Fun Times In The Beautiful Leadville National Fish Hatchery

Fun Times In The Beautiful Leadville National Fish Hatchery

We have been to many fish hatcheries in our lives, but nothing compares to the Leadville National Fish Hatchery. It is so much more than concrete pools filled with fish. You will not only experience firsthand a national fishery with thousands of hungry fish, but beautiful trails, historic buildings, and plenty of relaxing places with scenic views.

We travel through Leadville, Colorado often, but for some unknown reason never visited the fish hatchery. We missed a hidden gem all of these years, but you should not.

Obviously, Colorado has unlimited outdoor natural areas to explore. Regardless, do not miss an opportunity to visit, as you should include this on your list.

 

Early Days of the Fish Hatchery

The nation’s second-oldest federally operated fish hatchery was established in 1889. An executive order by President Benjamin Harrison brought the fish hatchery into existence. He understood the need for an inland fish supply and wanted to use it as a food resource.  

The main building is Victorian architecture and was built with native sandstone by over thirty masons. After completion, it was declared “ the most magnificent building in western Colorado” by a local newspaper.

One purpose of the fish hatchery design was to entice visitors. With 3,072 acres at a 10,000 foot elevation sitting underneath the peak of Mt. Massive, they have certainly done this. The view alone is magnificent.  

 

A Perfect Family Road Trip For Trout

Right now, the Leadville National Fish Hatchery raises greenback cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and Snake River cutthroat trout. They grow to approximately ten inches before they find new homes in lakes, rivers, and ponds.

Native trout need pure and cold flowing water to survive. The region’s subalpine forest below Mt. Massive, combined with natural mountain streams, makes this the perfect place for a successful fish hatchery.

All of these trout are raised in 16 long raceways outside and 20 nursery tanks inside.

Furthermore, in the past few years, Leadville National Fish Hatchery has annually provided 125,000 to 200,000 fish to central Colorado waterways. Along with stocking other projects too.  

Tip: Look at the announcement board by the raceways for a note that tells which date a location will be stocked.

In the past, they have shipped trout all over the United States. Fingerlings and eggs have also been shipped to Germany, France, Japan, and Argentina from the late 1800s through 1910.  

Tip: Ask to see albino greenback cutthroat trout since they raise several of these rare fish here. Albino trout seldom survive, so you do not want to miss these unique fish.  

 

See How The Biologists Raise Toads

 

In addition, the fish hatchery raises more than just trout. The biologists raise toads too. When the toads are old enough to be released, they are equipped with a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT). A PIT allows scientists to follow toad migrations and can even tell them what sex it is. The PIT gives them helpful information that goes along with the habitats of trout.

Strange fact: On occasion toads shed their skin, then eat it. Mainly because of the nutrients. Sometimes, to throw off any nearby predators that could track down the toads and eat them. Anyone hungry now?

 

Things To Do At Leadville National Fish Hatchery

Kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing the fish in the display pond. Look for the round pond underneath a group of lodgepole pines in front of the main building. Older, bigger fish live here in warmer months.  

Easily walk around the boardwalk and watch as the school of fish follow you the entire way. Even though they are not starving, they are anxiously waiting for you to feed them. You can buy a handful of fish food from the dispenser for a quarter. They cleaned out our pockets and we had a blast!

The benches surrounding the pond are peaceful and relaxing. So much that we could have stayed much longer without watching the fish. Although the whole property is fascinating, this was my favorite part.  

After feeding the fish, take a photo with the large trout in front of the pond.  More fun times in the beautiful Leadville National Fish Hatchery!

While we were feeding the fish, a biologist pulled her truck into the raceway and started feeding the trout. This is a sight you do not want to miss, so we quickly made our way there.  

She scooped trout food out of the bucket then scattered the tiny pellets throughout each long concrete tank. It became a feeding frenzy with fish fighting for each piece and partially jumping out of the water. Imagine thousands of baby trout doing this at the same time.

Would you enjoy this office view?

The best way to experience the fish hatchery is to include time for a picnic. Enjoy your day touring the grounds and bring lunch since no restaurants are nearby. For this reason, you will appreciate their nice picnic shelter.

 

Recommended Hiking Trails

 

You can take several hiking trails from the Leadville National Fish Hatchery since this is the main trailhead access to the Mt. Massive Wilderness Area.

First, the scenic nature trail loop is the easiest and only one mile long.

The other trails go deeper into the Mount Massive (14,428 feet) wilderness. They interchange to go further and higher if you want a bigger challenge. These include the Kearney Park Trail, Rock Creek Trail, Highline Trail, and the shorter Rock Creek Dam trail.  

 

A Complete Activity List At Leadville National Fish Hatchery

• See thousands of fish, but do not miss feeding time
• Walk the nature trail, which is about one mile long, and identify local flora according to their signs
• Hike the trails
• View wildflowers
• Take the hike to see the greenback cutthroat trout fishery
• Enjoy the picnic area with a playground
• Birdwatching for various songbirds along with hawks, eagles, and waterfowl
• Wildlife watching for elk, porcupines, pine martens, fox, and deer, to name a few
• Photography – You will have plenty of opportunities
• Access the wilderness area from the fish hatchery property
• Snowshoeing and cross country skiing in winter
• Educational programs and tours are available for public and school groups (only by appointment)
• Participate in the Fish Hatchery 5K Running Race
• Watch the new stocking tank load and unload through its glass windows

 

More Ideas For You From Our Road Trips.

Glacier National Park: Its Strange And Lonely North Fork Allure

A Fascinating Colorado Scenic Drive With Silly Chipmunks

Being Alone With The Moose Was A Happy Surprise

 

About Our Visit

The Leadville National Fish Hatchery lies only 6.5 miles west of Leadville, Colorado on state Highway 300. Hours are 7:00 to 3:30 seven days a week.

 

On our visit, the inside was closed so we explored the outside property. Luckily, we were the only visitors there and we had the whole place to ourselves. 

 

Many parts are easily accessible therefore, almost everyone can enjoy their visit and move around freely. 

 

You can bring your dog too since they are dog friendly. Of course, make sure your pet is on a leash at all times. Several biologists take their dogs to work every day, additionally the parking areas have many dog waste stations.

 

Final Thoughts

 

We simply don’t understand why we did not stop here all of these years. Plus, it is so easy to get to. We can understand why it gets overlooked since people want to experience the Rocky Mountains in traditional ways like sightseeing, hiking, and camping.  

For us, we decided to visit each time we drive through Leadville because this is a great place to take a walk, and there is a lot to see. This is also a relaxing place where you hear the breeze blowing through the trees allowing your mind to wander. In fact, we often talk about how we miss sitting on the bench watching the fish swim. That is how relaxing our visit was.

Take our word, plan on a visit when you are near Leadville.

 

Where have you found fun places unexpectedly?

 

Thanks for reading Fun Times In The Beautiful Leadville National Fish Hatchery!