Trail Overview
This route follows a portion of the historic Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad grade through the mountains outside of Leadville. Evidence of the railroad can still be seen along the route, including stacks of old railroad ties remaining on the hillside. The road travels through dense stands of pine and aspen, occasionally opening along exposed hillsides with views across the surrounding forest and distant mountains. The surface varies between relatively smooth packed dirt and gravel and rougher stretches covered with loose rock and exposed roots. Much of the route retains the gradual grades and hillside cuts associated with the former railbed. Additional remnants of the area's mining and railroad history can be found along the way, including deteriorating wooden structures, foundations, and other scattered remains. Overall, this is a scenic route combining mountain terrain with visible reminders of Leadville's historic transportation and mining past.
Difficulty
The route consists primarily of packed dirt and gravel with sections of loose rock, scattered embedded rocks, and occasional exposed tree roots. Most of the trail is relatively smooth with gradual grades, although a few narrower hillside sections require more attention to tire placement.
History
Leadville's surrounding mountains are heavily connected to Colorado's mining history. Mining booms beginning in the 1860s transformed the area, with gold, silver, lead, zinc, molybdenum, and other minerals driving development over different periods. Many roads and routes throughout the mountains originated as access to mines, claims, settlements, and other industrial sites. Remnants of this history can still be found throughout the area, including mine workings, foundations, structures, and old transportation corridors. Leadville was also once home to the Unsinkable Molly Brown, who lived in the city during its mining boom and met and married J.J. Brown there. Doc Holliday also called Leadville home during the 1880s, spending time in the city's saloons and gambling halls during one of its most colorful periods. Leadville itself is recognized as a National Historic Landmark District.
