Description
The Mineral Belt Trail does a loop through the historical mining town of Leadville. This paved, high-elevation (10,000+ feet) trail offers spectacular views of the Sawatch and Mosquito mountains, while it loops among conifer forests, aspen groves and meadows. The trail has access to the Leadville National Historic Landmark District and Leadville Mining District. The entire trail is ADA accessible.
The trail occupies the right-of-way of three rail lines that served Leadville at the turn of the 20th century. Interpretive signs and markers along the way chronicle the stories of notable figures who got rich off the mine spoils. You'll also learn about the building of Leadville (a.k.a. "Cloud City").
In winter, the Mineral Belt Trail is groomed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter biking. Those not up for the making the tour via non-motorized means, a van provides access in September and is a popular sight-seeing excursion for seniors.
Parking and Trail Access
You'll find a dirt parking lot off US 24 west of College Road and another smaller one slightly farther west. You can also park in town where the trail crosses W. 6th St. On street parking is available around 11th St. and near the public library.
By
ltbike
in
September, 2012
Biked this trail late August 2012. Had been to Leadville many times and never biked the trail. Can't believe we never did. Loved it. Great surface and so much to see. Thunderstorm approaching so we had to hurry along. Would do it again and stop to read ...
read more
MUST RIDE IF YOU'RE DOING BIKE TRIP
By
bogglersto
in
February, 2012
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 ...
read more
Good biking trail
By
davestar
in
September, 2009
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 ...
read more