The best MTB trails around Leadville

This is the 24.2 mile halfway mark and turn-around point for the Silver Rush 50 mile run. Runners complete a small loop around the aid station and head back to Leadville via Printer Boy and Iowa Gulch.

The Dutch Henry Tubing Hill is the start/finish line for the Silver Rush 50, a qualifier for the famous 100 mile footrace. In past years, Lifetime has offered a race entry coin to the Leadville 100 to the first runner up the hill (provided they still finish the 50 miler within the cutoff time), so you often see racers sprinting up the hill at the start of the race. This is also a great trailhead from which to access the Mineral Belt Trail.

Just west of where the paved Mineral Belt Trail crosses South Toledo you can see two mines along the road -- the Star of Hope Mine on the northern side, and the Fanny Rawlins Mine to the south along the MBT.

There is an old steam engine on display next to the current active railroad. You can book 2 hour scenic train tours from $77.50 on the Leadville Railroad website here: https://leadvillerailroad.com/train-rides.

Leadville, Colorado is the highest town in the US at 10,152 feet above sea-level. This small former mining town has recently begun to transform into a recreational hub in large part due to the Leadville 100, a 100-mile ultramarathon, and its proximity to the two tallest mountains in the state: Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. Harrison Ave is the main street of Leadville. Nestled in the colorful, historic buildings that reflect its rich history as one of the most prosperous silver mining town in the state are coffee shops, boutiques, gear stores, antique and thrift stores, and the famous Melenzana Store, where (by appointment only) you can purchase some of Colorado's most iconic fleeces.

The Mineral Belt Trail is an 11.6 mile loop around Leadville. This segment runs through the northern part of town by Ice Palace Park. To the east the trail turns onto 12th Street for a short spell and crosses the railroad line before picking back up a block later.

The Mineral Belt Trail is an 11.6 mile multi-use path that takes you on a visually stunning loop around Leadville. As you climb upwards from this section in the CMC woods the views of Elbert unfold behind you.

The Mineral Belt Trail is an 11.7 mile paved path around the mining town of Leadville. Bikers, runners, walkers, dogs, and rollerbladers are welcome to use the trail in the dry months, and the loop is groomed during the winter for cross country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing. Starting here at the base of Dutch Henry Hill is the lowest point on the MBT and is a good starting point (even for out and backs) because you can finish downhill.