It’s not just a summer destination. Learn more about me here. This short, strenuous hike visits picturesque Windsor Lake, an alpine jewel cradled beneath the peaks and ridges along the … Learn more about Missouri Lakes Trail here. Looking for a great trail near Leadville, Colorado? Elbert (14,433-ft.) and the surrounding peaks. On this 4,500 foot climb you'll be above the treeline so be prepared. It is much more than a drive-through town, and if you decide to stop you will discover that there are many hiking adventures to be had. If you love bagging peaks, then Mt. OK, OK. There are four trail options one can take in order to get to the top. Best river trails in Leadville, Colorado 2,618 Reviews Explore the most popular river trails near Leadville with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. hiking views forest wildlife trail-running wild-flowers nature-trips lake dogs-leash snowshoeing walking birding camping mountain-biking backpacking dogs river kids cross-country-skiing off-road-driving Popular day hikes include Hope Pass, made famous by the Leadville Trail 100, family-friendly Native Lake, Timberline Lake in the majestic Holy Cross Wilderness Area, and the steep, heart pumping Windsor Lake Trail. Elbert are plentiful from the trail. #11 of 24 Outdoor Activities in Leadville. Whatever hike you end up on around Leadville, prepare yourself for spectacular mountain views, colorful wildflowers, and surprise patches of snow. Note: To get to the trailhead, you must make sure to take the left branch (road 2B) where you leave pavement and go onto the unpaved section. About 12 mile loop, all paved, around the outskirts of Leadville. At 14,440 feet Mount Elbert is the highest point in the Sawatch Range as well as the state. Once you reach the lake, get ready to see above Colorado’s tree line as it frames the lake’s surface. This trailhead along Interstate 70 is less than an hour’s … 3. booth lake trail. Grotto Trail. Required fields are marked *. The Sawatch and Elk Mountain ranges around Aspen, Leadville, Buena Vista, Crested Butte and Marble, offer the quintessential Rocky Mountain hiking experience with glacial valleys leading to vast alpine expanses sprinkled with glistening lakes amid soaring peaks.Three national forests and six wilderness areas protect this amazing landscape. of the Holy Cross here. Sky Pond. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorado’s tallest peaks). Formed in 2000 by Breckenridge Colorado resident Bill Middlebrook, 14ers.com is the premier resource for climbing the high peaks in Colorado. We wish to be the voice of cross country skiers to government, private landowners, and other winters trail user groups. Please note: DO NOT attempt to climb the cornice blocking the trail. If I'm not training for my next 100 mile trail race then you can probably find me exploring a new trail with my family. There are 3 routes to get up Mt. #8 - Mount Massive Trail (via North East). Add Your Trails. This is usually done as an out and back. The trail is an old railroad bed with some double track, but mostly single track with some railroad cuts that have collapsed and rotted away making portions of the trail more challenging. The Lost Man Trail. Trailandsummit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The entirety of the trail is 12.5 miles long, and it is a point to point hike, so you need to leave a car at the end. This trail is perfect for railroad buffs, mining fans, and history aficionados. Here are a few quick facts about the CDT: The CDT runs 3,100 miles in total. Days Required: 1 day. Leadville North, CO. Intermediate. Hike can be made shorter by not going all the way around the lake. Alpine Tunnel Trail. You can see Turquoise lake below you and the continental divide rises above you with fourteeners on all sides, so no matter where you look the views are to die for. Turquoise Lake Trail is a 11 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Leadville, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Your guide to outdoor adventure since 2019. #1 Turquoise Lake Singletrack. Mohawk Lake Trail. Trailandsummit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you want to turn this day hike into an overnight camp, feel free! Hike along the different sections of the race, cheer on runners, and see some beautiful sights. It’s safest to hike around it to avoid getting seriously injured. Arapaho National Forest. Incredibly steep but short hike with rewarding views at the top. Type: Out-and-back. ... 2015 near Leadvil…, CO. Aug 17, 2015 near … How Much Do You Get Paid As a Ski Instructor. So, what are you waiting for? The trail itself is 7.2 miles round trip, and it is an out and back. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. If you’re looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. A beautiful trek from Tennessee Pass to Turquoise Lake featuring forest, streams, and some great views. … This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The trail is also ideal for inline skating during the summer months. It is a sight to see. Leadville’s high altitude combined with the cool temperatures of the lake makes for a hike that absolutely calls for a dip in the water once you are finished. Elbert is a long mound of a thing that resembles a sleeping giant. Elbert. I spend as much time in the mountains as possible. