Guide
Leadville is at 10,152 feet. Here is how to enjoy that.
The highest incorporated city in the United States is a different place to breathe. None of it stops you riding; a little planning makes the day better.
What the number means
Leadville sits at 10,152 feet. Denver is a mile up; Leadville is almost two. Mount Elbert (14,440 ft) and Mount Massive (14,428 ft), the two highest peaks in Colorado, stand in view west of town, and the UTV tours climb from town toward Mosquito Pass at 13,185 feet. The air holds roughly a third less oxygen than at sea level, the sun is stronger, and the humidity is low.
Simple things that help
Drink more water than feels necessary, starting the day before. Go easy on alcohol the first night. Eat. Sunscreen and sunglasses every day, winter especially. If you are coming from sea level and can arrive a day early, sleep in Leadville or in one of the ski towns first. Headache and poor sleep the first night are common and usually pass; if someone feels genuinely unwell, going lower fixes it fast, and the guides carry water and set the pace.
How the tours are built around it
Small groups, a guide in front, frequent stops. The trail tours are about two hours on a sled and three in a UTV, which is long enough to see the country and short enough that the altitude stays a background note. The all-day dirt bike ride and the High Adventure snowmobile days are for people who already know how their body handles work at elevation. A heated-cab winter UTV is the easiest day of all.
Weather
Winter: January averages a high near 30 and a low near 5, with about 157 inches of snow a year. Summer: warm mornings, and afternoon thunderstorms in July and August that the guides plan around. It can be 30 degrees cooler above treeline than in town at any time of year.
Related
Ready to ride?
Call (970) 930-7027 or send a booking request. Or let the planner match the tour to your group first.
Quick answers
What is the elevation of Leadville, Colorado?
10,152 feet. It is the highest incorporated city in the United States.
Will I get altitude sickness in Leadville?
Some visitors get a headache or sleep badly the first night. Drinking plenty of water, going easy on alcohol, eating, and arriving a day early help. Tours are short, guided and paced; if anyone feels unwell, going lower resolves it quickly.
Is Leadville colder than Denver?
Yes. At 10,152 feet Leadville's January high averages about 29.5 F with lows near 4.6 F, and snowfall averages about 157 inches a year.
How much higher are the tours than town?
The UTV tours climb from 10,152 feet toward Mosquito Pass at 13,185 feet; guests have recorded around 12,700 feet on tour days. Snowmobile tours run on the plateau and ranch land above town.