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.

The paved Mineral Belt Trail crosses over the wide dirt road of Country Route 1. Both offer great views of the diverse system on mines east of Leadville, including Hayden Mine (north) Surprise Shaft (west), and Mikado Mine (east). As you explore the hills this side of town you will encounter the ruins of dozens upon dozens of mines.

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.

This trail is adjacent to the Mineral Belt Trail. This gentle route meanders through the forest with minimal elevation changes. You can opt for a brief loop or utilize it as a gateway to access other trails.