Turquoise Lake Road

Turquoise Lake Area Trails

Turquoise Lake Road

Distance: 15 miles
Elevation Gain: 9,762′ – 10,713′ (951 feet)
Activities: Biking, Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing, Fat Biking, Snowmobiling

Trail Map

Directions to 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.

Parking

The Turquoise Lake Road makes a loop that connects County Roads 9C, 9, and 4. Parking is available in dirt pullout on east side of Sugar Loafin’ Dam or at the Leadville Junction parking lot off CR 9.

*Various other scenic viewpoints and picnic area parking is available around the lake. They are not Accessible in Winter and Day Use Fees May Apply*

Why It’s a Gem

The peaceful paved road around Turquoise Lake leads through pine forests and open areas looking out to high peaks in the Mosquito Range, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, and the Upper Arkansas River Valley. A great road bike scenic workout.

When the snow flies, the road is closed to cars and it’s groomed for winter sports. This 15 mile loop or shorter out and back stretches are great for snowmobiling, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Groomed by the High Riders Snowmobile Club it’s a nice wide open trail, no classic tracks available.

Want to mix road and mountain biking? Take the Turquoise Lake Shoreline Trail out and loop back along the road or add in some extra sections of the Cloud City Wheelers Turquoise Lake Trail Network.