The Spiritual Halfway Point of the Continental Divide Trail
Nestled at 10,200 feet, Leadville, Colorado, holds a special place in the heart of the Continental Divide Trail as the spiritual halfway point for thru-hikers. This historic town, surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Sawatch Range, offers not just a resting place but a chance to connect deeply with the trail and the community that supports it.
As a dual CDT Gateway Community, Leadville lies just a short distance from its sister town, Twin Lakes, another gem on the CDT. This small community offers a tranquil setting less than a mile from the CDT for hikers to rest, resupply, and take in the breathtaking views of the Twin Lakes Reservoir and Mount Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado. Together, Leadville and Twin Lakes create a welcoming haven for hikers as they journey through the heart of the Rockies.
In September, Leadville comes alive with the spirit of the trail during the SOBO (southbound) Trail Daze event. This gathering is a celebration of the southbound hikers who have reached the halfway point of their journey. It is a time for sharing stories, reuniting with trail friends, and preparing for the adventures that still lie ahead. The event is a testament to the strong bond between Leadville and the CDT, bringing the community and hikers together in a unique and meaningful way. This past fall, over 50 hikers came to celebrate this exciting moment in their journey from Canada to Mexico.
Adding to Leadville’s commitment to the trail, a new in-town kiosk has been installed, highlighting both the CDT and the rich history of the town. This kiosk serves as a gateway for hikers and visitors alike to learn more about Leadville’s mining past, its connection to the trail, and the important role it plays in the broader CDT community. It is a point of pride for the town and a must-see for anyone passing through. The kiosk is located in a parklet on the north side of downtown, and it was made possible due to support from the local Gateway Community Volunteer Committee and many partner organizations, as well as funding from a Colorado Housing Finance Authority Direct Effect Award and the National Forest Foundation.
Building on Leadville’s commitment to the trail, CDTC partnered with Friends of Lake County and Friends of Twin Lakes this past summer for a community stewardship event. Volunteers from the local community came together to install new fencing, remove illegal fire rings, and perform light trail maintenance along the CDT. This effort not only improved the safety and accessibility of the trail but also reinforced the community’s dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The stewardship event was a testament to the power of collaboration in protecting and maintaining this iconic trail for future generations.
Promoting Inclusivity on the Trail and Local Partnerships
Leadville has long been known for its commitment to fostering a deeper connection between people and the outdoors and it is not just about the trail; it is also about creating a more inclusive outdoor experience for everyone. Leadville hosts the Outdoor Equity Summit with Get Outdoors Leadville! (GOL!) – taking place in February 2025 – a gathering focused on making the outdoors accessible and welcoming to all. The summit will feature discussions, workshops, and community-building activities that highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor spaces. It is an opportunity for the Leadville community to lead by example, showing how a small town can make a big impact on outdoor culture.
This focus on equity and inclusion has resulted in meaningful community initiatives designed to create accessible and inclusive outdoor experiences for Leadville residents and visitors alike. One such initiative is the community-led outdoor hikes, engaging local youth through GOL! in exploring the beauty of the CDT while fostering a sense of connection to the outdoors. GOL! hosts a summer camp, Rockies Rock, with activities that not only introduce young participants to the CDT and surrounding landscape, but also aim to empower the next generation of outdoor stewards, ensuring that the benefits of outdoor recreation are accessible to all.
In addition, Leadville’s local CDTC Community Ambassadors have led Pride on the Divide community hikes, which celebrate inclusivity and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community on the trail. These hikes create a welcoming space for queer and ally participants to experience the outdoors together, reinforcing the message that the CDT is a place for everyone.
