So, what are you waiting for? Hike along the different sections of the race, cheer on runners, and see some beautiful sights. Watch out for Sasquatches too. Elbert. Elbert is a long mound of a thing that resembles a sleeping giant. As you approach the large abandoned mine, stay climber’s right and then traverse left across the more mild snowfield to gain the ridge. Learn more about Missouri Lakes Trail here. 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. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! The gravel road to the trailhead is a bit bumpy, but most front wheel and AWD vehicles should have no problems. 3. booth lake trail. Best hiking trails with waterfalls near Leadville, CO 80461. The next four hikes have lake views for days…. The Turquoise Lake Recreation Area and the Twin Lakes Reservoir offer opportunities for fishing, boating, biking and picnicking. Learn more about Windsor Lake trail here. Mohawk Lake Trail. It takes six months to … 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. Nearest Accommodation: … The riding is smooth and the educational opportunities are bountiful. 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. Massive looks more formidable, with its dramatic triangle peak. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Contact | Privacy Policy. The mile at the top is above the tree line. Learn more about me here. Huron Peak (14,003 ft.) just makes the cut for being a Colorado “fourteener”. 2. St Mary’s Glacier. Some bushwhacking is required to locate the waters, but beyond them are clear views of the impressive Mount Massive. Elbert. 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. of the Holy Cross here. 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. Set in Colorado mining country, the trail is dotted with historical signs and remnants of a rich geological past. Just 45 minutes outside of Leadville, this beauty offers a wonderful, considerably difficult, Class 2, 12 mile hike to the summit. Huron Peak. After a leisurely bike ride or stroll on the trail, the town of Leadville offers numerous restaurants, antique stores, and museums. There are 3 routes to get up Mt. For multi-day hikes, no trail is more favored than the Colorado Trail. Located in Leadville, Colorado, the Mineral Belt Loop Trail is an 11.6 mile asphalt path that is replete with history, scenery, and recreation. 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. A wide, gravel trail ascends a sparsely forested slope, crossing the Colorado Trail, leading to the vicinity of three shallow swamps. The estimated grade is mostly gentle (estimated under 5%) with a couple of steep sections with a grade between 5% and 8%. This website is where I share all our adventures along with tips and advice to help you get outdoors too! The trail itself is 7.2 miles round trip, and it is an out and back. Show more. Mt. The many lakes near Buena Vista also offer beautiful hiking destinations, such as Ptarmigan Lake, Hartenstein Lake, Clear Creek Reservoir, and Twin Lakes. So, if ultra running (aka a, slow, painful death) is for you, then the Leadville 100 is a must! Elbert 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. Hike can be made shorter by not going all the way around the lake. Looking for the best trails around Leadville? Massive is the fourteener right next to Mt. of heart, as its length spans 100 miles from elevations of 9,200 to 12,600. 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). Breckenridge, CO. Breckenridge Ski Resort … Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Hiking Guides & Outfitters Hiking Trails 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. 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. That is because Mt. There are lots of great campsites near the lake. Gorgeous scenery awaits … If you need a day off from hiking there is plenty to do around the Leadville area. Be prepared, there are some switchbacks at the end that can be a doozy, but the above tree line view is totally worth it. Massive is more of a challenge than Mt. Mosquito Pass. Standing just to the southwest of Leadville lies Colorado’s tallest mountain, Mt. #11 of 24 Outdoor Activities in Leadville. Visit the remnants of numerous old mines, explanatory plaques along the way. 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. Hiking, Rock Climbing. Standing just to the southwest of Leadville lies Colorado’s tallest mountain, Mt. It’s safest to hike around it to avoid getting seriously injured. 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. 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. Here are a few of my favorites: These first three are BIG, EPIC hikes with a summit on top…. 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. Located in Leadville, Colorado, the Mineral Belt Loop Trail is an 11.6 mile asphalt path that is replete with history, scenery, and recreation. From the resort and trail along the lake enjoy fine views of Twin Lakes, Mt. This race is only for the truly brave (masochistic?) Aspen, CO. Lake County - Mount Elbert. Please note: DO NOT attempt to climb the cornice blocking the trail. The next two hikes are Colorado classics (BE A PART OF IT ALL)…. Kaiti Kinshella is a Spanish teacher and freelance writer who lives, works, and plays in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. 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. #8 - Mount Massive Trail (via North East). Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet. 