The Leadville Ranger District is home to the Sawatch Range, the highest mountain range in Colorado. These rugged, glaciated mountains form the crest of the Continental Divide. Mount Elbert, at 14,443 feet, is Colorado’s highest peak and one of ten “fourteeners” located on the District.
Leadville, once a booming mining town during the Colorado gold rush, competed with Denver to be the capitol of Colorado. At 10,152 feet, it is the highest incorporated city in the United States. Leadville is a rustic mountain town rich in mining history and unsurpassed natural beauty.
Large, developed campgrounds and picnic areas at Turquoise Lake Recreation Area and Twin Lakes Reservoir provide abundant recreation opportunities. Fishing, boating, and hiking are popular summertime activities. Because of the District’s high altitude, late spring snows occasionally delay the opening of some facilities.
At 12,095 feet, Independence Pass is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the United States. It is here the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway crosses the Continental Divide, offering motorists breathtaking views of the Rockies and a close look at its rugged alpine tundra habitat. It is also here the Arkansas River begins its long journey to the Gulf of Mexico. There are many opportunities to drive on four-wheel drive roads on the Leadville Ranger District, but OHVs must be registered. See OHV registration Information for the Leadville Ranger District to see how you can register your OHV.
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