Leadville CO area questions

Be sure the high altitude suits you. Lots of altitude sickness upon arrival - Leadville's pretty up there.

We a really enjoy Molly Brown. How big is your RV? We have a 33' 5er and are unable to use many of the sites to to the trees and angles in and out.

Also, the weekends in August book very quickly. They may already be reserved out.

Gosh - we've been here 20 years and haven't explored all that stuff.

Just a plug for Buena Vista and Salida. We like visiting those towns. And on the altitude front, yeah - Leadville's way up there. Make sure you stay hydrated.

We prefer the Twin Lakes area. A little more centrally located. But the CG's around Turquoise Lake have more trees.

Driving Independence Pass is only part of the experience. I'd suggest continuing on through Aspen and catching the bus from Aspen Highlands to Maroon Bells (the only way to get up there). One of the prettiest spots in the entire U.S. (I'm sure you've seen it on a calendar.) Definitely worth a full day to explore the Pass and Maroon Bells. I can't recommend the trip to Maroon Bells too highly.

If you have a rainy day, check out the Mining Museum in Leadville.

Head up Chalk Creek west of Nathrop to the ghost town of St. Elmo. After poking around there, head on up to the site of Hancock. If you like to hike, take the trail along the railroad grade to the remains of the Alpine Tunnel. Great wildflowers along the last mile or so of this trail in August. (Four miles one way IIRC). Amazing views too. It's an old railroad grade, so easy hiking (except for the elevation).

Plan on an afternoon or evening in Salida. Great historic downtown area with a variety of interesting art shops featuring local artists and lots of great restaurants. (For example, check out this art shop's website to see some of the interesting things you'll find.) Stroll down by the river or relax in the park. The Boathouse is a restaurant with some tables overlooking the river. Just don't go right at lunch or dinner time and you'll have better luck getting one of them. We also like Amica's, 216 Ferraro's, Moonlight Pizza (outdoors is nice, but go late in the afternoon after it cools a bit). Heard good things about Shallots, but seems like we keep going back to the Boathouse for a beer and that river view.

If you're interested, some great rafting on the Arkansas River. By August, the flows are pretty low and slow, so most of the river isn't very wild. Easy to exciting stretches, so pick your level of comfort.

Don't know if you're into fishing, but several lakes are pretty good. People seem to have success at Cottonwood Lake above Buena Vista. Turquoise seems to be hit or miss. It's a big, deep lake that might be better suited for a boat.

Another interesting drive is up Hagerman Pass above Turquoise Lake. Another old railroad grade, although it gets steeper and rougher a little higher up. But you shouldn't have an issue with your rig.

Don't know if you like to mountain bike, but if so, PM me. We know a lot of great trails in this area.

We typically spend at least two weeks a year in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. One of our favorite places to go play in CO.

welove2drive wrote:
DH and I and our dog are thinking about heading to Colorado. I have been researching and looking for a campground on a lake with beautiful view. We have a 33' TT. I am considering the Leadville, CO area in mid August for 4-5 nights. I am looking at Whitestar camp at Twin Lakes. We are interested in the Train ride in Leadville, exploring Independence Pass and visiting Buena Vista. Twin Lakes is between the towns and at Indep. Pass so it seems like a good choice. Also looking at Molly Brown camp at Turquoise Lake in Leadville.

Let me know your thoughts or comparisons of these two campgrounds or others that I may have missed. Ease of pulling a tote to the dump station. The only dump open by Molly Brown is at Printer Boy. That looks far on the map.

Have you rented a boat at Twin Lakes?
Did you do the train ride? We can take our dog (Golden retriever 1 1/2 yrs.+) on the train. Have you rode with your dog?
Do you need to drive all the way to Aspen to get the best out of Independence Pass?
Highlights of your trip to this area?

I have googled these places and read some posts in this forum. I found a couple of recent years reviews but most are several years old. I read that Quincy's restaurant in Leadville is good.

Thanks for reading!
Marcia

Leadville to Buena Vista is only 35 miles, so you will be able to find someplace to stay. This is a great area - Independence Pass is also great - take it all the way into Aspen and Maroon Bells, This will be a long day, as there is just so much to see and do.

Do a search of the area with 4runnerguy and he will be the authority on the area.

Just so much that we love in the area you will not be disappointed.

