Leadville, Colorado: Highest Incorporated City in the Continental US

Elevation Champion

Leadville, Colorado (Lake County) holds the title at 10,152 ft (3,094 m) above sea level.

Context

• Founded 1877 during silver boom; once proposed as state capital.
• Population ~2,600; historic district, mining museums, access to 14ers (Elbert, Massive).
• High-altitude training hub for athletes.

Other High-Elevation Cities

• Alma, CO – 10,578 ft (but statutory town, < 300 residents).
• Flagstaff, AZ – 6,909 ft (largest high city, ~75,000).
• Santa Fe, NM – 7,199 ft (state capital).
• Laramie, WY – 7,165 ft.

Alaska Note

If including Alaska, Utqiaġvik (Barrow) at 38 ft is not high; highest incorporated is Deadhorse (oil camp) or Anaktuvuk Pass (2,100 ft). No Alaskan city rivals Leadville.