For those hoping to check out the local trail communities, Leadville is situated slightly north of Twin Lakes and is considered one of the region's best trail towns. You have the option to catch a ride into town at this trailhead or wait until Tennessee Pass, just over 30 miles in. Surrounded by numerous 14ers, the city was once a hub for gold, silver, and lead mining, though "the economy has made a recent shift towards outdoor recreation," the CDT Coalition notes.

Shorter than other segments of the CDT, this section avoids the high peaks and stays at a more reasonable elevation, offering countless access points into town. Most of the trail wanders through stands of pine, aspen, and fir, avoiding the barren alpine terrain that you can expect slightly south on the trail.

While the trail summits no major peaks, this area is host to numerous day hikes, including the second tallest peak in Colorado, Mt. Elbert (14,433'). The Southeast Ridge route is an excellent way to avoid the crowds, while still reaching the summit, which is only second in stature to California's 14,505' Mt. Whitney. Of course, nearby Mt. Massive (14,421') is an excellent alternative, though the Andersons' suggested route entails a steep approach with "more bang-for-your-hiking-buck" in each mile. Native Lake is another excellent day hike in the vicinity that is far less difficult.

Other than a short passage between state highways near the end, a good portion of this segment either runs through - or adjacent to - Mt. Massive Wilderness Area. "Dry lodgepole pine forests, typical of the eastern slopes of the divide, cover much of the lower elevations and give way to spruce and fir higher up before all trees yield to alpine tundra," this source notes, and the namesake peak is noted as the second-highest summit in Colorado.

This CDT segment ends at CO-91, adjacent to Copper Mountain Ski Area and Wheeler Junction, and within sight of Interstate 70. Overnight parking is available, and resupply is an option in Breckinridge and Frisco, though you may want to continue hiking another 13-miles to Gold Hill (CO-19) for easier access.

Sources: https://continentaldividetrail.org/ https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/?ID=377