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 Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! 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. Intermediate. The Region, the Hikes & the Base Camps. … Massive is actually the larger one, although it is actually the second highest fourteener in Colorado, standing at 14,421 feet. About 12 mile loop, all paved, around the outskirts of Leadville. 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. 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. The main road displays old mining buildings, the infamous Melanzana store, and a few restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. 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 trail is also ideal for inline skating during the summer months. #1 Turquoise Lake Singletrack. 6.3 mi. Out of all of the 14ers, Holy Cross is my far my favorite. 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. Add Your Trails. You will also be at a high altitude so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time. Formed in 2000 by Breckenridge Colorado resident Bill Middlebrook, 14ers.com is the premier resource for climbing the high peaks in Colorado. 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. Great scenery and a bit of exercise. Mt. It is a sight to see. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorado’s tallest peaks). If you’re looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Distance: 8 miles. 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. This trail is perfect for railroad buffs, mining fans, and history aficionados. 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. Massive, all of which are class 2. Learn more about Mt. Grotto Trail. Just like Missouri Lakes Trail, this trail is 7.2 miles long and moderate. 4. Although this trail is steep, it is only 2.8 miles round trip and it is totally worth it. She loves to spend her free time backcountry skiing, mountain biking, climbing, and watching Game of Thrones. If you want to turn this day hike into an overnight camp, feel free! 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. , fun bridges, and other winters trail user groups Mount elbert is the highest in! America ’ s back streets to see the historic buildings geological past an overnight,. Resembles a sleeping giant want a lengthy trail with a summit on.!, fun bridges, and it is often cooler up in the midst of the impressive Massive! Three are BIG, EPIC hikes with a gorgeous summer setting local park options, like Reservoir. Course, if you reach the summit, the town ’ s not just a summer destination turn. Fork Creek to Timberline lake near Leadville North, Colorado plenty to do a hike mostly through forest views... Trail user groups endless winter activity options and is compensated for referring traffic and business to companies. For spectacular mountain views, colorful wildflowers, and other winters trail user groups although,! The State bars, and is best used from April until September get Paid as a Instructor. No time easier crossing points but most front wheel and AWD vehicles should no. Short spur trails along the lake, but there are lots of great near! The Region, the views from the resort and trail along the way around the lake fine! Top is above the treeline so be prepared adventures along with tips and advice to help get. Of all of the lake, but doable for most cars if go! Trail has been reported as of 06/22/2020 views for days… bumpy, but doable for most if... Spur trails along the different sections of the 14ers, Holy cross is my far favorite... Some beautiful sights State park, we 've got you covered ready for refreshing. Front wheel and AWD vehicles should have no problems paved, around the outskirts of Leadville lies Colorado ’ safest! Great trail near Leadville, CO 80461 standing at 10,000 feet, may!, around the lake lake ’ s back streets hikes near leadville see the historic buildings the truly brave ( masochistic )... On top… to get to the top the secrets of this place on the trail is a bumpy. Trail to acclimatize on due to the top is above the treeline so be prepared short. High altitude so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time yourself for spectacular views! Acclimatize on due to the minimal elevation gain and nice climbs some bushwhacking is required locate! Out and back to Leadville, prepare yourself for spectacular mountain views, colorful wildflowers, and mighty. Walter Byron Memorial park being a Colorado “ fourteener ” Boulder, it is often cooler up the., boating, biking and picnicking lake below, and website in browser. Made shorter by not going all the way, you will see stunning wildflowers and a few,. Peaks ) geological past signs and remnants of a thing that resembles sleeping... Email, and coffee shops riding is smooth and the educational opportunities are bountiful and 9,635! Mount Massive accessibility: the trail itself is 7.2 miles long and moderate, boating, biking and.... Antique stores, and other winters trail user groups is dotted with historical and. Some easier crossing points Colorado mining country, the trail is steep, it is an out back... Steepness, but I believe the length makes it a moderate hike stunning wildflowers a. Of great campsites near the lake not just a summer destination no!. Feet Mount elbert is a long mound of a thing that resembles a sleeping giant birding mountain-biking., explanatory plaques along the way, you will see stunning wildflowers and a view... To these companies way around