Bike Year Round in Leadville & Twin Lakes

With scenery, terrain, and trails shaped by the Continental Divide and the Arkansas River Headwaters, Leadville & Twin Lakes deliver a distinctly high-country Colorado riding experience – whether you’re riding fat tires in winter or narrow tires in summer. From aspen groves and alpine lakes to snow packed loops and frosted peaks, this is one of the rare places where you can ride year-round with each season reshaping the landscape and redefining the experience

• In summer, you’ll find paved loops, singletrack, gravel roads, lake loops, and challenging climbs.

• In winter, when snow blankets the mountains, the same region becomes a fat-biker’s paradise: dozens of miles of groomed trails wind through mining districts, alpine forests and high-altitude roads.

Whether you’re seeking adventure  or a mellow cruise we welcome you.

Do Colorado Right Tip: respect trail rules, high-altitude conditions, other users (hikers, skiers, snowshoers, snowmobilers) and the natural beauty around you.

Summer Biking: Road, Gravel & Singletrack

When the snow recedes in early summer (usually late May into June), Leadville emerges as a summer playground, opening up miles of scenic trails beneath clear skies and towering peaks.

Recommended Trails

• Mineral Belt Trail – A 11.6-mile paved loop around town. Perfect for easy rides, scenic tours, families, or quick rides after work. The trail loops through the historic mining district, past old mine sites, among aspen and conifer groves, meadows, and sweeping mountain views.

• Singletrack & Gravel Around Town & Lakes – For more adventure, try the singletrack at Timberline Trails or the gravel/dirt routes around the historic East Side Mining District. You’ll ride past old mining structures, wide open vistas of the Sawatch Range, and cross-country-style terrain.

• Turquoise & Twin Lakes – Ride around or toward scenic water bodies like Turquoise and Twin Lakes, or go all the way to Twin Lakes via gravel and mixed-terrain routes. Try some of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB course or sections of the Colorado-Continental Divide Trail. These classic high-country rides are beautiful, remote, and memorable.

Do Colorado Right Tip: Plan for altitude. At ~10,000 ft, even “easy” rides feel more challenging. Hydrate well, go slow at first, and enjoy the views.  Click here to learn more about preparing for altitude

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD LEADVILLE SUMMER BIKE TRAIL MAP

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD LAKE COUNTY (LEADVILLE & TWIN LAKES) SUMMER BIKE TRAIL MAP

Winter & Snow: Fat Biking, Groomed Loops & Snowy Landscapes

When the snow comes (usually from late fall, and often staying through April or even May), Leadville transforms into a winter playground.

Recommended Trails

• Mineral Belt Trail –  The same 11.6-mile loop is groomed by the Lake County Government in winter so fat-bikers, Nordic skiers, and snowshoers can enjoy a smooth, accessible ride.
• Timberline Trails – Nearly 10 miles of forested singletrack is groomed by Cloud City Wheelers, making this area great for riders who want more of a “trail” feel than road-like loops.
• Turquoise Lake Road Winter Loop – A 14-mile loop around the lake is closed to drivers in the winter and offers a scenic route for fat biking, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. The road is groomed by the High Riders Snowmobile Clubs.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD LEADVILLE WINTER BIKE MAP

⚠️ Winter Tips & What to Know

“Doing it right” here means more than just picking the right trail, it means embracing a shared ethic to preserve the area, respect other users, and enjoy responsibly.

• Respect trail rules and grooming status. Many trails are multi-use in winter (skiers, snowshoers, cyclists and snowmobiles), so check grooming conditions and follow signage or closures.
• Ride within your ability, especially at altitude. The thin air makes climbs and effort harder than at lower elevation, and weather can shift quickly.
• At altitude, conditions can change fast. Dress in layers, bring water, and prepare for variable weather.
• Leave no trace as you ride through history and nature. Routes wind past old mining sites, alpine forests, and lakes – caring for these places helps preserve the scenery, trail quality, and sense of discovery for every ride.
• Support local – rent, buy, or ask advice from local shops and outfitters. They know the trails best.

Leadville & Twin Lakes offer one of the rare places where you can ride all year long and experience the Colorado high country in dramatically different ways. The trails change with the seasons: from aspen groves and alpine lakes to snow packed loops and frosted peaks.