Slip N Slide and Mineral Belt Trail Loop

The Komoot tour data suggests this specific loop takes approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete. However, your actual time may vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or read the interpretive signs along the Slip N Slide Trail and Mineral Belt Trail sections.

Yes, this loop is generally considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners and families. The Slip N Slide Trail portion is rated easy, and the Mineral Belt Trail is also accessible for various users, including strollers and wheelchairs. However, remember that Leadville is at a high altitude (over 10,000 feet), so even easy trails can feel more strenuous if you're not acclimated.

A convenient starting point for this loop is near Colorado Mountain College (CMC) in Leadville. The Dutch Henry parking area, a main access point for the Mineral Belt Trail, is located south of downtown Leadville off Highway 24, close to CMC. This proximity allows for easy connection to both the Slip N Slide Trail and the Mineral Belt Trail.

The loop offers varied terrain. You'll experience the smooth berms and rollers of the unpaved Slip N Slide Trail, which winds through Lodgepole pines. This transitions to the paved surface of the Mineral Belt Trail, which encircles Leadville, passing through aspen groves, conifer forests, and open meadows. The Mineral Belt Trail has an average grade of 3% with a maximum of 5%.

Along the route, you'll enjoy diverse scenery, from the peaceful forest of the Slip N Slide Trail to the panoramic views of the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges (including peaks like Mount Elbert) from the Mineral Belt Trail. The Mineral Belt Trail also serves as an "outdoor museum," meandering past historic 1880s silver mines and structures, with interpretive signs detailing Leadville's rich mining history.

Yes, both the Slip N Slide Trail and the Mineral Belt Trail are generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness and respect other users.

The loop can be enjoyed year-round. In spring, summer, and fall, you'll experience wildflowers, changing aspen leaves, and clear mountain views. The Mineral Belt Trail is groomed in winter for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking, offering a unique winter experience. Be prepared for high-altitude weather conditions regardless of the season.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Timberline Trail System, which includes the Slip N Slide Trail, or the Mineral Belt Trail. Both are publicly accessible for recreation.

Yes, this route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll spend a significant portion on the Mineral Belt Trail and the Slip N Slide Trail. Additionally, the loop passes through sections of trails like Boulders, Giddy Up, Cutoff, Swoop, Candyland, And Again, and County Road 6A and 6D.

Leadville, being a historic town, offers various amenities. Since the loop is easily accessible from near Colorado Mountain College, you're not far from downtown Leadville, which has cafes, restaurants, and other services. It's a good idea to check local listings for current operating hours.

For a slightly easier experience on the Mineral Belt Trail portion, consider starting the loop in a clockwise direction from an access point like Ice Palace Park. This will give you a gentle, steady climb for the first 5 miles, followed by a rewarding downhill section for the remainder of the paved trail. Always remember to bring plenty of water due to the high altitude.