Our latest adventures took us to Leadville, Colorado, where we spent about two months soaking up life at serious altitude. Leadville’s big claim to fame? It’s the highest incorporated city in the United States. Depending on the source, the elevation clocks in around 10,156 feet above sea level—so high, they call it the “Two-Mile-High City.”
And let me tell you, living at over 10,000 feet comes with a few surprises. From the way your body adjusts to the weather, to the quirks of small-town mountain life, here are 8 things I learned while living in the highest city in the country.
The impact of elevation on your body is real
Brad and I usually do pretty well at high altitude—we’ve spent a lot of time hiking in the mountains, and a couple of years ago we even spent the summer in Georgetown, Colorado, which sits around 8,500 feet.
But 10,000+ feet is a whole different story.
During our first few days in Leadville, Brad got a notification that his blood oxygen levels were much lower than usual. Totally normal—it’s part of the acclimation process—but still a little unsettling to see in real time. I also caught myself feeling a bit loopy here and there. Was it “all mental?” Maybe. But it’s worth knowing that you might not feel completely like yourself at first, and that’s okay. Your body just needs time to adjust to the thin mountain air.
The Views Are In.Every.Direction
Colorado has no shortage of interesting mountain towns, but a lot of them are tucked into narrow valleys right off the interstate. Take Georgetown, for example—you’re surrounded by steep mountains, which makes for a dramatic backdrop (and yes, sometimes you even spot bighorn sheep, which is awesome). But it also feels a little boxed in and too close to the hustle and bustle.
Leadville is totally different. Here, you’re surrounded by wide-open views and massive (often snow-capped) peaks in every direction.
It actually reminded me a bit of being back in Tucson, where the mountains help you get your bearings. You can look around, spot a range, and instantly know where you are. That kind of visibility adds to the feeling of space and freedom—something you don’t always get in the more tucked-away mountain towns.
The Weather
As someone from Houston, my brain just doesn’t compute winter weather in late May. Getting a few inches of snow the week before Memorial Day felt unreal—but up here at over 10,000 feet in the Rockies, it’s just another day in May. Still, waking up to snow showers for a few days was a surprise and gave me a little taste of winter.
Once summer kicks in, though, the weather is hard to beat. June usually brings daytime highs in the upper 60s and chilly nights in the 30s. July warms up a bit more, with highs in the low 70s and cool, crisp evenings. It’s quite heavenly… most of the time. The sun at this elevation can be quite powerful so you do have to be mindful about exposure to UV rays.
The hiking is incredible
One of the best things about being in the “City in the Clouds” is that you’ve got massive mountains right in your backyard. If you’re into bagging peaks, this area is a dream. There are three 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet) just minutes away—Mount Elbert (the highest peak in CO), Mount Massive, and Mount Sherman.
But it’s not all about lightheaded treks to the tallest peaks. There are also plenty of other lower-elevation hikes that are just as scenic—often with fewer crowds and just as much beauty. From alpine lakes to ridge walks and forested trails, there’s something for every kind of hiker here. Whether you want a full-day summit push or a peaceful afternoon loop, Leadville has options.
The fact that a 14er trailhead was just 20 minutes from our place was pretty incredible—and being acclimated to 10,100 feet definitely helped. It didn’t make the climb easy, but it gave us a bit of a head start.
Leadville Feels a Little Quirky
There’s something about Leadville that just feels… offbeat—in the most lovable way possible.
Maybe it’s the mismatched folk Victorian homes, with their chipped paint and colorful trim, holding on to the character of a boomtown that never quite gave in to time.
Or maybe it’s the mining history that still seeps through the mountains and is showcased at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, where the stories of Leadville’s boomtown past are preserved in multiple stories of exhibits and displays.
And then there are the people.
The kind of folks who make a home at 10,000 feet aren’t exactly looking for ordinary.
Leadville wears its weirdness with pride, and that’s what makes it worth the trip. It’s a little rough around the edges, a little high on altitude, but it’s got a unique personality.
People are Melly obsessed
In Leadville, it doesn’t take long to notice—everyone’s rocking a Melly.
That’s because Melanzana, the beloved local outdoor clothing company, makes all its gear right here in town. The catch? You can’t just walk in and shop. You have to book an appointment, and those can take months to get unless you happen to snag a last-minute opening.
It feels part boutique, part cult—and honestly, the hype is real. I ended up getting one of their grid fleece hoodies, and it’s easily one of the most comfortable things I own. Once you see them around town—on hikers, baristas, even dogs—you kind of just get it. Cozy, practical, and uniquely local, a Melly is pretty much a Leadville uniform.
Turquoise Lake: My Go-To Reset Button
Just a short drive from downtown Leadville, Turquoise Lake offers the kind of quiet that makes you breathe deeper without even realizing it. While it’s a popular spot for camping—and there are plenty of lakeside sites to choose from—I kept coming back for the scenic drive that loops around the water.
Whenever life felt a little too hectic or my mind was spinning, this was the place I’d go to clear my head. It’s peaceful, wide open, and grounding in the best way. I’d roll the windows dow, and just take it all in—sometimes stopping at one of the little streams or overlooks to sit and breathe.
There are plenty of hiking trails around too, from short and easy strolls to more challenging climbs. But honestly, even just the drive itself was enough to reset my mood. It’s the kind of place that helps you slow down without even trying.
The Food Scene
I’ll be honest—I wasn’t expecting much from the food scene in a small mountain town tucked deep in central Colorado. But Leadville completely surprised me.
I found one of the best chicken sandwiches I’ve ever had, an incredible sopapilla dessert, solid Mexican food, tasty barbecue, and even a Cuban restaurant tucked right into town. And the pizza? Legit. High-quality crust, generous toppings, and definitely worth the stop.
The only real drawback was the limited range of ethnic food—you won’t find much in the way of Thai or Indian cuisine here. But honestly, for a town this size, Leadville punches well above its weight in terms of flavor and variety.
You can check out the full breakdown of everywhere we ate in Leadville.
The Limited Stores
Leadville strikes a funny balance—you’re far enough from big-city life to really feel the mountain town vibe, but still close enough to the basics that you can stay for a while without much hassle. I was actually pleasantly surprised to find a Safeway in town. It’s not the biggest or most well-stocked grocery store, but it covers the essentials well enough for day-to-day living or even a longer stay.
That said, you’ll notice some gaps. There’s no movie theater, so entertainment leans more toward outdoor adventures or cozy nights in. If you have a pet, you may need to make a trip out of town for certain supplies or vet services, depending on what you need. And if you’re used to specialty items or niche stores, you might want to plan ahead or bring those things with you.
Still, for being this high up and remote, Leadville offers more than you’d expect, and it’s totally manageable once you settle into the rhythm of small-town life.
Final Thoughts
Living in Leadville for two months was more than just a change of scenery—it was a full reset. There’s something about being over 10,000 feet up, surrounded by massive mountains and grounded by small-town charm, that shifts your perspective in subtle but lasting ways.
Sure, you trade some conveniences for elevation, but what you get in return is a daily dose of awe. Whether it was a spontaneous snow shower in May, a quiet drive around Turquoise Lake, or running into another person wearing a Melly on the sidewalk, Leadville reminded me to slow down, breathe deeper, and appreciate the little quirks that make a place stick with you.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