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Learn more about Mt. Ready for some activity? The Colorado Trail spans from Durango to Denver, and if you are interested in a through hike, then you may as well do the whole thing because the CO Trail is an absolutely gorgeous way to see the state and partake in a stupendous adventure at the same time. Intermediate. Please note that construction shutting down a section of this trail has been reported as of 06/22/2020. Related content: THE 7 BEST Summer Outdoor Activities in Steamboat Springs. Great scenery and a bit of exercise. Although this trail is steep, it is only 2.8 miles round trip and it is totally worth it. Interlaken trail near Twin Lakes, Buena Vista and Leadville, CO - This easy hike traversing the south shore of Twin Lakes leads to Interlaken, an interesting historic site once home to a popular luxury resort during the late 1800’s. Set in Colorado mining country, the trail is dotted with historical signs and remnants of a rich geological past. Some bushwhacking is required to locate the waters, but beyond them are clear views of the impressive Mount Massive. From the resort and trail along the lake enjoy fine views of Twin Lakes, Mt. Perhaps while passing through, a few people will stop for a bite to eat or a Melanzana sweatshirt, and then they will carry on towards their final destination. 10.1 km. Thanks everyone for a great 2020 golf season at America’s Highest. This trail winds through pine forests, with views of wildflowers if the time is right. You will also be at a high altitude so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time. Mt. According to USFS officials, the new non-motorized trails would be built to their standards for mountain bike trails and would be built by hand and/or with a mini-excavator tracked machine. Leadville, CO. of heart, as its length spans 100 miles from elevations of 9,200 to 12,600. If this is one of your first forteeners, you should try one of the two class one routes: the Northeast Ridge or the East Ridge. This hike follows the railroad bed of the first standard gauge line to cross the Continental Divide and ends at the Hagerman Tunnel (11,528-ft.), the highest railroad tunnel in the world at the time it was built in 1887. Although the hike is rated as difficult on Alltrails.com due to its distance, the actual grade is gradual and the trail itself is easy to hike on. The many lakes near Buena Vista also offer beautiful hiking destinations, such as Ptarmigan Lake, Hartenstein Lake, Clear Creek Reservoir, and Twin Lakes. Turquoise Lake is the perfect summer hike. Massive is more of a challenge than Mt. Nearest Accommodation: … The mission of 14ers.com is to provide free access to peak information, photos, climbing routes and an active forum, all in an open environment that's easy to use. Colorado Midland Trail Hiking Detail. Mt. Some rate this hike as difficult due to the steepness, but I believe the length makes it a moderate hike. It's a great trail to acclimatize on due to the minimal elevation gain and nice climbs. Out of all of the 14ers, Holy Cross is my far my favorite. Note that the East Ridge route is a more difficult class two than the other two. Mt. Be prepared, there are some switchbacks at the end that can be a doozy, but the above tree line view is totally worth it. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! The golf season is done…the cross country ski season is underway! Contact | Privacy Policy. Here are a few of my favorites: These first three are BIG, EPIC hikes with a summit on top…. Huron Peak. Your email address will not be published. Park at the dam and hike the Turquoise Lake Trail along the lake to Mayqueen Campground. Keep in mind that, although gorgeous, Leadville is filled with intense people for a reason: it is a rather intense place. Click on any name for more detailed information. Mount Sherman Trail via Four Mile Creek Road. Just 45 minutes outside of Leadville, this beauty offers a wonderful, considerably difficult, Class 2, 12 mile hike to the summit. Gorgeous scenery awaits … 4. Show more. Learn more about Windsor Lake trail here. There are lots of great campsites near the lake. We were there over the long 4th of July weekend and had to watch out for dirt bikes and ATV's on the road. Hiking, Rock Climbing. Her guilty pleasure is food writing, because for her there is nothing more enjoyable than a delectable meal. The Turquoise Lake Recreation Area and the Twin Lakes Reservoir offer opportunities for fishing, boating, biking and picnicking. Best hiking trails with waterfalls near Leadville, CO 80461. Standing at 10,000 feet, it is the highest town in Colorado. The trail is rated as moderate, and is even easier if it is changed into a backpack. If you are normal, and like to run and hike but not to the extremes, then you should still go check out the Leadville 100. In fact, it’s looks live up to it’s difficulty, as Mt. 1. