The best walks and hikes around Leadville North
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Hiking around Leadville North offers access to high-altitude terrain, situated at 10,152 feet in a valley near the headwaters of the Arkansas River. The region is surrounded by over a million acres of national forests, including the San Isabel National Forest, and is flanked by the Sawatch and Mosquito Ranges. Notable features include Colorado's highest peaks, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, along with glacial lakes such as Turquoise Lake and Twin Lakes. Diverse ecosystems, from aspen groves to wildflower meadows, characterize the landscape.
Best hiking trails around Leadville North
- The most popular hiking route is Turquoise Lake Trail — San Isabel National Forest, a 12.4 miles (19.9 km) trail that takes 5 hours 7 minutes to complete. This route offers expansive views around the glacial Turquoise Lake.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Mineral Belt Trail, a difficult 11.7 miles (18.9 km) path. This trail provides sweeping mountain and town views, passing by old mining structures.
- Local hikers also love the Old Chub Trail and Wheelers Way Trail loop from CMC — Leadville, Colorado, a 4.9 miles (7.9 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 2 hours 12 minutes.
- Hiking around Leadville North is defined by high-altitude peaks, glacial lakes, and extensive national forests. The network offers options for different ability levels, from challenging ascents to easier lakeside paths.
- The routes in Leadville North are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 1 review. More than 80 hikers have used komoot to explore Leadville North's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
4.0
(2)
7
hikers
18.9km
05:07
250m
260m
Hike the difficult 11.7-mile Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville for panoramic mountain views and a journey through historic mining sites.
6
hikers
7.92km
02:12
150m
150m
Hike the moderate 4.9-mile Wheelers Way Loop near Leadville, CO, enjoying diverse terrain and mountain views of Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert.
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5
hikers
4.43km
01:11
50m
50m
Hike the easy 2.8-mile Boulders, Swoop, and Perma Grin Loop, gaining 159 feet in the Timberline Trail System.
1
hikers
13.1km
04:24
660m
660m
Hike the moderate 8.1-mile Mt. Zion 4WD Road in San Isabel National Forest for high-alpine views and a challenging 2152-foot climb.
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hikers
5.42km
01:27
70m
70m
This easy 3.4-mile loop in Leadville combines a forest singletrack with a paved historic trail, offering mountain views and mining history.
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Other adventures around Leadville North
Tips from the Community
The Mineral Belt Trail is an 11.7 mile paved path around the mining town of Leadville. Bikers, runners, walkers, dogs, and rollerbladers are welcome to use the trail in the dry months, and the loop is groomed during the winter for cross country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing. Starting here at the base of Dutch Henry Hill is the lowest point on the MBT and is a good starting point (even for out and backs) because you can finish downhill.
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An excellent hiking path characterized by its winding pattern through a picturesque corridor lined with Lodgepole pines. It's also ideal for cross-country skiing. It's important to exercise caution as it's a shared path with mountain bikers. The optimal way to navigate this trail is by following a clockwise direction.
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This is a stunning section along the 4-mile Wheelers Way Trail. Immerse yourself in the beauty of aspen and pine landscapes. Be mindful as the route is shared with mountain bikers.
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The woods at Colorado Mountain College has a lot to offer. The campus woods has a disc golf course, soccer field, singletrack trails, and double track trails, all of which are free to use by the public. The Timberline Trail System is the name of the trails maintained in the campus woods as well as some off-campus trails (most of the trail maintenance here and in the rest of Leadville is done by the local non-profit Cloud City Wheelers). There is signage posted at most trail junctions for the singletrack network, and a lot of these trails are even groomed for skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking in the winter.
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Matchless Mine is actually owned and operated by the Leadville National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. You can pay to take self-guided tours and learn more about the mining history of Leadville and other small Colorado mountain towns. You can see some of the mining infrastructure from the Mineral Belt Trail, and there are many other mining ruins along the eastern part of the Mineral Belt Trail loop.
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The Mineral Belt Trail tops out at 10,606 feet. There is a small lookout here towards town with the Sawatch Mountains in the background.
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Serving as the most southern summit on Chicago Ridge, Mount Zion stands at 12,126 feet. The actual summit is located at a rock cairn a couple hundred feet off of the main trail/road through a field of talus. Your views from the top are of the city of Leadville, the Mosquito Range, and the 14ers making up the Sawatch Range. The road leading up to the summit is really steep in spots and then totally runnable in other spots. This is a good option for someone trying to run up a mountain in Leadville that isn't quite as intense as something like a 14er.
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The woods at Colorado Mountain College has a lot to offer. The campus woods has a disc golf course, soccer field, singletrack trails, and double track trails, all of which are free to use by the public. The Timberline Trail System is the name of the trails maintained in the campus woods as well as some off-campus trails (most of the trail maintenance here and in the rest of Leadville is done by the local non-profit Cloud City Wheelers). There is signage posted at most all trail junctions for the singletrack network, and a lot of these trails are even groomed for skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking in the winter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails can I explore in Leadville North?
Leadville North offers a diverse selection of over 25 hiking trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy lakeside paths to challenging high-altitude ascents.
What types of hiking difficulties can I expect in Leadville North?
The trails around Leadville North range from easy to difficult. You'll find approximately 10 easy routes, 12 moderate options, and 5 challenging trails, ensuring there's something for every experience level.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Leadville North?
Yes, Leadville North has several family-friendly options. The Swoop Trail and Perma Grin Trail loop from CMC is an easy route, perfect for a relaxed outing. The Turquoise Lake Trail is also known for being suitable for families, offering scenic views without extreme difficulty.
Can I find circular hiking routes in Leadville North?
Absolutely. Many trails in Leadville North are designed as loops. For example, the Old Chub Trail and Wheelers Way Trail loop from CMC offers varied terrain, while the Turquoise Lake loop provides expansive views around the glacial lake.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while hiking in Leadville North?
Leadville North is rich in natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can explore stunning glacial lakes like Turquoise Lake and Twin Lakes, or visit Bear Lake and Buckeye Lake. The region is also surrounded by Colorado's highest peaks, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, offering dramatic backdrops. For a glimpse into the area's mining past, the Mineral Belt Trail passes by old mining structures, and you can visit the Matchless Mine.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in the Leadville North area?
Yes, the Colorado Trail at Camp Hale, located near Leadville North, is known to feature a waterfall along its mostly flat path, offering a scenic highlight during your hike.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Leadville North?
The best time for hiking in Leadville North is typically from late spring through early autumn, when trails are clear of snow and wildflowers are in bloom. Given its high-altitude setting, conditions can change rapidly, so always check local weather forecasts. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Leadville North?
Many trails in the national forests and public lands surrounding Leadville North are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific trail regulations before heading out. Generally, dogs should be kept on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Leadville North?
The hiking experiences in Leadville North are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning high-altitude scenery, the variety of trails, and the expansive views of glacial lakes and towering peaks.
Is public transport available to reach hiking trailheads in Leadville North?
While Leadville North is well-connected by roads, public transport options directly to remote trailheads are limited. It is generally recommended to have a personal vehicle for accessing many of the hiking routes in the surrounding national forests and mountain ranges.
Are there any permits required for hiking in Leadville North?
Most day hikes in the national forests and public lands around Leadville North do not require specific permits. However, for overnight backpacking or accessing certain wilderness areas, permits may be necessary. Always check with the local Forest Service office or land management agency for the most current regulations, especially for popular 14er ascents.
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