Camp Hale-continental Divide National Monument

Leadville, Colorado, is a great base camp for exploring the nation’s newest national monument. Parts of the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument are only 20 minutes from Leadville.

In addition to jaw-dropping forests, passes, and peaks, the monument offers fascinating history. Did you know this picturesque valley was originally home to the Ute people? That it is also where World War II soldiers learned to fight on skis—and where the CIA secretly trained Tibetan fighters? And that it’s a great place to hike, bike, camp, and snowmobile?

Read on to learn 8 things you may not know about the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument and how to experience it today.