Know Before You Go

The Willow Fire is currently active in Lake County, and conditions across the Leadville and Twin Lakes area are changing frequently. If you have plans to be in the area, please take a few minutes to review the information below so you can stay safe, informed, and prepared. We update this page as new details come in.

Latest Update: 7/9/26

Get your information from official channels

To make sure the information you have is accurate and current, rely on these official sources:

Closures, air quality, and business access can change from day to day, so please check these resources before and during your visit.

What is Open?

Many businesses, restaurants, and activities outside of the Willow Fire closure areas remain open and are continuing to welcome visitors. We encourage you to support our local businesses and enjoy what the Leadville-Twin Lakes area has to offer while staying informed and respecting all closures and safety guidance.

For outdoor recreation, we encourage visitors to explore areas to the:

Northeast – Mayflower Gulch, Clinton Gulch Reservoir
East – Mineral Belt Trail, Mount Sherman, Route of the Silver Kings, Weston Pass, Mosquito Pass, Timberline Trails
South – Interlaken Trail, Hope Pass, Big Willis Gulch, Colorado/Continental Divide Trail heading south from Twin Lakes

Please check current conditions before heading out and always follow posted closures and guidance from local officials.

Most of our indoor and outdoor businesses and activities:

7 of our 8 Museums (all except the Matchless Mine)
Downtown Leadville restaurants, retail and lodging
ATV tours
The Leadville Railroad
Top of the Rockies Zipline
Twin Lakes recreation and businesses

Because conditions can change quickly, we recommend calling ahead before visiting a business or attraction. Some temporary changes may occur due to staffing well being, changing air quality conditions, or operational needs.

The following Twin Lakes USFS campgrounds are also open:

Dexter: first-come, first-served only
Lakeview: by reservation or first-come, first-served
Parry Peak: first-come, first-served only
Twin Peaks: first-come, first-served only
White Star: by reservation or first-come, first-served

Roads:

All major highways in and out of Leadville and Twin Lakes are open including Hwy 24 (North & South), Hwy 91 and Hwy 82

Free Weekend Shuttle

The Leadville-Twin Lakes shuttle has been extended to help visitors and CT/CDT hikers navigate the closure.

Hours of operation are 8am to 7pm (driver lunch break 1pm to 2pm) Visit their website to see the bus in real time.

Shuttle is operating Friday, Saturday and Sunday and a stop has been added at the Tennessee Pass Trailhead. See schedule below:

What is Closed?

The following areas are closed until further notice:

Turquoise Lake, Trails, Camping Areas and Nearby Businesses

Mount Massive Golf Course
Sugar Loafin’ Campground
County Roads 9, 9c and 4 around the lake
County Road 5 and 5a
Hagerman Pass and nearby trails
- Native Lakes
- Winsor Lake
- Colorado Midland / Hagerman Tunnel Trail
Matchless Boat Ramp
Dispersed camping near Turquoise Lake, including County Road 48
USFS Campgrounds
- Baby Doe
- Belle of Colorado
- Father Dyer
- Matchless
- May Queen
- Silver Dollar
- Tabor
- Molly Brown
- Printer Boy
Bear Lake Trail
Colorado / Continental Divide Trail between Tennessee Pass and Twin Lakes

Leadville Fish Hatchery Buildings and Trails

Leadville Fish Hatchery buildings
Hwy 300 west of County Road 11
County Road 5a
Trails
- Nature Trail
- Kearney Park Trail
- Rock Creek Trail
- Highline Trail

Halfmoon Road, Trails and Camping Areas

Halfmoon Road (FS Road 110) dispersed camping
Mount Massive Trail and the Mount Massive Wilderness Area
Mount Elbert Trail from all locations – North, South and Black Cloud Trailheads
Elbert Creek Trail
Willow Creek Trail
Halfmoon Lakes Trail
Colorado / Continental Divide Trails between Tennessee Pass and Twin Lakes
4×4 Road to Champion Mill
USFS Campgrounds
- Elbert Creek
- Half Moon East
- Halfmoon West

Additional Areas

All trails and forest service roads Northwest of Turquoise Lake to Hwy 24 Trailhead on Tennessee Pass are also closed. This includes:

Lily Lakes Trail
Tennessee Pass Trailhead (across from the Ski Cooper entrance)
Colorado / Continental Divide Trail between Tennessee Pass and Twin Lakes
Slide Lake Trail

Here is a map showing the closure areas and fire footprint as of 7/7/26

Full list of closed trails:

Tennessee Pass Trailhead
Lily Lakes Trail
Slide Lake Trail
Bear Lake Trail
Timberline Lake Trail
Colorado Midland / Hagerman Tunnel Trail
Winsor Lake Trail
Native Lake Trail
Rock Creek Trail
Highline Trail
Kearney Park Trail
North Elbert Trail
Willow Creek Trail
Halfmoon Lakes Trail
Colorado / Continental Divide Trails between Tennessee Pass and Twin Lakes

Full list of closed roads:

County Road 4 from 9d (Railroad intersection) to Hagerman Pass
County Road 9 & 9C (around Turquiose Lake)
County Road 300 from County Road 11 toward the Fish Hatchery
County Road 5 & 5A
County Road 48
County Road 99
Forest Service Road 113
Forest Service Road 105, 105A & 105B
Forest Service Road 110
Forest Service Road 103
Forest Service Road 107
Forest Service Road 131
Forest Service Road 100
Forest Service Road 145

A note on camping

We are not encouraging dispersed camping at this time, as it can be difficult to communicate quick changes to people spread across the backcountry. If you are staying in the area, we ask that you book a local hotel or one of the USFS campgrounds listed above, where you can be accounted for and reached if conditions change.

If you’re planning a trip, we encourage you to explore dispersed camping options in neighboring counties, including Chaffee County and Summit County. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to keep our public lands safe. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.