mineral belt trail

Local ski rental shop owner, at the shop on Harrison, directed us to drive out of town east on 7th street, and park just past the bridge. Another kind and friendly passerby, told us to hike up with our skies by the bridge, but ski the opposite direction. This was all great advice and we had the best xc ski we'd had in 2 weeks of western ski travel. Got to see a lot of great history of the mining era and great mountain views, plus avoided any really big hills. It didn't hurt that freas snow was coming down that morning.

We rented bikes in town for about $30/ea. This was SO FUN!!!! Gosh I can't wait to go back and do it again. The bike shop employee was very helpful, suggested which way to go and all that. She was right on! The first half of the ride is uphill, though it's not steep, we did stop once. After that it is all downhill with beautiful views on a smooth paved road. It's the best bike ride I've ever been on and can't wait to go again!

This trail is great as a whole or in sections. And they groom it in the winter time for nordic skiing or snowshoeing!

Get a brochure at the Golden Burro cafe and follow the directions to take a self-driving/self-guided tour of the mines around Leadville! This was really a lot of fun!

We rode this wonderful little trail last week. We had been to Leadville a few times in the past few years and had no idea that the trail was there. The paved trail was a relatively gentle grade up, and going down was a lovely downhill of about 6 miles. We chose to ride from the trailhead and go clockwise. Most of the historical signage is in the first half of the ride if you go this direction, and the brief stops to read the information were welcome. The historical mining information on the markers was quite interesting. The reward was the second half and zipping down toward the end. We did ride after having been in CO for about 5 days, so the altitude was not as much of a problem as it would have been if we had ridden immediately upon arrival. The scenery was beautiful. We especially enjoyed riding through Leadville itself at the beginning of the trail and seeing the community, not just driving through town on the main road.This should definitely be on your "to do" list if you are a cyclist.

Nice, paved path around Leadville, winds through forest, hard to get lost. Crosses the road a few times. Nice way to spend a few hours and see some of the forest around Leadville.

Fantastic double lane paved trail encircling the town. My wife and older son did the bike up from town to 10,600 feet. About a 600 foot climb over 4 miles but at that altitude worked their lungs pretty well. I meet them at the top with my 8 year old and we biked down to town over a 5 mile course. The downhill is great for kids if you can arrange it. Lots of historical signs and equipment to look at which made for good rest breaks.

Rent a bike, if you don't have one already - this was a great way to spend a couple of hours. I went up 5th Avenue to join it - which is probably the hardest way to grad the trail. I've been told 7th Avenue is easier, and so is the opposite end of town. I did notive it crossed by the cemetery as well...

This trail was more than we expected, wide with markers noting local history. Great for all ages, but keep in mind the elevation 10,600ft so pace yourself and bring water.

This is a paved, 12-mile loop that circles Leadville and some of the surrounding mountains, woods, and historical mining areas. Great views! Dozens of (optional) stops to learn about Leadville's (sometimes-crazy) long history as a mining boomtown. It's exclusively for non-motorized travel. Never seems busy or crowded at all. It's a 12-mile loop with limited chances to bail out, so be ready. Probably 1000 feet of elevation change, too. A great bike ride.