Snowshoeing Scenic Leadville

Winter Wonderland

If the only things you hear are snow falling from the bows of evergreens, squirrels barking as you pass their territory or someone in your group saying, “Wow, Look at that vista!” You must be snowshoeing in the backcountry in and around Leadville, Colorado. The winter solitude can be invigorating and the silence deafening as you experience a Rocky Mountain Winter first hand. Leadville has 50 miles of groomed trail and an endless amount of forest service road, multi use  trails and unprecedented mountain vistas around every corner. Some of the trail heads may be
                                                         steps from your vacation rental home.

Come Prepared

Scenic Views

Scenic Trails

Mineral Belt National Recreation Trail – It’s a11.6-mile paved loop trail and is built for multi-use and all seasonal access. There are awesome views of the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges, and offers historical glimpses of Leadville’s mining past. The trail circles the city, passing through aspen groves, conifer forests, with wildflower meadows. There are numerous trail heads and access points, about 20, and encompasses about 70 blocks-square-blocks through the Leadville National Historic Landmark District and the Leadville Mining District. Most of Cielo Vista Vacation Properties have at least one easy access close by.  During the winter months, the trail is groomed for skate skiing, cross-country skiing, winter biking and snowshoeing. In warmer months, it's perfect for hiking, biking or rollerblading. The fall colorful foliage provides yet another seasonal photographic opportunity of the Rocky Mountains and town. For more information and trail map, visit www.mineralbelttrail.com  


Mount Massive Golf Course - Now that the snow has arrived the greens turn into whites, and converts to a groomed snowshoe and cross-country ski playground. North America’s highest golf course, located southwest of Leadville on County Road 4, transforms into a winter wonderland, offering three separate loops. The short loop is about 1.25 miles, the middle loop is 2.5 miles and the longest loop is about 3.75 miles. With stunning views of Mts. Massive and Elbert, you can do a few laps around the tracks only miles from downtown Leadville. The trails are groomed as needed and are especially suited for beginners and intermediates. There is a $2 donation suggested, the box is on the post to the right of the entrance. It’s located just three miles west of town near Turquoise Lake. All the trails are wide and wind gently in and out of forested areas and along the open golf course fairways. Every year several winter events are held 0n the course. The first one is the Leadville Snowshoe Marathon and it is held every in early February. The following week in February, the High Riders Snowmobile Club will be hosting The Leadville High Altitude Snow Drags. This day-long event will feature snowmobile drag races right on the ninth hole of the golf course. There will also be some demos available for snow machine enthusiasts.

Turquoise Lake Road -  west of Leadville off of County Road 4, offers a loop for snowmobiles, skiers and snowshoers. About 20- 30  miles are groomed by the High Riders Snowmobile Club several times a week. You can stop along the way for beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains including Mt. Elbert, Mt Massive, and the lake. There are several service road off the lake road that are groomed also. Parts of FSR 107 and all of FSR 103 are groomed and can be used to access Cielo Vista Yurt for a backcountry vacation. Check our Property Page and our Specials page  for winter snowshoe specials. Another trail open for snowshoeing around the lake is the 6.4 mi. non-groomed Turquoise Lake Trail. It starts from the Dam and finishes at the May Queen Campground