Rafting, Hikes in the Collegiates, Crested Butte, Red Cliff,Gunnison, Quincy's, 4x4 trails, and the People are just great.

BOL,

Thanks for the tip 2lazy4U. I hadn't thought of altitude sickness.

Bionic Man, Our TT is about 33' incl. tongue. There are sites available at both campgrounds. I am trying to decide which one to reserve.

The Mining Museum is a must see if you have even a passing interest in the
history of the town and the area.

The train ride is fun and has some great views,. takes you up to around 11,500 feet if I remember correctly. Doesn't matter how warm it might be in Leadville the day you ride the train, take a jacket along:)

We found the staff and crew very welcoming to our dogs, a German Shepherd and Boarder Collie, they fussed over them the whole trip. Seems well behaved and polite dogs, like people, are welcome most places.
Have a great trip
Tinbender

welove2drive wrote:
Thanks for the tip 2lazy4U. I hadn't thought of altitude sickness.

Excellent of 2lazy4U to point this out, and it is something to be taken seriously. Going from an elevation such as where you're from to 10000 feet, which is what Leadville is, should be done gradually if possible. And keep in mind also that some of the locations suggested, such as Independence Pass, are over 12000 feet.

My sister flew out to visit from Alabama not so long ago. As soon as she got off the plane, she felt a difference for the 5280 feet of Denver. She fainted in a restaurant, and ended up going to the emergency room. She had become dehydrated and unknown to her, also had the flu. IV fluids got her back on her feet.

If possible, take some time to stop in Kansas or Nebraska, at a bit of a lower elevation, then head to somewhere along the Front Range (Denver to Fort Collins area), most of which is in the 5000-6000 foot range. Spend a day or two if you can to adjust.

Even for those of us who live out here sometimes need to heed this advice. Going up on Trail Ridge Road in RMNP, I immediately notice a difference in hiking at 10-12000 feet. Driving to the top of Mount Evans, at over 14000 feet can be a challenge and definitely is a challenge when climbing/hiking the final 150 or so feet.

KEEP HYDRATED! Drink copious amounts of water. If you start to feel dizzy, confused, or nausea, you need to consider getting to a lower elevation as soon as possible.

After working at the Climax Mine during restart and staying in Leadville...
If you are at all interested in Mining, visit the mining museum. The drive between Leadville and MInturn on Hwy-24 will award you with a lot of canyon views and abandoned buildings on the hillside. If you are a mining nerd, go East on 5th Street out of Leadville a little ways for more mining buildings and equipment. And on the south end of town take Monroe to #2 (paved for awhile for even more 'stuff'.
Quincy's does have good food, and the Golden Burro had to-go biscuits and gravy we got every once in a while and was awesome.

Base out of Leadville or Buena Vista. For a day drive, take Independence to Aspen, go north to Glenwood Springs, I70 to Minturn, then the 24 back to Leadville.

Hwy91 between Leadville and Copper Mtn has a long steep climb (just my truck would have a runaway going downhill northbound), but is the road to tow vs the 24. Be aware that this route takes you to ~11400' at the Climax Mine.

Frisco has some good places to eat (better than anything in Leadville), and Dillon has some expensive places to eat.

And the altitude sickness is a real deal. I went from under 5000' elevation to Leadville's 10200', and worked at 11400' and above. I faired well considering I'm early 30's and 'healthy'. I watched delivery drivers or vendors arrive on site and drop within a couple hours. I cannot remember the 'rule of thumb' for becoming acclimated, but if you are worried at all about it, spend a day or two in Frisco or SIlverthorne area.

Leadville is - per their website - "at 10,152 feet Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the United States." Trust me - having lived in CO, altitude sickness can be a factor,

You have hit the jackpot for CO info with people - like 4runnerguy and Thom02099 in particular. We also lived there for some time and go back frequently; and don't have much to add.

Although we lived in Estes Park, we now concentrate our returns staying in Buena Vista.

We love St. Elmo - very interesting. Unfortunately, going to Maroon Bells is a long day but OMG. If that cannot be done I would drive Independence Pass to a few miles past the summit and come back - Aspen, in itself, does not do much for us unless you want to say you have been there. And I second most of the recommendations mentioned above.

Enjoy - love that part of CO the most.