MINERAL BELT TRAIL - SKI INTO HISTORY
posted by Bill Houghton
WHAT TO KNOW: In contrast to the more backcountry folks, this is the civilized, and educational, way to get exercise on a winter day. The town of Leadville maintains a loop around the town that is groomed, tracked and maintained (with our help). It is accessible, has free parking and the comforts of a good restaurant are close at hand. If the snow conditions are questionable, call the Chamber of Commerce or the Forest Service. ProTip: This town is the hub of a number of good cross country skiing locations.
GETTING THERE: To enjoy the trail takes some effort because it is about 125 miles west of Colorado Springs on Highway 24. Follow Highway 24 west out of town through two 90 degree turns at Buena Vista and going into Leadville. The trail does, indeed, circumnavigate the town so as you pass through Stringtown look for the smelter site. As you enter Leadville, look on the right side for a large dirt parking lot just before the Forest Service Office on the left. This makes a good starting point and the trail mileage markers start here and go clockwise. Be aware that the City uses this lot in the winter to dump excess snow. So, another good starting point in the winter is the City Library or City Park (straight ahead on Harrison before another Hwy 24 90 degree turn going north out of downtown).
ON THE TRAIL: 11.7 miles of pure enjoyment, winter or summer. Skating or kick and glide are both accommodated. The Mineral Belt Trail Map is available at Tourist Information or the Forest Service Office. Helpful Hint: If you would like to avoid the street crossings, that suggest taking off your skis, then start at the southern Hwy 24 crossing and go counter-clockwise. The south side of the loop, starting from the southern trailhead, is more likely to retain snow. The trail is a great place to get into the history of mining in the Leadville area. Having lost count, there are at least 50 placards that detail this information. Enjoy a great day of skiing and consider donating to help maintain the trail.
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