The dirt road makes a nice warmup and gives you an opportunity to soak up the high alpine scenery. If you can\'t bring youself to ride it, simply drive up as far as your vehicles clearance will allow. Normally, I don\'t get too excited about old railroad beds, but this one has reverted to true singletrack, the scenery is spectacular, even by Colorado standards, and the occasional interpretive signs are fun to read. You even get a couple of alpine lakes. This is the best place to soak up the environment, get some exercise, and get an interesting history lesson all at the same time.
Go south of Leadville on US24 for 3.5 miles and turn West on 300. Turn Right on CR 5. Turn left at 1.9miles (follow the Turquoise Lake sign). After another 3.5 miles, the road splits. Take the left split and park and ride (you can also drive further up the dirt road and park at one of the pullouts further up--this will shorten your ride and get you to the singletrack quicker.) Trails Illustrated maps 109, 126, and 127 can be helpful. Combine with a loop around Turquoise Lake for an epic ride.
http://www.singletracks.com/item.php?c=1&i=2334