Mineral Belt National Recreation Trail

Groves of aspen, conifer forests, wildflower meadows, and open vista sage parks are interspersed with once-booming mine sites.

Ever-present views of the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges provide perspective and a sense of permanence to the area.

The trail is designed for bicycles, longboards, walkers, wheelchairs, strollers and in-line skaters.

When the snow falls, snowcats groom the trail to provide access to Nordic skiers, snowshoers and winter-bikers.

"What makes this trail unique is that it goes through one of the greatest mining districts in the world," says Lake County, Colorado Assessor Howard A. Tritz, an original member of the group which spearheaded trail development.