|
The Colorado Mined Land
Reclamation Board has presented the 2005 Special Recognition for
Preservation of Historical
Mining Resources to the Leadville Mineral Belt Trail.
|
“Mineral Belt Trail winds 12 miles around
Leadville,
Colorado”
|
 The Mineral Belt Trail was
conceived in 1994 through a community effort to identify methods of
mitigating impacts to the natural and historic resources within the
historic Leadville Mining District resulting from the cleanup of the
California Gulch Superfund Site. The Mineral Belt Trail was designed
and laid out to capitalize on the full range of historic and
cultural resources in Leadville and the adjacent mining district. |
The design process sought to
create partnerships with stakeholders, City and County authorities,
landowners, local, civic and historic organizations, and State and
Federal Agencies. The 12 mile trail includes 27 interpretive signs
with pictures of the mines as they were 130 years ago, 13 low
profile wayside exhibits depicting the full circle of mining, 6
kiosks with additional historic stories and general information, and
13 antique pieces of mining equipment scattered along the trail.
|
 |
|
|
| It offers unsurpassed views of the
Sawatch and Mosquito ranges. The trail is designed for bicycles,
walkers, wheelchairs, strollers and in-line skaters. Wintertime
enthusiasts will find the trail snowcat-groomed, affording freestyle
and classic Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and winter biking. |
“Mineral Belt Trail delights winter
sports enthusiasts”
|
|
The Mineral Belt Trail has been
designated as a National Recreation Trail and the Mineral Belt Trail
Board is now working towards requesting Congress to classify the
trail as a National Historic Trail. |
 |
Photos
courtesy of Leadville Chamber of Commerce; Sean Hudson; Christine
Reid; and Great Outdoors Colorado.
|
