Leadville Lake County Airport
Experience aviation at North America's highest airport, surrounded by breathtaking Colorado mountain scenery. A unique destination for pilots and visi...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Annual community celebration
Leadville Lake County Airport
Best Time
Annual community celebration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience aviation at North America's highest airport, surrounded by breathtaking Colorado mountain scenery. A unique destination for pilots and visitors alike.
"Leadville was by far our favourite stop. Stunning views, self service fuel, and most of all, extremely professional and friendly staff, highly recommended!"
✈️ Altitude Awareness
Drink plenty of water! The high altitude at Leadville Lake County Airport can affect you. :droplet:
⏰ Patience for Planes
Landings are rare and unscheduled. Don't expect constant air traffic. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
North America's Highest Airport
KLXV
Experience the thrill of landing or taking off from the highest airport in North America. A true aviation marvel!
Stunning Mountain Views
Runway approach/departure
Soar above breathtaking Colorado peaks. The scenery from the air is unparalleled.
Friendly FBO and Gift Shop
Fixed-Base Operator (FBO)
Enjoy warm hospitality and find unique aviation souvenirs at the well-maintained gift shop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Altitude
Unpredictable Flight Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✈️ Altitude Awareness
Drink plenty of water! The high altitude at Leadville Lake County Airport can affect you. :droplet:
⏰ Patience for Planes
Landings are rare and unscheduled. Don't expect constant air traffic. :stopwatch:
🎁 Aviation Souvenirs
The gift shop has great shirts and mugs for aviation enthusiasts. :tshirt:
🚗 Drive-In/Fly-In Events
Check for special events like the 4th of July celebration for a lively atmosphere. :fireworks:
Tips
from all over the internet
✈️ Altitude Awareness
Drink plenty of water! The high altitude at Leadville Lake County Airport can affect you. :droplet:
⏰ Patience for Planes
Landings are rare and unscheduled. Don't expect constant air traffic. :stopwatch:
🎁 Aviation Souvenirs
The gift shop has great shirts and mugs for aviation enthusiasts. :tshirt:
🚗 Drive-In/Fly-In Events
Check for special events like the 4th of July celebration for a lively atmosphere. :fireworks:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Leadville Lake County Airport's unique status as North America's highest airport and its stunning mountain scenery. The friendly staff and community events, particularly the Fourth of July celebration, are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. However, the infrequent and unscheduled nature of flights means visitors hoping to see a lot of air traffic may need significant patience.
"Went to see the flights land and takeoff, but the guy at the gift shop said I might be waiting forever. They average from 0 to 5 landings a day with no set schedule.
I saw one land from the road, and she was filling up while I got there, but it didn't seem like the pilot was in a hurry to take off.
It's a pretty cool stop, though. Nice gift shop with shirts and coffee mugs."
John
"Wow what a great place to celebrate the 4th of July! Met a lot of wonderful people. The planes did fly byes and there were fire trucks to explore and awesome car show! The food was 😋 delicious! As well as lemonade and yummy root beer floats courtesy of the brave and dashing Leadville fire dept.
Thanks to all and GOD BLESS AMERICA! 🇺🇸"
Nancy Majecki
"Just awesome! Did a seven-state cross-country flight for multiple days and ended up in Leadville by recommendation from other FBO, and Leadville was by far our favourite stop. Stunning views, self service fuel, and most of all, extremely professional and friendly staff, highly recommended!"
J G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Leadville Lake County Airport (KLXV) is located near Leadville, Colorado. It's accessible by car via US-24. For pilots, it's a unique destination for general aviation flights, known for its high altitude.
No, it's a relatively quiet airport with infrequent, unscheduled landings and takeoffs. Don't expect a constant stream of air traffic.
From Leadville, head south on US-24. The airport will be on your right. The drive offers scenic mountain views.
Yes, it's a popular destination for general aviation pilots looking for a unique high-altitude flying experience.
This airport holds the title of North America's highest airport, sitting at a staggering 9,934 feet above sea level.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general access to the airport grounds for viewing is typically free. Special events may have admission fees.
The airport itself operates 24/7 for air traffic, but facilities like the FBO and gift shop have specific operating hours. It's best to check locally.
Typically, there is no entrance fee for visitors to observe from public areas.
You can, but landings are infrequent and unscheduled. Patience is key if you're hoping to see aircraft.
Visitors should be mindful of active runways and taxiways. Always stay in designated public areas.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You can watch planes, visit the gift shop for aviation souvenirs, and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery. Special events offer more activities.
Yes, there's a gift shop offering shirts, coffee mugs, and other aviation-themed items.
The FBO may offer basic refreshments, and special events often feature food vendors. The gift shop also sells coffee.
Find a safe viewing spot away from active taxiways and runways. Be prepared to wait as flights are unscheduled.
Absolutely! The mountain backdrop and aircraft provide excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer beautiful light for photography, with the added bonus of potentially seeing arrivals or departures.
You might see a variety of general aviation aircraft, from small Cessnas to potentially larger planes depending on the day.
Safe viewing areas are available around the airport perimeter. Always maintain a safe distance from active operational areas.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing aircraft details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive mountain scenery. :camerawithflash:
Yes, the airport buildings, including the FBO and gift shop, are generally fine to photograph from public areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Even on a regular day, kids often enjoy watching planes take off and land, though patience is key due to the infrequent schedule. The gift shop can also be a hit for finding small aviation-themed souvenirs. Remember to keep a close eye on children and ensure they stay in safe viewing areas away from active runways. ✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & Pilots
📸 Photographers
While plane movements are unpredictable, the opportunity to capture aircraft against the high-altitude Colorado backdrop is a significant draw. Consider bringing a telephoto lens for aircraft details and a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast scenery. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating High-Altitude Flying
For visitors arriving by air, it's crucial to understand that aircraft will require longer takeoff rolls and climb at a reduced rate. Conversely, landing speeds might need to be slightly higher to maintain adequate lift. It's not uncommon for pilots to experience a noticeable difference in their aircraft's performance compared to lower-elevation airports. This makes KLXV a rewarding destination for pilots seeking to test their skills and experience high-altitude operations firsthand.
For non-pilots visiting the airport, the primary consideration is the thin air. You might feel winded more easily, so staying hydrated and taking it slow is advisable. The stunning mountain scenery surrounding the airport is a major draw, offering breathtaking views that are amplified by the high elevation.
The Community Hub: Events and Hospitality
A highlight for many locals and visitors alike is the annual Fourth of July celebration. This event transforms the airport into a festive hub with BBQs, car shows, and fly-bys, showcasing the strong community spirit.
It's a fantastic opportunity to experience local culture and enjoy a lively atmosphere. The airport's owner is also noted for hosting town lunches after the July 4th parade, further cementing its role as a cherished local institution. Even outside of major events, the gift shop is a popular spot for aviation enthusiasts to pick up souvenirs like shirts and coffee mugs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit