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Turquoise Lake

While you might think Turquoise Lake is named for its blue waters, this fresh glacial lake of nearly 1,800 acres once hosted a turquoise mine. While precious stones are no longer pulled from the earth here, you’ll discover a gem of an alpine lake rich with opportunities for outdoor fun.

SUMMER 2026 – TURQUOISE LAKE ROAD HAS A PARTIAL CLOSURE ON COUNTY ROAD 4 BETWEEN ABE LEE FISHING SITE AND HAGERMAN PASS ROAD

Closure begins approximately 1 mile from the dam after the entrance to Abe Lee Fishing Site and continues to Hagerman Pass Road. 

  • Access to dam and Abe Lee Fishing Site use County Road 4 (go across the dam)
  • Access to all campgrounds, Matchless Boat Ramp, Hagerman Pass, Timberline Lake Trailhead, Colorado Midland (Hagerman Tunnel) Trailhead, Winsor Lake Trailhead, Native Lake Trailhead and Colorado/CDT Trail Access use County Road 9/9C (turn right ahead of the dam)

DOWNLOAD A TURQUOISE LAKE HIKING MAP

BIKE

Mountain bike along the singletrack that runs along the lakeshore, 12 miles roundtrip. Or ride the 15 mile paved road that encircles the lake and climbs to vantage points overlooking Mt. Elbert, Mt. Massive, and the Upper Arkansas River Valley.

In winter, you can fat bike this road, which is groomed regularly as part of Leadville’s winter trails system, for stunning views of snowcapped mountains and the wintry lake.

BOAT

The Matchless Boat Ramp lets you launch your motorized boat, canoe, kayak, or SUP onto nearly 1,800 acres of sparkling blue waters.

CAMP

If you’ve dreamed of escaping to a mountain lake, pitch your tent or bring your RV to one of the eight US Forest Services campgrounds set along the lake, offering nearly 300 campsites.

FISH

Whether you drop a line by boat or fish from shore, you’ll find Turquoise Lake full of mackinaw trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. The fish hide there in winter, too; ice fishing is a popular pastime at Turquoise Lake.

HIKE OR RUN

Turquoise Lake boasts a nature trail as well as a six-mile path along its northern shore that affords peaceful views and is a section of the Leadville Trail 100. It’s one of the area’s few trails without significant elevation gain, making for an easier journey.

NORDIC SKI, SNOWSHOE, AND SNOWMOBILE

The road around the lake is groomed regularly for winter travel. Enjoy views of the lake, peaks, and pines covered in winter white. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of wildlife or of dogsled teams in the snowy woods.

CARE FOR COLORADO!

Please always

Thank you for helping to protect our forests and homes!

WINTER & SPRING TRIPS

Visiting in winter or early spring? Please check our Colorado Backcountry Winter Safety Resources and the current avalanche forecast before you head into the backcountry!

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A man fishing from a paddleboard on a beautiful day at Twin Lakes