This Rocky Mountain City Is the Highest in the U.S.-and No, It's Not Denver

"Surrounded by two of Colorado's highest "14ers" (mountains that rise above 14,000 feet), Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, Leadville is a playground for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. You can hike or bike the Mineral Belt Trail, paddle on Twin Lakes, or hit the slopes at Ski Cooper, all within minutes. And there's plenty to explore off the trails in town, too, with a growing arts scene, annual festivals, and a community that's as warm as the high-altitude sun."

"Founded back in 1878 by silver miners, Leadville was a boomtown buzzing with colorful characters and fortune seekers, who left behind a smattering of charming Victorian buildings and a wild, frontier spirit that still lingers. Today, Leadville blends its rugged past with a love of the outdoors and small-town vibes with big-mountain adventure. "Leadville isn't a keychain kind of place. We're not here to be a quick souvenir on your way somewhere else,""

Leadville sits at 10,200 feet and is the highest incorporated city in North America. The town began in 1878 as a silver-mining boomtown and retains Victorian buildings and a frontier spirit. Leadville is surrounded by Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, providing immediate access to hiking, biking, paddling, and skiing, including the Mineral Belt Trail, Twin Lakes, and Ski Cooper. The community hosts arts events and annual festivals and emphasizes authentic character over being a quick tourist stop. Local leadership highlights deep history, visible grit, and unpolished charm as part of the town's appeal.

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