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Approximately 9.9 miles of new trail construction will provide mountain bikers and other recreationists access to trails that connect from Leadville to National Forest System lands. This section also pairs up with the Continental Divide Trail, goes from Tennessee Pass to Timberline Lake, and it is rated as difficult. The gravel road to the trailhead is a bit bumpy, but most front wheel and AWD vehicles should have no problems. THE 7 BEST Summer Outdoor Activities in Steamboat Springs. Massive is actually the larger one, although it is actually the second highest fourteener in Colorado, standing at 14,421 feet. Having lived in Leadville, I know the secrets of this place. It takes six months to … Aspen, CO. Mohawk Lakes. Many Coloradans and visitors alike consider Leadville a drive-through town that they pass on their way from the I-70 corridor to towns like Salida and Crested Butte. A chunk of the trail goes near Leadville, passing the trails of Massive and Elbert as it meanders through the woods. There are 15 moderate trails in Leadville ranging from 1.7 to 16.2 miles and from 9,635 to 13,845 feet above sea level. MTB Project is built by riders like you. If you need a day off from hiking there is plenty to do around the Leadville area. Mosquito Pass. So, if ultra running (aka a, slow, painful death) is for you, then the Leadville 100 is a must! When it is hot down in Denver and Boulder, it is often cooler up in the higher elevations of Lake County. When staring at the two of them, one might think that Mt. 5. Dedicated on July 29, 2000, this trail loops the city of Leadville, traveling through aspen groves, conifer forests, wildflower meadows, and open vista sage parks. Standing just to the southwest of Leadville lies Colorado’s tallest mountain, Mt. The main trail ends at the southeast end of the lake, but there are spur trails that circle the entire lake. The mile at the top is above the tree line. Near Leadville North, Colorado. 48 reviews. The Mineral Belt Trail is a 11.6 mile all-season non-motorized ADA accessible route with numerous trailheads and access points. Watch out for Sasquatches too. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. A hike mostly through forest with views of Turquoise Lake below, and the continental divide above. Breckenridge, CO. Breckenridge Ski Resort … Standing just to the southwest of Leadville lies Colorado’s tallest mountain, Mt. Presented below are Tour Companies that offer guided hiking trips and adventures in and near Leadville. This is an excellent hike found above and past Turquoise Lake. Located in Leadville, Colorado, the Mineral Belt Loop Trail is an 11.6 mile asphalt path that is replete with history, scenery, and recreation. After a leisurely bike ride or stroll on the trail, the town of Leadville offers numerous restaurants, antique stores, and museums. The riding is smooth and the educational opportunities are bountiful. Also, make sure to get a VERY early start because thunderstorms roll in during summer afternoons and it is highly dangerous to be above the treeline in a storm. Both of these trails are about 10 miles long round trip, the route is very straightforward, and you will have little trouble (besides maybe your breathing) getting to the top. Distance: 8 miles. Leadville Cross Country Ski Council was founded to be a hands on provider of ski trails at existing multi user venues, and new venues for skiers only, in Lake County, Colorado. A beautiful climb along Lake Fork Creek to Timberline Lake Near Leadville North, Colorado. I always bring these things when hiking, but I feel as though they are especially important in dramatic environments like those that are around Leadville. 3. Loveland Pass. For multi-day hikes, no trail is more favored than the Colorado Trail. ... and short spur trails along the creek lead to some easier crossing points. If you decide to do a hike here, come prepared. If the road is inaccessible due to snow, it may tack on an extra 3-4 miles one way. Mt. Check this hike out if you want a lengthy trail with a gorgeous summer setting. St Mary’s Glacier. There are 15 moderate trails in Leadville ranging from 1.7 to 16.2 miles and from 9,635 to 13,845 feet above sea level. Aspen, CO. Lake County - Mount Elbert. Some people would not consider an 100 mile running race a “hike”, but the truth is, ultras are so difficult that many times the runners will hike when going uphill. This website is where I share all our adventures along with tips and advice to help you get outdoors too! Huron Peak (14,003 ft.) just makes the cut for being a Colorado “fourteener”. Be ready for some refreshing creek crossings, fun bridges, and valley views. Massive, all of which are class 2. However, if one looks beyond the pastel colored buildings into the distance, their eyes will be greeted by dramatic, snow capped mountains that call the name of any explorer. Looking for the best trails around Leadville? Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! The other two routes are class 3, so I would only advise you attempt them if you are a more experienced hiker or mountain climber. If you're looking for the best trails around Sylvan Lake State Park, we've got you covered. The next four hikes have lake views for days…. AllTrails has 34 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. The next two hikes are Colorado classics (BE A PART OF IT ALL)…. "From a driving standpoint, it's … The Region, the Hikes & the Base Camps. Massive looks more formidable, with its dramatic triangle peak. A wide, gravel trail ascends a sparsely forested slope, crossing the Colorado Trail, leading to the vicinity of three shallow swamps. If you are trying to summit a forteener, it may even be a good idea to start your hike before the sun has risen so that you can get down before the clouds roll in. You can take the East Slopes (14.5 mi, moderate), the Southwest Slopes (7.25 mi, moderate), or the East Ridge route (14 mi, considerable). As you approach the large abandoned mine, stay climber’s right and then traverse left across the more mild snowfield to gain the ridge. The road to the trailhead may be inaccessible due to snow, so that's something to consider if you are planning on hiking this during the winter. That is because Mt. Elbert. This means that weather there can be drastic and dramatic, changing from hot to cold, sun to snow, and calm to wind in a moment’s notice. She loves to spend her free time backcountry skiing, mountain biking, climbing, and watching Game of Thrones. Your email address will not be published. The road to the trailhead is rough, but doable for most cars if you go slowly. If you go in the midst of the summer, the chances of seeing Colorado’s famous wildflowers are very high. Elbert. A bounty of snowfall facilitates endless winter activity options. Get your gear ready, get out to Leadville, and get yourself on that trail! 10th Mountain Division Hut. And of course, if you reach the summit, the views from the peak are spectacular. Elbert is a must, because you will be able to tell your friends that you stood on top of the highest point in Colorado, at 14,433 feet. However, if you live in Denver and you only want to do a section of it, then a great option is to make your way to Segment 10 outside of Leadville. 6.3 mi. The riding is smooth and the educational opportunities are bountiful. The main road displays old mining buildings, the infamous Melanzana store, and a few restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. The trail that surrounds the lake is approximately 15 miles, making for a long hike that offers glimpses of clear blue water and shade from the many pine tress surrounding the lake. Always remember to bring about two liters of water, a rain jacket, a fleece, sturdy hiking or trail running shoes, wool socks, a backpack with waist straps, snacks, a lunch, a first aid kit, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and chapstick. Trails in Leadville - 32. #2 - Mount Sherman Trail via Four Mile Creek Road. Accessibility: The trail surface is paved asphalt and typically at least six feet wide. Three of its 33 sections are accessible from Leadville. Views of the Collegiate Peaks and Colorado's highest peak of Mt. Windsor Lake Trail, near Leadville, Colorado. Hiking trail near Leadville, Colorado. Located in Leadville, Colorado, the Mineral Belt Loop Trail is an 11.6 mile asphalt path that is replete with history, scenery, and recreation. If you want more of a challenge, try one of the two class two routes: Southeast Ride (11 mi, moderate) or Box Creek Couloirs (8.5 mi, considerable). You'll also find some great local park options, like Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area or Walter Byron Memorial Park. Try to hike in the morning, so that you don’t get caught in a lightning storm (this happens quite frequently in Colorado in the summer above tree-line). Along the way, you will see stunning wildflowers and a breathtaking view of the mountain. Mount Elbert is the Rocky Mountains' highest summit, reaching 14,440 feet into the … Massive is the fourteener right next to Mt. This often overlooked town really does have a plethora of gems that have nothing to do with the fact that it used to be a mining town. The estimated grade is mostly gentle (estimated under 5%) with a couple of steep sections with a grade between 5% and 8%. Elbert. Our x/c ski trails are groomed and waiting for you! Visit the remnants of numerous old mines, explanatory plaques along the way. Take some time to wander the town’s back streets to see the historic buildings. Missouri Lakes are nestled in the heart of the mountains surrounding Leadville, and similar to Windsor Lake, they provide a spectacular foreground for the tree line of Colorado. 2. Set in Colorado mining country, the trail is dotted with historical signs and remnants of a rich geological past. Mount Elbert. Plenty of free parking at the Leadville Fish Hatchery. … Kaiti Kinshella is a Spanish teacher and freelance writer who lives, works, and plays in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This race is only for the truly brave (masochistic?) Saint Mary’s Lake. Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet. Just like Missouri Lakes Trail, this trail is 7.2 miles long and moderate. Elbert For a great addition; continue on Mayqueen then left up the road to Hagerman Pass Rd. Distance: 2.8 miles Elevation: 885 … Hiking Guides & Outfitters Hiking Trails Located in central Colorado in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Leadville features a large trail network across some of the highest peaks in the state.