Fat Biking the USA's Highest City: Leadville, Colorado

Explore superb fat bike trails around the nation's highest city.

Greg Heil

Images

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Beautiful Colorado views.

by Scott Anderson

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Rolling terrain.

by Scott Anderson

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The open terrain of the 'Fish Flats' can leave you exposed to the Colorado wind.

by Scott Anderson

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Great views of Mt. Massive

by Scott Anderson

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Wide, groomed nordic trail.

by Scott Anderson

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Views of Mt. Massive

by Scott Anderson

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Gentle trail through pine forest.

by Scott Anderson

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There's plenty of snow in 10,200 ft. Leadville to provide a solid season of winter fatbiking.

by Scott Anderson

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The trees provide protection from the Colorado winds.

by Scott Anderson

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There's plenty of trail so you won't run into crowds.

by Scott Anderson

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Machine groomed singletrack.

by Scott Anderson

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A whoop-de-doo on the Candyland trail

by Scott Anderson

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Old mine structures line the trail.

by Scott Anderson

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Beautifully groomed trail.

by Scott Anderson

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Gorgeous terrain.

by Scott Anderson

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Massive views of Mt. Massive

by Scott Anderson

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Riding down into the 'Mining District'

by Scott Anderson

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There are a few bridges on the route.

by Scott Anderson

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Dramatic views of Turquoise Lake and the distant mountains.

by Scott Anderson

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The North side can be quite cool in the shade.

by Scott Anderson

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Descending into the trees.

by Scott Anderson

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Turquoise lake below.

by Scott Anderson

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Mountains peeking out above the trees.

by Scott Anderson

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Dramatic rock outcroppings.

by Scott Anderson

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Colorado's two highest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive grace the view across the valley from this rides high point.

by Scott Anderson

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Snowy mountains everywhere you look.

by Scott Anderson

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Riding down into Stumptown after the initial climb.

by Scott Anderson

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Spectacular mountain views.

by Scott Anderson

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Lots of old mining town structures along the route.

by Scott Anderson

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A fun descent on the west leg of the route.

by Scott Anderson

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Riding through Stumptown

by Scott Anderson

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Beginning the major descent about halfway through the loop.

by Scott Anderson

Description

Situated right below treeline at an elevation of 10,152 feet, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the United States. The rugged high alpine environment makes for an incredible summer mountain biking and hiking season… but it’s short-lived. Winter dominates in Leadville, with the city receiving an average of 120 inches of snow every year… and the nearby mountains get even more.

"Leadville locals are nothing if not resilient,” says Singletracks.com. As a result of this resiliency, the locals have created one of the best networks of winter fat biking trails in the country! From fattrack groomed specifically for fat biking, to non-motorized groomed trails shared with snowshoers and cross country skiers, to a huge array of wide, motorized snowmobile trails, winter in Leadville isn’t a season to be feared. It’s a season to be enjoyed from the seat of your fat bike!

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadville,_Colorado
https://leadville.com/climate-at-10200-feet/
https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-trails/4-must-ride-fat-bike-trails-in-leadville-colorado/

Adventures