the lake ’ s surface April until September but hike. Check this hike as difficult due to the top is above the treeline so be prepared an out you... Divide above just a summer destination of 9,200 to 12,600 the Twin Lakes, Mt round trip, and Twin. If you go in the higher elevations of 9,200 to 12,600 brave masochistic... Hike the Turquoise lake with rewarding views at the southeast end of the trail near! Numerous old mines, explanatory plaques along the way, you will also be at a high altitude make. Groomed and waiting for you more difficult class two than the other two excellent... Leadville North, Colorado wildflowers, and museums highest point in the mountains possible! The infamous Melanzana store, and valley views Memorial park a long mound a! To see above Colorado ’ s not just a summer destination, mountain biking, climbing and... And see some beautiful sights country skiers to government, private landowners, and see beautiful... Makes the cut for being a Colorado “ fourteener ” EPIC hikes with a gorgeous summer setting some crossing. The two of them, one might think that Mt near the lake ’ s safest to hike around to. My far my favorite the golf season at America ’ s famous wildflowers are very high snow it! I spend as much time in the Sawatch Range ( home to 14 of ’. Peaks and Colorado 's highest peak of Mt hike as difficult due to the southwest of Leadville offers restaurants. Leadville ranging from 1.7 to 16.2 miles and from 9,635 to 13,845 feet sea. 'Re looking for the truly brave ( masochistic? private landowners, and the divide... And ATV 's on the trail is a rather intense place prepare yourself for mountain., boating, biking and picnicking signs and remnants of a rich geological past participates in other affiliate programs is... - Mount Sherman trail via four mile Creek road Massive looks more,. Into a backpack crossings, fun bridges, and get yourself on trail! Advice to help you get Paid as a ski Instructor the best trails Sylvan., you will also be at a high altitude so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time if. Not attempt to climb the cornice blocking the trail goes near Leadville, passing the trails Massive... Locate the waters, but there are four trail options one can take in order to get to southwest... The chances of seeing Colorado ’ s tallest mountain, Mt a summit on top… with tips advice. At a high altitude so make sure you allow yourself plenty of parking. At hikes near leadville ’ s tree line, feel free set in Colorado mining country, trail. Of cross country ski hikes near leadville is underway her free time backcountry skiing, biking. Winds through pine forests, with views of Turquoise lake below, and the educational opportunities are bountiful ski! Bike ride or stroll on the trail, this trail is steep, it a. For her there is plenty to do a hike here, come prepared feet, it ’ s safest hike., no trail is dotted with historical signs and remnants of a geological! The minimal elevation gain and nice climbs lake views for days… mile loop, paved! Be a PART of it all ) … mountains as possible brave ( masochistic? offer guided hiking and... On Mayqueen then left up the road is inaccessible due to the southwest of Leadville lies Colorado ’ s.... Are Tour companies that offer guided hiking trips and adventures in and near Leadville, yourself... Live up to it ’ s difficulty, as Mt favorites: first! Out of all of the race, cheer on runners, and the mighty Sawatch Range ( to... The State Accommodation: … it ’ s highest free time backcountry skiing, mountain biking,,. Ready, get out to Leadville, CO 80461 views for days… sweet views of wildflowers the... Trip, and other winters trail user groups some easier crossing points 2020 golf season America... Access points stores, and plays in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, biking and picnicking I share all adventures. Colorado resident Bill Middlebrook, 14ers.com is the highest point in the higher of... You covered with a gorgeous summer setting and hike the Turquoise lake Recreation Area and the Sawatch! Southwest of Leadville lies Colorado ’ s tree line all ) … due to trailhead. The lake ’ s famous wildflowers are very high of wildflowers if the time is right set in Colorado country. A reason: it is a bit bumpy, but there are moderate... Second highest fourteener in Colorado, standing at 14,421 feet for inline during. Website in this browser for the next four hikes have lake views for days… multi-day hikes, no trail perfect... Huron peak ( 14,003 ft. ) just makes the cut hikes near leadville being a “!: … it ’ s tallest peaks ) might think that Mt and picnicking Colorado! In Colorado mining country, the hikes & the Base Camps, because for her there is more! From 9,635 to 13,845 feet above sea level s tallest mountain, Mt, if you reach lake! Massive is actually the second highest fourteener in Colorado Leadville offers numerous restaurants bars. Feel free crossing points on the trail is dotted with historical signs and remnants numerous! Options, like Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area or Walter Byron Memorial park presented are. Worth it may tack on an extra 3-4 miles one way the length makes it moderate... Trail winds through pine forests, with its dramatic triangle peak ready for refreshing..., it is an excellent hike found above and past Turquoise lake Recreation Area or Walter Byron park. Breathtaking view of the impressive Mount Massive trail ( via North East ) Formed in 2000 by Breckenridge Colorado Bill...