Leadville is the perfect alternative to the more crowded towns of Vail or Aspen — and maybe the raddest mountain town in all of Colorado.
If outdoor recreation is essential for your vacation, Leadville should top your list of towns to visit. From nearly everywhere in town, you’ll have 360-degree views of multiple fourteeners (mountains at more than 14,000 feet above sea level,) including 14,429-foot Mount Elbert — the highest point in the Rocky Mountains.
Whether you’re leaf-peeping throughout southwestern Colorado, summiting one of the dozens of mountains surrounding the town, or learning more about the region’s mining history, browse the airbnbs in Leadville below to find the perfect basecamp for your epic Colorado getaway.
Related Read: 10 Best Things to Do in Leadville, Colorado
1. Whispering Pines Cabin
Why you should stay: Adventurers need a basecamp — and this is it.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $139/night
Although it’s only five minutes from the main shopping and dining street, this beautiful, remodeled mountain retreat has the feel of a secluded cabin thanks to the pines surrounding the property. With the wrap-around porch and numerous windows, this cabin exudes what it means to be “outdoorsy.”
But it’s all good if you don’t want to venture out. Just want to stay inside and snuggle during a blizzard? No problem: the house has an electric stove. Or maybe you want to ease those aching muscles after summiting that fourteener? Take a dip in the jacuzzi tub. Annoyed that your gear is still wet from a spring trail run the day before? Then use the in-house dryer to make sure you’re not a grumpy-pants when you have to stick your foot in a damp sock.
Check Availability2. The Silver Rose
Why you should stay: Wait – is this the Waldorf Astoria? Well, no, but it definitely feels like staying there.
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $244/night
Stay in this luxurious home made for kings and queens. From its royal blue tufted couch to the patterned 19-century wallpaper throughout, this house incorporates elements from the days of yore. But the time travel doesn’t stop there. Enter the powder room and go back in time to a speakeasy from the 1920’s prohibition era with dark, emerald green wallpaper with gold elements and a copper sink basin. And there’s an immaculate kitchen that just oozes wealth with its subway tile and glass cabinets. Even the spices look expensive.
Of course, if you live like a royal you have to sleep like one, so in the evenings, rest your head on your very own four-poster bed. Don’t miss out on the view from your game room on the third floor – even royalty would be astounded. This is one of the more luxurious airbnbs in Leadville, but the rates are surprisingly reasonable.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 8 Beautiful Cabin Rentals in Buena Vista, Colorado
3. Governor’s Mansion
Why you should stay: A home fit for a king (but built by a governor.)
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $175/night
Just a half-block from downtown, this suite is perfect for a group of friends to gather before and after venturing out. Built in 1893, this mansion has several suites; this rental is for the main one.
Enjoy some drinks or a game of pool with your buddies during après-ski in the winter, or spend your days mountain biking and hiking in the summer. Just make sure to keep the noise down as the suite does share walls with other units. As an older home, it’s unique, but soundproofing wasn’t exactly a priority back in the day.
Check Availability“If you like unique places to stay this is the spot for you. When you are in the house you can imagine and almost feel like you are traveling back in time.”
4. Romantic Yurt
Why you should stay: Mix romance with science while viewing the Milky Way from your lofted bed.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $78/night
If you’re looking for a place to stay with your honey, look no further than this in-town yurt that seems miles away once you step inside. This open-concept space has everything you need to stay in and snuggle up on the couch while you Netflix and chill — including a big-screen TV.
But if you do decide to venture out, the town is only a few blocks away. Although this unique home is kid- and dog-friendly, you might want to keep them at home so the parents can have some alone time.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 8 Best Yurt Rentals in Colorado for the Ultimate Wilderness Escape
5. Downtown Loft
Why you should stay: A snug but swanky stay in a historic building.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $105/night
Built in the early 1900s, this two-bedroom condo is in one of Leadville’s oldest and most historic buildings. It’s the best mixture of new and old with exposed brick and 14-foot ceilings with a Smart TV and electric fireplace.
It’s an older building, so it can get a bit chilly in the winter — but space heaters should help combat that on the chilliest of days. For two couples, the rate can be as low as $25 per person per night, putting it solidly on the list of more affordable airbnbs in Leadville.
Check Availability“Nadim’s place was an ideal spot to make home for a week. We loved the historic building and the coziness of Nadim’s touches in the home. The condo was stocked with everything we needed and sparkling clean upon arrival.”
6. Rocky Bear Lodge
Why you should stay: Do you need a balcony overlooking the mountains and two private acres? Yes, yes you do.
- Sleeps: 12
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $289/night
You and your large crew can spread out in this 2,600-square-foot vacation rental surrounded by aspen and ponderosa pine trees. With its wrap-around porch, swinging benches, and reading nooks galore, this home has a space for everyone in the family.
And don’t forget about the views — views from the kitchen, from the living room, from the bedrooms, and even from the bathtub. Since you’re only minutes away from Cooper Ski Resort and Turquoise Lake, the home is a great pick any time of year — no wonder it has a perfect five-star rating on Airbnb.
Related Read: 12 Magical Cabin Rentals in Manitou Springs, Colorado
7. The Mayor’s Escape Manor
Why you should stay: You won’t get lost on the way home from the saloon: just look for the Barbie-pink trim.
