.

Hiking and Biking

With Colorado’s highest and second-highest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, right next door, Leadville is a prime hiking or biking destination. There are trails for all abilities in the Leadville vicinity for hikes and bikes ranging from a 500 mile trail that stretches from Denver to Durango to just a few mile excursion around the Twin Lakes.

Scenic Driving

Driving is not always an exciting thing to do, especially if it’s through a seemingly endless road like on the Kansas flats. Driving through the Colorado mountains is going to be a totally different experience. With jaw-dropping 14ers and Independence Pass all surrounding Leadville, driving will feel like you’re watching an episode of National Geographic.

Fishing in Gold Medal Waters

With the Arkansas River, Twin Lakes, and Turquoise Lake all within 30 minutes drive of town, Leadville is a fisherman’s dream. These prime locations are known as Gold Medal waters designations and are some of the best wild brown habitats in Colorado. Anglers are known to pluck 10 to 14-inch catches out of these waters on a regular basis.

Golfing

Looking to add a couple yards onto your stroke? With thinner air at higher elevations, your golf balls will literally fly farther. And at 9,680 feet, Mt. Massive Golf Course is the highest golf course in North America, offering golfers the chance to tee off on greens surrounded by beautiful ranchland and forests with towering peaks on the horizon.

AVA’s Buena Vista Rafting Outpost

Right outside of town you can find some pretty great whitewater for rafting. AVA’s Buena Vista outpost is a short drive from town. You can get your toes wet by experimenting with some family-friendly class III rafting trips, or get a face full of water with some of the best class V rafting trips in Colorado. Moreover, we have a mountaintop zipline tour available and rock climbing adventures as well.

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