Scenic Drive: Copper-Leadville-Minturn Loop

The Copper-Leadville-Minturn loop is approximately 81 miles in length and takes you through some beautiful scenery in Eagle County, as well as to some interesting historic spots. From Copper Mountain, take Highway 91 South towards Leadville. Continue for 24 miles to go into the town of Leadville, and its rich mining history. Take some time here to explore the town, and perhaps take a train ride on the Leadville Train and grab a relaxing lunch at one of the charming restaurants in Leadville!

Once you are finished exploring Leadville, head back North a few miles until you reach Highway 24 West towards Minturn. Along this road, you will pass Ski Copper and Tennessee Pass. You will come to the remains of Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division trained during World War II. There are many interpretive signs in this area to learn more about the training that took place here. Stop here and imagine training for cold weather survival and mountain climbing in this harsh winter environment. Continue along Highway 24 and cross the iconic Red Cliff Bridge. Take a left turn towards Red Cliff before you cross the bridge in order to get some photos from below. Once you cross the bridge you will go up and over Battle Mountain Pass. Along the way, you will pass the abandoned mining town of Gilman. Once a booming mining town, this is now all private property with no access. You go through the small town of Minturn and just after that, you can return to I-70 Eastbound to go over Vail Pass and on to Copper Mountain. This Copper-Leadville-Minturn loop is the perfect drive to enjoy the scenery in the Colorado High Country.