I took a road trip and brought my bicycle in the back of the truck. This was my favorite town. The bike trail is good. Really good. But the town is absolutely wonderful! I stayed at a hostel in Leadville run by a cool guy named Wild Bill. It was really fun and affordable. I got to meet hikers taking a break from their Continental Divide hike. There was a student staying there. And some people who were doing temporary work in Leadville.
If you live within three hours of here, it is your duty to come to Leadville and check it out. Stay at least one night. You won't regret it.

If you don't plan on doing the whole 11 miles. I would park and start the trail from poverty flats and ride away from town. The views of the mountains are spectacular. The altitude does pose a challenge. Overall one of the better bike rides I've done and would do it again.

"17 June 2007. I rate this as one of the best trails in the country, it is well maintained trail with many historical and nature signs. Riding my Tri-Cruiser, I started at the US Hwy 24 Trail head ,N39.23950 W106.30437 altitude 9980’. It drops to 9,900’ then climbs in the next 5 miles to 10,644’. The next 7 miles are down hill except for one short climb, then through Leadville back to the US 24 Trail Head. It is much easier to stop and read the signs on the way up, on the way down it wears the brake pads if you stop at all the signs. Recommend starting in the morning to avoid showers in the afternoon. "

"July 10, 2005: Great trail but watch out for the altitude! Leadville is over 11,000 ft in elevation and the trail goes up from town. We went clockwise, starting from the East end of town. Long uphill climb without a lot of shade however the ride down from the summit was wonderful – scenic, tree lined and pleasant. Only downside was abysmal trail map. Difficult to read and where posted on ample information boards, never told you where you were. You couldn’t read the maps so you had to guess. The restored mining structures were well documented and the trail took you close to them. A must trail."