Colorado Trail – Segment 9 – Tennessee Pass to Timberline Lake Trailhead

Tennessee Pass Trailhead: From Harrison Avenue/Highway 24 follow Highway 24 north toward Ski Cooper/Minturn. Be sure to take the left turn to stay on Highway 24 as you leave Leadville. The trailhead entrance is approximately 10 miles from Leadville across the highway from the entrance to Ski Cooper. Turn left (west) off to access the parking area.

Timberline Lake Trailhead: From Harrison Avenue take west 6th Street turning right on to McWethy Drive/County Road 4. Follow County Road 4 to Turquoise Lake Recreation Area. Proceed across Sugar Loafin’ Dam and follow County Road 4 past the Hagerman Pass Entrance, road changes to County Road 9. Just past the May Queen Campground entrance the Timberline Trailhead parking is on the left approximately 5.3 miles from the dam. (summer access only)

Both have dirt parking lots with easy access off the main roads. Timberline Lake Trailhead can fill up quickly.

This section of the trail goes through green wooded forests and passes many mountain streams.

Don’t be intimidated by the trail distance if you aren’t looking to “thru-hike”, choose sections for an out and back hike to experience the beauty of the trail without the distance.