ROADTRIP: Leadville takes you back in time

Drive into the highest incorporated city in North America and it’s easy to imagine traveling back in time to when Leadville was the reason Colorado was the top mining state in the country.

Spectacular scenery, including the state’s highest peak, Mount Elbert, surrounds Leadville. In town are 70 square blocks of Victorian architecture, with original buildings along Harrison Avenue (Colorado Highway 24), the main drag in town, dating back more than 130 years.

At an elevation of 10,152 feet, Leadville rarely sees temperatures above 80 degrees. The high last Friday was 72 degrees, making the town of 2,590 residents the perfect spot to escape summer heat. Visit Turquoise Lake, just outside of town, for water fun as well as hiking and biking. For breath-taking views of Turquoise Lake and the surrounding mountains and forests, drive up Breece Hill to Hopemore Mine, just five minutes east of town. And don’t forget the camera.

Leadville celebrates its 61st annual Boomtown Days Friday through Sunday (8/5-7/11) with a variety of events including a parade, music and dancing, a burro race, a food and craft fair, mining events, and much more.

Check out the Silver Dollar Saloon, built in 1879, or Wild Bill’s Hamburgers & Ice Cream, depending on your desire.

Ski Cooper, where soldiers were trained to ski during World War II, is just 15 minutes away. It’s a small ski resort, known for its family-friendly environment.

THINGS TO DO

Hopemore Mine Tour

2921 County Road 1, 1-719-486-0301, hopemoreminetour.com

Ride the “bucket” 600 feet down a vertical shaft and experience what miners did more than a century ago. Coats will be provided as the temperature will be about 40 degrees. Walk the mine floor on a guided tour. Tours are by reservation only, normally from Tuesdays through Sundays, but last week tours were only given on Saturday and Sunday.

Mega Mountain Magic

East Tennessee Road, 1-719-486-4570, leadvillecoloradohorsebackrides.com

Go horseback riding and witness sensational views of the surrounding mountains. Rides last an hour, 2 1/2 hours, a half-day or full day, beginning at a price of $35 per person. Tom is an experienced cowboy, who leads the ride, along with trusty dog Wrangler. Reservations required. 

Tabor Opera House

308 Harrison Ave., 1-719-486-8409, taboroperahouse.net

Built in 1879 by mining bonanza king Horace Tabor, this now-quaint theater was proclaimed largest and best west of the Mississippi in its heyday. A 20-minute video provides historic background before visitors take a self-guided tour where you can sit in the fancy seats, go backstage, check out the stage trap door used by magicians and even test your vocal abilities with the great acoustics.

National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum

120 W. 9th, 1-719-486-1229, mininghalloffame.org

Learn more about this colorful era that produced boom towns that led to ghost towns. Built in 1987, this is the nation’s only federally chartered nonprofit mining museum and is a pleasant surprise with its mountain mining town model railroad and mining dioramas.

WHERE TO EAT

High Mountain Pies

115 West 4th St., 1-719-486-5555

Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, this will be a treat. Hard to believe you have to go to Leadville to taste the best pizza in the state, but many feel that way, with valid reason. Seating is limited to about 10 inside but it’s better to eat outside at the nice tables, or even out back on the picnic tables. Sandwiches, calzones, barbecue and salads are also available. We suggest getting the large pizza, and taking some home.

Zichittella’s Italian

422 Harrison Ave.,  1-719-846-1298

A relaxed, comfortable atmosphere accompanies rustic décor and friendly service. Try the Baked Italian, the house specialty. Steaks and trout are also available. Prices are moderate, as expected in this small mountain retreat.

Quincy’s

416 Harrison Ave., 1-719-486-9765

For those who can’t decide what to order, this is the perfect solution: Quincy’s serves steak. Enjoy filet during the week and prime rib on weekends. It’s a steak place with a good reputation for quality and service.

WHERE TO STAY

Grand West Village Resort

99 Grand West Drive, 1-800-691-3999, grandwest.com

Located just outside town, the quiet, secluded resort features log lodge-style condos and cabins. Known for good service and comfortable accommodations, the resort offers Internet connection, kitchens, fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, laundry and gas grills.

Delaware Hotel

700 Harrison Ave., 1-719-486-1418, delawarehotel.com

Built in 1886, this Victorian inn is located in the center of Leadville’s National Historic District and is celebrating its 125th birthday. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast at the hotel’s Callaway’s Restaurant or a Sunday afternoon tea, by reservation only. Check out the Delaware Mercantile, a unique shopping experience. Most of the guest rooms are furnished with antiques and collectibles from around the world that are available for purchase.