Mineral Belt National Recreation Trail, National Recreation Trail in Lake County, US
Mineral Belt National Recreation Trail is a paved loop of around 11.6 miles (18.7 km) circling Leadville in Lake County. It runs through aspen groves, conifer stands, and open mountain slopes offering views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks.
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.
Several sections pass directly beside headframes and ore chutes dating from the 19th century. At roughly 10,580 feet (3,225 m) near Iron Hill, this is among the highest paved routes of its kind in North America.
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