Lookout over Turquoise Lake – Matchless Mine loop from Leadville

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Lookout over Turquoise Lake – Matchless Mine loop from Leadville

Hard

4.8

(1783)

14,074

riders

Lookout over Turquoise Lake – Matchless Mine loop from Leadville

04:04

61.8km

850m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

San Isabel National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

19.4 km

Turquoise Lake Dam

Highlight (Segment) • Monument

Turquoise Lake Dam acts as a hydroelectric power source, being fueled entirely by snowmelt from the peaks surrounding the lake. You can cross the dam and follow the road all …

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22.2 km

Turquoise Lake

Highlight • Lake

Turquoise Lake is an 1,800-acre alpine lake five miles outside Leadville. Named for the turquoise mine that was once there, it's now a recreational destination. The land surrounding Turquoise Lake …

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27.9 km

Lookout over Turquoise Lake

Highlight • Viewpoint

Turqoise Lake is an 1,800-acre alpine lake five miles outside Leadville. Named for the turquoise mine that was once there, it's now a recreational destination. The land surrounding Turquoise Lake …

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31.1 km

Shimmering Point Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Shimmering Point is one of a few overlooks on the northern road at Turquoise Lake. This road stays closed in the winter, but it is utilized by cars, runners, and bikers in the warm months.

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45.9 km

Mineral Belt Trail

Highlight • Trail

The Mineral Belt Trail is an 11.7 mile paved path around the mining town of Leadville. Bikers, runners, walkers, dogs, and rollerbladers are welcome to use the trail in the …

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45.9 km

Mineral Belt Trail Mining Structures

Highlight • Structure

The Mineral Belt Trail is an 11.7 mile paved path around the mining town of Leadville. Bikers, runners, walkers, dogs, and rollerbladers are welcome to use the trail in the …

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56.6 km

Mineral Belt Trail summit

Highlight • Summit

The Mineral Belt Trail tops out at 10,606 feet. There is a small lookout here towards town with the Sawatch Mountains in the background.

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58.7 km

Matchless Mine

Highlight • Historical Site

Matchless Mine is actually owned and operated by the Leadville National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. You can pay to take self-guided tours and learn more about the mining …

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61.8 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

42.8 km

18.0 km

955 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

31.9 km