Timberline Trails Winter Singletrack

Distance: 9.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 330′

Activities: Fat bike, Nordic ski, snowshoe

Equipment: Rent equipment in downtown Leadville

Cost: Free

Conditions: See the latest grooming report

TRAIL MAP

Why It’s a Gem

Located in the winter trails mecca of Leadville, Colorado, the Timberline Trails network is the perfect fat biking area. Gradual rolling terrain and reliable snow conditions, thanks to a highly motivated volunteer crew, offer something for all winter mountain bikers, as well as Nordic skiers and snowshoers. The gentle hills make these trails enjoyable for all ages, especially with a downhill finish back to the college. These nine trails intersect the Colorado Mountain College Nordic trails and the Mineral Belt Trail, all groomed in winter. Yet these trails are much narrower and provide a different thrill. They also have amazing views of Colorado’s highest peaks.

The Cloud City Wheelers bike club grooms the trails all winter to provide amazing experiences for fat bikes. However, the trails are open to all non-motorized activity. Just minutes from Cycles of Life and Leadvelo Bicicasa bike shops, these easily accessible trails aim to please.

Directions to Trailhead:

The trailhead is located south of town on County Road 41, at the Colorado Mountain College campus. At the top of the hill on County Road 41, take a left and you’ll see the trailhead sign. Junctions are marked and have maps. Fat tires must not leave a deep impression in the snow. If you are leaving a deep impression and your tires have less than 5 psi in them, you might want to go skiing and let the snow set up more. Please clean up after your pet!

Or park at the Mineral Belt Trail lot at the base of Dutch Henry Hill, on Highway 24 just south of the intersection with McWethy. Then bike west on the Mineral Belt Trail to Boonedoggle to access the Timberline Trails.

Parking:

Park along the sides of County Road 41 or in the Mineral Belt Trail parking lot.

Trail Descriptions:

Explore the Timberline Trails network’s many tree-lined paths. Start on Boulders to the east of Perma Grin to the west and pick your poison in the middle.

And Again: An out and back. If you giggled through Giddy Up, get yourself some more and freeze that smile on your face. (1 mile)
Boulders: The trail that inspired a system. Boulders warms you up fast while climbing with a few steep pitches. Descend this trail and feel the joy. Watch for uphill users. (1 mile)
Candyland: Saddle up and ride this lollipop shaped loop with gentle terrain changes. One prospect pit to roll up and over……just don’t fall in! (.75 miles)
Giddy Up: Like a storm trooper zipping through the trees, you’ll enjoy zigging and zagging on this rolling trail. (1 mile)
Outer Limits: Tack this trail on for some extra time out on the trails. Switch it up and ride it both ways! (1 mile)
Perma Grin: Great way to start your ride with a subtle uphill. So fun, you’ll forget you’re climbing. Try it downhill jumping the rollers and take your smile to go. (1.5 miles)
Slip n Slide: Climbing or descending, this serpentine stack flows! Cruise through the lodgepole forest and bank into the smooth turns for an exhilarating ride. (2 miles)
Swoop: Tight turns and big smiles! See if you can keep your hands off the brakes and feel the flow. (.75 miles)
Where the Heck Am I: Where you can get lost and not care if you’re found. (1 mile)