Champion Mine Trail

Total Miles
1.9

Technical Rating

Moderate

Best Time

Summer

Trail Type

High-Clearance 4x4 Trail

Accessible By

Trail Overview

This trail begins at the ending point of the Halfmoon Gulch Trail and continues up to Champion Mine. Champion Mill (alt. 11,600 feet) is the large mill structure near the beginning of this trail. The top of this trail features mine ruins circa 1880's (alt 12,800 feet). Shelf exposure and 3-4 notable obstacles without a bypass contribute to the trail rating. There is an area at the top to turn around, otherwise there are very limited opportunities to pass oncoming vehicles. Snow often keeps this trail closed from early October through mid-July. The trail is 2 miles in each direction. It is recommended to check with the Leadville US Forest Service office for trail conditions.

Photos of Champion Mine Trail

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Difficulty

The lower section has ruts with medium-sized boulders influencing line choice. The middle section of the trail has shelf obstacles, some off-camber sections, and narrow terrain; a spotter is very helpful in this section. The upper portion of the trail has narrow sections with notable shelf exposure. The end of the trail near the mine ruins has a small area to turn around.

History

Established in the 1880s and operated until 1912, this mine was a supplier of gold and silver.

Technical Rating

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Access Description

Starting in Leadville, take Highway 24 South. After passing a travel center/convenience store on the right, turn right on road #300. Take a left on Halfmoon Road and follow Halfmoon Road/road #11, until the Mount Massive Trailhead parking lot. This is the beginning of the onX Halfmoon Gulch Trail. Take this trail until it ends at a gate and parking lot below the Champion Mill. Champion Mine Trail is a left turn from this parking lot. The US Forest Service, Leadville District Office in Leadville may provide information on trail conditions.