Quick Info
From Denver: 100 miles, 2 hours via I-70 and Fremont Pass. From Colorado Springs: 115 miles, 2.5 hours via US-24. Nearest airport: Denver International (DEN). Winter: 4WD/AWD recommended, Fremont Pass requires caution.
Leadville sits at 10,152 feet in the upper Arkansas Valley—not on the way to anywhere, but worth the detour. Getting here requires crossing mountain passes regardless of your direction. The drives are scenic, the roads are well-maintained, and the destination rewards the effort.
From Denver
Distance: 100 miles. Time: About 2 hours in good conditions.
Route: Take I-70 West through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Exit 195 (Copper Mountain/Leadville). Head south on Highway 91 over Fremont Pass (11,318 feet) into Leadville.
What to expect: I-70 is Colorado's main mountain corridor—well maintained but heavily trafficked on weekends. Highway 91 over Fremont Pass is scenic and usually clear, though winter storms require caution.
Alternate route: US-285 South to Buena Vista, then north on US-24. Longer but avoids I-70 traffic. Good option when eastbound I-70 backs up on Sunday evenings.
From Colorado Springs
Distance: 115 miles. Time: About 2.5 hours.
Route: Take US-24 West through Woodland Park and over Wilkerson Pass to Buena Vista. Continue north on US-24 to Leadville.
What to expect: Two-lane highway through ranch country and mountain parks. Less traffic than I-70 but slower going. Wilkerson Pass (9,507 feet) is modest compared to Fremont.
From Vail/Beaver Creek
Distance: 35 miles. Time: 45 minutes.
Route: Take I-70 East to Exit 195, then Highway 91 South over Fremont Pass.
What to expect: Quick trip over one pass. Leadville makes an easy day trip from Vail for those seeking mining history instead of ski resort atmosphere.
From Aspen (Summer Only)
Distance: 60 miles. Time: 1.5 hours.
Route: Take Highway 82 East over Independence Pass (12,095 feet) to Twin Lakes, then north on US-24 to Leadville.
Important: Independence Pass closes November through late May. Check CDOT for exact dates. When open, it's one of Colorado's most spectacular drives.
From Airports
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Distance: 115 miles. Time: 2-2.5 hours.
The primary option. Rent a car at the airport. No shuttles serve Leadville directly. The drive is straightforward—I-70 West to Highway 91.
Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
Distance: 120 miles. Time: 2.5 hours.
Alternative with potentially cheaper flights. The US-24 route is scenic but slower than the Denver approach.
Eagle County Airport (EGE)
Distance: 50 miles. Time: 1 hour.
Closest airport with commercial service. Limited flights, mostly seasonal. Convenient if connections work.
Winter Driving
Leadville is accessible year-round, but winter driving requires preparation.
Fremont Pass: Highway 91 crosses at 11,318 feet. Snow, ice, and wind are common October through May. The road is maintained but conditions change rapidly.
Vehicle requirements: 4WD or AWD with good tires recommended. Colorado's Traction Law may require chains or appropriate tires on I-70 and Highway 91 during storms.
Check conditions: CDOT's website and COtrip app show current road conditions, closures, and webcams. Check before departing in winter.
Allow extra time: Winter drives take longer. Snow, reduced visibility, and slower traffic add time. Don't cut it close.
Mountain Passes
Every route to Leadville crosses at least one significant pass:
Fremont Pass (11,318 feet): Primary route from Denver/Vail. Highway 91. Open year-round but challenging in winter.
Independence Pass (12,095 feet): From Aspen. Highway 82. Closed in winter. Spectacular when open.
Wilkerson Pass (9,507 feet): From Colorado Springs. US-24. Year-round access, relatively gentle.
Tennessee Pass (10,424 feet): Historic route south of Leadville. Less-traveled alternative for scenic drives.
Tips
Gas up before Fremont Pass. Leadville has fuel, but mountain driving consumes more than you expect.
Check I-70 traffic. Weekend traffic westbound Friday and eastbound Sunday can add hours. Plan around peak times.
Altitude hits immediately. You arrive at 10,152 feet. Take the first day easy regardless of how you feel.
The alternate route via Buena Vista is scenic. If time permits, the US-285/US-24 route offers a different perspective on Colorado's geography.
No public transportation. Leadville has no bus service, no train service, no airport. You need a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leadville hard to get to?
Not especially. The drive from Denver is straightforward—about 2 hours on well-maintained roads. Winter requires more caution but the town stays accessible.
Can I take the train to Leadville?
No passenger rail service. The historic railroad is now the Leadville Colorado & Southern scenic train, which runs short excursions but doesn't connect to other cities.
Is Independence Pass scary?
It's narrow and high with significant drop-offs. Some drivers find it unsettling. The views are spectacular but attention to the road is required.
When does Independence Pass open?
Usually late May, weather depending. It closes again in early November. Check CDOT for exact dates each year.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
In summer, no—any car can make it. In winter, 4WD or AWD with good tires is strongly recommended for Fremont Pass.