Leadville - Mineral Belt Trail

Leadville’s Mineral Belt Trail may be the most popular and noted addition to the Cloud City in recent memory. The 12.2-mile trail was opened in 2001 to much acclaim, fanfare and walkers, runners, bikers and rollerbladers.

The trail winds through various portions of the historical Mining District, offering views of 1800s mine frames, cribbing and even some old wooden houses. Just off East Fifth Street, the trail skirts within 50 yards of the still-standing last home (a shack actually!) of the legendary Baby Doe Tabor, mistress and then —wife of silver baron H.A.W. Tabor.

The trail offers sweeping views of Leadville below, courses through acres of trees, takes in portions of the town at close-range and winds through the campus of Colorado Mountain College.

The Mineral Belt Trail was seven years in the making from conception to completion. Thousands of dollars were poured into finishing the loop that served as an old Colorado & Southern rail line built in 1898.

As part of the exhaustive master plan, the trail had to meet the demands of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Although motorized vehicles are banned from all parts of the trail, walkers, bicyclists and those using electric wheelchairs are encouraged to enjoy the nation’s highest recreational trail.

“ Built in the Leadville spirit through the cooperation of many for the enjoyment of all,” says a plaque along the Mineral Belt Trail. So get on out and enjoy!