Mineral Belt National Recreation Trail, National Recreation Trail in Lake County, US
Mineral Belt National Recreation Trail is an 11.6-mile (18.7 km) paved loop around Leadville in Lake County, Colorado. It passes groves of aspen, conifer forest, wildflower meadows and open sage parks, with views of the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges. About six miles run through the historic Leadville Mining District, partly on old mining-camp railbeds.
This route follows former railroad grades from the late 1800s that transported ore from the mines to Leadville smelters. During that period, the town grew into a major silver production center in Colorado.
Interpretive panels describe how miners and their families lived in high-altitude camps and how the community organized itself around ore extraction. Visitors can see how mining shaped local identity across generations.
The level surface works well for bicycles, inline skates, and walking throughout the year. In winter, sections receive grooming for cross-country skiing, allowing skiers to use the snowy surroundings.
About six miles of the route run through the Leadville Mining District, partly on old mining-camp railbeds. Howard A. Tritz, a Lake County assessor and original member of the group that spearheaded trail development, said the trail stands out because it passes through one of the world's great mining districts.
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