Leadville, Colorado was our highest elevation full hookup RV campground at 10,152 feet. It is also the highest city in the United States. Leadville is surrounded by two of the tallest 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado. Fortunately, we were acclimated to the higher elevation, but it is never enough. The area is beautiful, especially in the fall with the aspen changing color. From Breckenridge to Leadville it was about an hour drive.
Leadville, Colorado
Gold was discovered in the area and later huge silver deposits. Leadville was founded in 1877 and at the time it was the second largest city in Colorado, second to Denver. As its population boomed, it became one of the most lawless cities in America. Leadville had a very colorful history, but as the silver and gold booms waned, tourism, recreation and lifestyle became the main focus of the economy. The headwaters for the Arkansas River originate here. We whitewater rafted the Arkansas many years ago. It was so much fun.
Sugar Loafin’ RV Park, Leadville
Sugar Loafin’ had 50-amp electric, good water pressure, sewer, and internet barely fast enough to stream. The sites were dirt and not level. Ours had concrete inlays for the tires, but not long enough. Fortunately, we didn’t have anyone next to us most nights. The RV Park was large enough to give Jake short daily walks.
Independence Pass
From Leadville to Aspen, Colorado it was about an hour and twenty-minute drive to 12,000 feet over Independence Pass.
The Twin Lake area is scenic.
Before the pass, we stopped in Twin Lakes. There was a VW bus café that looked just like one that Michael had in the early 80s, so we couldn’t resist stopping for a treat.
A couple of deer along the way.
We hiked the Grottos Trail.
It leads to water cascades and rock formations.
The pass is at an elevation of 12,095 feet and is very scenic. In the winter, it is closed because of the enormous amount of snow in the area.
In Aspen we had lunch at the Red Mountain Grill, which was at a golf course. We enjoyed nice views and good food.
Tennessee Pass
We needed to get more dog food at Costco. There was one in Gypsum, Colorado so we drove the 1.25-hour one way trip from Leadville over Tennessee Pass.
The aspen made for some stunning views. Along the way there was a deserted mining town.
