The next mile
is a community effort.
Your dollars, volunteer hours, and trail stewardship in action. Explore completed work, ongoing care, and the projects on the horizon.
Upper Deck feature rebuild
Upper Deck · Timberline Trail System
One of the Timberline Trail System’s most beloved classics got an upgrade. Upper Deck received a complete rebuild of its namesake feature, making it safer, more durable, more sustainable, and ready for years of adventure as a local favorite.
Whether you’re exploring on two feet or two wheels, head out and see the new build for yourself.
Explore trails and maps
Twin Lakes Connector Trail
A connection between the CT/CDNST and Twin Lakes
Why this connection matters
The Colorado Trail (CT) and Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) bring visitors from around the world, with health, wellness, and economic benefits for surrounding communities. Twin Lakes businesses provide lodging, resupply, restaurants, and other essential services that support safe, successful trail experiences.
The project addressed a missing direct connection that had sent trail users along narrow, high-speed Colorado Highway 82 or led them to bypass Twin Lakes. Informal social trails had also caused environmental damage, reinforcing the need for a designated, sustainable route.
Project scope
- Approximately 1.19 miles of non-motorized singletrack.
- A connection from the CT/CDNST at the existing Highway 82 underpass, extending southwest alongside the highway to the existing Forest Service Moache Trail.
- Approximately 1,000 feet of carefully planned route around sensitive wetland areas.
- An alignment designed to protect natural resources and fully avoid identified historic properties.
Designed for lasting benefits
The connector was designed to keep recreationists off Highway 82, reduce exposure to traffic, provide a clear and enjoyable trail connection, and strengthen visitation to Twin Lakes businesses. The project plan also calls for closing and rehabilitating informal routes to protect natural resources.
Built through partnership
The project brings together the United States Forest Service, Friends of Twin Lakes, and Friends of Lake County. Its construction approach combines professional trail crews and volunteers, hand tools, and mechanized equipment such as a mini-excavator during the snow-free season, with sustainable trail-building practices at the center.
With support from
Back Nine Re-build
A safer, more sustainable, adaptive-friendly trail is the goal.
Shaped by community priorities
The need for this project emerged from Lake County’s 2022 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan. That process included 525 completed surveys and a town hall attended by more than 100 residents. Multi-use natural-surface trails were identified as important recreation infrastructure.
Back Nine is a valued community asset, but its current design and condition limit accessibility, long-term sustainability, and capacity. As demand for trail recreation grows, the Wheelers work with land-management agencies, community partners, and private property owners to improve opportunities throughout Leadville and Lake County.
More people on the trail
The planned rebuild aims to create a fully adaptive-friendly trail for people using specialized equipment such as sit bikes. Much of the local singletrack network currently presents barriers to adaptive recreation; this project is intended to expand equitable access to public lands and outdoor experiences.
Safety and sustainability
Modern design and construction techniques are proposed to improve trail safety and long-term sustainability. These improvements also matter to the local high school mountain bike team, which uses the system for practice, skills development, and safe youth recreation.
Community feedback, collaboration with land managers and recreation partners, and observations from Wheelers staff, volunteers, and trail users all helped identify this priority: a safer, more accessible trail serving the broadest possible range of community members.
With support from
Care for the trails we have.
Trail care is a shared commitment
Clearing corridors, caring for drainage, repairing features, and responding to changing conditions protect both the trail experience and the community’s investment. When trails are muddy, please stay off them to avoid damaging the trail surface.
Winter grooming helps keep fat-bike opportunities available when conditions allow. Use the current grooming reports and condition updates before heading out. On the groomed Mineral Belt Trail, ride on the opposite side of the classic ski track.
Trail maps and condition resourcesBring your helping hands
Wednesday Workdays welcome all ages and require no experience. Wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection, plenty of water, and a willingness to pitch in. Check the volunteer calendar for where and when to meet the crew.
Group, corporate, and private volunteer opportunities are also welcome.
Find volunteer opportunitiesA shared place. A shared responsibility.
Help care for the trails we have and the connections still ahead.