The best MTB trails in Lake County

Hagerman Pass is a high mountain pass in Colorado at about 11,925 ft (3,635 m). The route is rough dirt/rock surface — originally a railroad grade and now a Forest Service Road (FSR 105). It is typically open late May through early-to-mid autumn, depending on snow and conditions. The road starts easy enough but becomes progressively rockier, steeper, narrower, and more technical toward the high point. You might find that some sections are too technical to ride and end up hike-a-bike. Be prepared and know your limits!

The Lyle Lake Trail enters the Holy Cross Wilderness at this point; bicycles are not permitted beyond the trail junction with Hagerman Pass Road. Hagerman Pass Road can be cycled, but it’s a challenging, technical adventure route - you're probably well aware of this if you're here! Mountain bikers should be ready for rough surfaces and steep climbs and descents.

The Powerline climb is an infamous uphill during the later stages of the Leadville 100 mile run. This steep dirt road is a common training ground for those getting ready to race at 10,000 feet. The road tops out at Sugarloaf Pass (roughly 11,200 feet) where the road and Colorado Trail intersect.

Hiking southbound, this is the junction where you decide to hike the Collegiate West alternate (which follows the Continental Divide Trail) or the Collegiate East (which is the original Colorado Trail route). The CW West is more challenging, roughly ten miles longer and takes you into higher elevation, but offers breathtaking scenery, while the CW East stays lower and offers better accessibility to trail towns and hot springs.

The Dutch Henry Tubing Hill is the start/finish line for the Silver Rush 50, a qualifier for the famous 100 mile footrace. In past years, Lifetime has offered a race entry coin to the Leadville 100 to the first runner up the hill (provided they still finish the 50 miler within the cutoff time), so you often see racers sprinting up the hill at the start of the race. This is also a great trailhead from which to access the Mineral Belt Trail.

There is an old steam engine on display next to the current active railroad. You can book 2 hour scenic train tours from $77.50 on the Leadville Railroad website here: https://leadvillerailroad.com/train-rides.

Leadville, Colorado is the highest town in the US at 10,152 feet above sea-level. This small former mining town has recently begun to transform into a recreational hub in large part due to the Leadville 100, a 100-mile ultramarathon, and its proximity to the two tallest mountains in the state: Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. Harrison Ave is the main street of Leadville. Nestled in the colorful, historic buildings that reflect its rich history as one of the most prosperous silver mining town in the state are coffee shops, boutiques, gear stores, antique and thrift stores, and the famous Melenzana Store, where (by appointment only) you can purchase some of Colorado's most iconic fleeces.

The Mineral Belt Trail is an 11.6 mile loop around Leadville. This segment runs through the northern part of town by Ice Palace Park. To the east the trail turns onto 12th Street for a short spell and crosses the railroad line before picking back up a block later.