If you are ever hiking through Battle Mountain, Colorado, a peek through the trees will give you a spectacular view of a mining town situated 1000 feet (more than 300 meters) above the Eagle river. The town of Gilman was developed by John Clinton during the Colorado Silver Boom in the 1880’s. On the discovery of two gold and silver chimneys, the town and its folks started to prosper and they went on to build a school house and boarding house. By the time the railroad arrived at the cliff, the population increased and the Gilman Enterprise newspaper began. During an EPA inspection, it was discovered that the town and the cliff it occupied were beyond toxic with high levels of lead and arsenic. Due to this reason, the town was immediately evacuated and the once prosperous town was overnight turned into a ghost town. The town is still forbidden, there are boards put up against trespassing and yet it can be seen that it has been vandalized. Due to so much of history, the town has held a lot of significance to researchers and historians. You may not be able to visit the town but it can be viewed while driving through the mountains.
Vail is predominantly a ski/resort town and of the best ski bowls in the region is the Blue Sky Basin. This massive area was acquired by the fabled Vail Mountain Resort in 2000 and has been a major tourist attraction since. Accessible via ski lifts, the basin is considered a great turf for intermediate or professional level skiers.
Nature and history converge along the stretch of this scenic route, offering both outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs a chance to explore the natural bounties of the region as they lie interspersed with traces of Leadville's past. Winding through the city's time-honored mining district, the Mineral Belt National Recreation Trail makes for an invigorating and informative excursion, enabling visitors to learn about the area's history even as they marvel at the natural beauty that cloaks the surrounding expanse. Delve into the mining history of Leadville while you hike along railbeds and soak in the vistas unfolding all around as you explore picturesque meadows and forests.