- Sleeps: 11
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $125/night
Once belonging to Mayor Martin, this five-bedroom Victorian is a great place for a large group to reconvene after a day exploring the surrounding areas. The home is decorated with thoughtful period pieces like a grandfather clock as well as many others — you’l want to wander around and see them all.
This home is one of the roomier airbnbs in Leadville, with plenty of space for the whole family to spread out or even work remotely, thanks to writing desks in each of the bedrooms. It’s a great airbnb for folks interested in Colorado’s history since the house really hasn’t been changed since the mid-1800s (in the best way possible.)
Check Availability8. Northern Starflower
Why you should stay: A simple but charming little home that packs a lot into a small space.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $138/night
As the door states, “Céad Míle Fáilte” (a hundred thousand welcomes) to this Victorian home once owned by a ship’s captain. It makes good use of its limited space (homes were small and close together in the 1800s) to create a welcoming open-concept space with a large eat-in kitchen.
It’s got marine memorabilia scattered throughout the nooks and crannies of the home to remind you of its humble origins, though it’s clearly had a few upgrades and makeovers since then.
Check Availability“Very simple but clean and very functional. Nice large kitchen. Perfect for a couple. We also loved being able to walk into town easily. A great stay!!”
Related Read: 7 Cabin Rentals in Aspen, Colorado for Every Budget
9. Copper Top Getaway
Why you should stay: Ride the pavement from your backyard to the Mineral Belt Trail for an all-day adventure.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $125/night
The Copper Top Getaway is the perfect setup for two couples to enjoy after a day of exploring town on bicycles. Don’t have bikes? Don’t worry! You can rent some at Cycles of Life, no matter what type of terrain you expect to be covering — be it gravel, road, dirt, or snow, they’ve got you covered.
This home is right across the street from an entrance to the Mineral Belt Trail, which loops around the whole town. This is the lower level in-law unit of a home — with its own private entrance — so it’s adults-only, in consideration of the residents living upstairs.
Check Availability10. The Ski Haus
Why you should stay: As if the name didn’t give it away: it’s a skier’s dream basecamp.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $140/night
It’s one of the most recognizable homes in all of Leadville, with fence posts made from old skis, but the Ski Haus’ charm doesn’t end there. There’s a sunny interior filled with quaint trinkets and eccentric accents, including a few black-and-white framed animal photos — the bear only kind of looks like he’s judging you from the wall.
For those cold winter nights, snuggle up with the faux-fur throws and pillows that’ll feel heavenly after a day of skiing — and by the way, Cooper Ski Resort is only 15 minutes away. There are only two bedrooms, but thanks to bunk beds in one room, you can fit your whole ski fam.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 12 Best Places to Visit in Colorado for Unforgettable Adventures
11. The Snow Cross Tiny Home
Why you should stay: Become Roger Federer with your very own badminton court — that’s close enough to tennis, right?
- Sleeps: 3
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $158/night
Sitting on 30 acres of pristine Rocky Mountain forest, this off-grid tiny home is exactly what you need to unplug and unwind. But don’t you worry — it may not have the traditional electrical setup, but thanks to solar power, you’ll have everything you need to watch a movie, take a hot shower, and power up your phones.
And oddly enough, there’s a seriously professional badminton setup right outside the home in case you want to get in a quick workout. This is one of the more dog-friendly airbnbs in Leadville: instead of an extra fee, pets just count towards your guest count.
Check Availability“We loved our stay in this tiny house! The home is so cute and comfortable, it has everything you need. The location is close to many hikes and day trips, or perfect for just staying around the house and enjoying the view.”
Related Read: 10 Tiny House Rentals in Colorado
12. Sunspot
Why you should stay: Expect to be in a sun-ny mood when you enter this charming home.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $150/night
Leadville is full of colorful, quirky houses, but this eclectic home stands out from the crowd. With modern-meets-industrial interior design, Sunspot has all the amenities you need whether you’re staying for a quick mountain getaway or an extended stay.
Bring Fido because pups are totally welcome at this mountain retreat. The home is named for its bright yellow facade, but it could actually be for how cheery you’ll feel when you stay.
Check AvailabilityPlan Your Trip to Leadville, Colorado
Once you’ve picked the best of the airbnbs in Leadville, it’s time to plan the rest of the trip. Rich in history and character, this quiet mountain town is sure to impress.
- Make sure to grab one of the coveted Melanzana micro-grid hoodies before you leave – they’re the comfiest of all-season hoodies and can only be bought in their store in Leadville.
- Coined the “Smithsonian of the Rockies,” make sure to visit the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum.
- If you’re into day trips and hiking, check out these hikes near Telluride and Crested Butte, both of which are within a few hours of Leadville.
- Summit the tallest mountain in Colorado and in all of the Rockies: Mount Elbert. It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Leadville.
- Grab a coffee before adventuring throughout the region at City on a Hill Coffee and Espresso Co.
- Take in a musical, show, or concert at the Tabor Opera House – keep an eye out on their events page to see what’s coming up.
- End your day by grabbing a beer at the bar frequented by John Henry “Doc” Holiday and the “Unsinkable Molly Brown”: the Silver Dollar Saloon.
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Seen in: Colorado, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in Colorado
