Type: Paved Path, Loop
Difficulty: 3 / 10
Altitude: 10,200 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes
Jog-Stroller Friendly: Yes
Filed Under: Cycling, Running
This paved path is designed for bicycle use but makes a great run. Starting from downtown and running to the path start, you can easily make this a great half-marathon distance training run.
The path makes a wide loop around the town of Leadville passing some very historic mines and beautiful vantage points to view the surrounding mountains. While this path is paved and not very technical with only rolling hills, the air is thin at 10,000+ feet. It won't be your fastest run, but may become one of your favorites. The section of trail from Evans Gulch to California Gulch will take you through the historic mining district with spectacular views of the Sawatch Mountain Range at over 14,000 feet.
Once in Leadville, head towards Buena vista on Hwy 24. The trail begins just past the entrance road to Colorado Mtn. College. There is a small gravel parking lot off the left side of the road.
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tradkelly said ...
Welcome to the Mineral Belt Trail, one of Colorado's newest, highest and most spectacular paved pathways. Dedicated on July 29, 2000, this trail loops the city of Leadville, traveling through aspen groves, conifer forests, wildflower meadows, and open vista sagebrush parks.
The Mineral Belt Trail is a 11.6 mile all-season non-motorized ADA accessible route with numerous trailheads and access points. Approximately six miles of this trail meanders through the historic Leadville Mining District. It offers unsurpassed views of the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges.
The trail is designed for bicycles, walkers, wheelchairs, strollers and in-line skaters. Wintertime enthusiasts will find the trail snowcat-groomed, affording freestyle and classic Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and winter biking.
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