Driving to Leadville
Getting to Leadville from I-70 from either Hwy. 24 or 91 is a spectacular drive. Both roads are part of the Top of the Rockies National Scenic & Historic Byway so designated because of its extraordinary scenic beauty and importance in history.
As you enter Leadville, Hwy. 24 becomes Harrison Ave., Leadville's "main street." The first street on the right side of Harrison is W. 8th, and The Governor's Mansion is located half way down the first block on the left hand side of the street.
From Glenwood Springs and Points West
Take I-70 east to Exit 171, Minturn/Leadville and head south onto Hwy. 24. You will pass through Minturn, established in the 1880s when the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad built a roundhouse and turntable on the banks of the East River. The road begins its scenic, winding climb past the Battle Mountain Eagle River Canyon where prospectors discovered outcrops of silver-lead ore in 1879. The road continues past Notch Mountain and the town of Gilman. Founded in 1886, this ghost town was once a bustling mining and milling center and produced some fine specimens of gold, pyrite and sphalerite. In 1984, the mine was allowed to flood and the town was abandoned. Hwy. 24 passes over an impressive steel arched bridge the crosses the Eagle River. The town of Red Cliff is located in the canyon to the left. This historic mining town was also home to several large lumbering operations. The remains of Camp Hale are found in the Pando Valley. It was home to the 10th Mountain Division and is now designated on the National Register of Historic Places. Atop the Continental Divide is Tennessee Pass (10,424') and Ski Cooper, originally a training ground for the "Soldiers of the Summit." Ski Cooper offers downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and back country skiing at Chicago Ridge. Hwy. 24 merges with 91 as you enter Leadville.
Take I-70 west to Exit 195, Copper Mountain/Leadville. Hwy. 91 branches to the left and terminates in Leadville. The drive takes you over Freemont Pass (11,318'), across the Continental Divide and past the Climax Molybdenum Mine; the worlds largest underground mine and largest known deposit of molybdenite, a mineral used in the making of alloys. During WWII, the mine worked around the clock supplying virtually all of the molybdenum vital to the war effort. Full production ceased in 1982, although environmental reclamation and limited mining still continues. The community of Climax was closed in 1960 and the houses were moved to a subdivision in Leadville. As you crest Freemont Pass, you can see the headwaters of the Arkansas River to the south. Hwy. 91 merges with 24 as you enter Leadville.
From Colorado Springs and Points South
From Colorado Springs
Take Hwy. 24 west to Buena Vista, turning slightly right as the road merges with Hwy. 285. Continue straight on Hwy. 24 which will take you into Leadville. As you enter Leadville, Hwy. 24 becomes Harrison Ave., Leadville's "main street." Turn left on W. 8th, and The Governor's Mansion is located half way down the first block on the left hand side of the street.
From Points South
From I-25, take Hwy. 50 west, exit 101, toward Canon City/Royal Gorge. This southern route follows the Arkansas River and winds its way through Big Horn Sheep Canyon. Sheer rock walls rise up from the river bed, and if you have a keen eye, you may spot a heard of bighorns balanced high on the canyon cliffs. Follow Hwy. 50 through Salida and turn right onto Hwy. 285. Stay straight and go onto Hwy. 24 which will take you into Leadville. As you enter Leadville, Route 24 becomes Harrison Ave., Leadville's "main street."Turn left on W. 8th, and The Governor's Mansion is located half way down the first block on the left hand side of the street.
