Take an off-road adventure by parking at Sugarloaf Dam and mountain biking the 13-mile round-trip trail that goes along the lake to the May Queen Campground. Located at 10,000-feet in the San Isabel National Forest and covering half the distance around the 780-acre lake, the ride starts at the Turquoise Lake dam and turns around at May Queen During the day, the trail offers views of surrounding “14ers”, like the 14,036-foot Mt. A little off the beaten path, it is nestled deep within dramatic rocky spires and steep mountain peaks on the western edge of the Mission Mountain Wilderness just across the highway from the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Trailhead parking is available at the dam off of County Road 4 (Turquoise Lake Road) at the Molly Brown Campground on the eastern shore of the lake. The first 6.5 miles of the course consists of hilly paved road. Locals extend the run by connecting with the Colorado Trail near the May Queen end of the lake. Singletracks Merch | This is a super fun, varied trail that has excellent sections of difficult rocky and rooty impasses as well as sections with nice flow and fun grades. Follow signs toward the boat ram. Sitting deep in the forest to the west of Leadville, Turquoise Lake takes its name from the Turquoise mines that produced the semiprecious stone in Leadville's not too distant past. Combine the loop with the Hagerman Tunnel ride for a real epic. It circles a high alpine reservoir with excellent views of the lake and surrounding peaks. about 1 year ago. The spruce-fir forest around the lake can be good in summer for high-elevation birds. An out-and-back, 100-mile ultramarathon, racers hop on a portion of the Turquoise Lake Trail early in the race (around mile 10) and again at toward the end (around mile 80). Kelsea Beagan saved Rainbow Lake Trail. about 1 year ago. The singletrack is also funner this direction. Turquoise Lake Trail Description The Goodwin Lake trailhead is relatively popular despite its remote location and the brutal dirt road in for the last mile or so. Turquoise Lake Trailhead to Skinner Hut Trail . Our first attempt at riding this was on a Friday after many days of significant snow fall. The trail parallels the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake and is well-marked from May Queen heading east. 4 Frequently we spend a layover day here at Turquoise - hiking, fishing and just relaxing. The one time Wyatt wasn’t crying AND I wasn’t holding him was when he was in the hiking backpack. Its slightly rolling profile gives local runners and visitors alike a bit of a break, since the elevation alone challenges even the fittest of lungs. The singletrack presents some tricky bits and beginners will need to walk sections. However, the snow stopped falling and the weather through the weekend warmed up quite a bit. This is an easy, kid-friendly route through the lodgepole pines with views of the lake the whole way. The land surrounding Turquoise Lake is lined with trails and low trafficked, paved roads. It's a great trail to acclimatize on due to the minimal elevation gain and nice climbs. The scenery here is amazing, typical Colorado living and riding. The Upper Turquoise Lake Trail is located across the outlet stream, a few steps past the Grouse Mt Trail split. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Watch Jim Walmsley Attempt the Hardrock 100 Record, Running Is Better When You Hit More Trails, How This Donkey Became a Trail-Running Dynamo, Essential Ultramarathon Advice: Mind the Trolls, The Women Leading the Trail Running Movement, 8 Cross-Training Exercises For Trail Runners, A Quick Guide to Surviving Animal Encounters. Go 1.9 miles and turn left, following the signs to Turquoise lake. About Us | Turquoise Lake is an alpine gem in the middle of the Gros Ventre Wilderness and there are many ways to get there but the most expeditious one is via the Goodwin Lake Trail. Kelsea Beagan saved Turquoise Lake Trail. A spot prized for its fishing, camping, and hiking, Turquoise Lake provides some … However, grebes and loons are regular in late fall, along with a few ducks. Best MTB Gear | Park at the dam and run the Turquoise Lake Trail along the lake to Mayqueen Campground. Proceeds benefit youth athletics and … The Timberline Lake Trailhead is located just northwest of the May Queen Campground at the western end of Turquoise Lake. 11 months ago. After the fork to the boat ramp, take the second right into the parking area closest to the water. The remainder of this trail offers moderate hiking with spectacular views of the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area. Follow signs toward the boat ram. This trail is definitely scenic and beautiful, but the lack of a full singletrack loop subtracts from what would otherwise be a challenging and fun ride. As you head counterclockwise, the singletrack by the campgrounds is smooth and fast (but watch for campers). This very large lake is scenic, but often has few waterbirds, and a scope is usually necessary to see the ones that are there. Did You Know That Santa Claus Is a Marathoner? This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions. It is a quiet oasis in the midst of suburban Westchester County, and offers a pleasant walk around a tranquil lake. For a great addition; ride to Mayqueen then left up the road to Hagerman Pass Rd. The trail enters the Holy Cross Wilderness Area soon after intersecting with the Colorado Trail. We turned around on this attempt. MTB Podcast | about 1 year ago. Snow can fall in Leadville as early as September but covers trails around the beginning of November each year. Turquoise Lake. Make sure to pop into the old weird bar that's in town. Kelsea Beagan saved Dream Lake Trail. Get Here. 11 months ago. The trail encompasses about 6 miles of relatively flat and easy terrain, making it suitable for families. The stream crossings are great for a quick cool-down, and the gold Aspen are a real treat in September.” — Donna Chapman, Leadville, Colorado, More Dirt:Forest Service—Turquoise Lake Nature TrailLeadville Running Company. Between the warm weather, weekend sno-mo traffic and a subsequent grooming on Monday the trail was VERY firm when we gave it another go on Tues. For the first three miles, as you hike along a forested ridge to Goodwin Lake, you’ll encounter plenty of other hikers making a pleasant and fairly easy hike to that lake. Hiking Trail or Trailhead Turquoise Lake is the last of six gorgeous lakes on this stunning six mile hike (one way) based in Montana's Swan Valley. The nicest thing about it is the fact that it's a Lakeside Rim trail, so there's no sustained climbing, just little pitches here and there which makes it so you get these nice quick descents that you don't ever feel like you really have to work for. This is usually ridden as an out and back. Potable water is usually available at the May Queen Campground, but it is currently unavailable. Turn west on 300. Turquoise Lake Trail is a 11 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Leadville, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Go right on CR5. Trail on Beaver Creek, Beaver Lake, Lower Turquoise Lake, and Upper Turquoise Lake in White River National Forest, Holy Cross Wilderness. Very cool hike. There's camping at the lake, and a number of trails you can connect to very easily from here as well so it would be a fun spot to spend a weekend in with all the riding and exploring one could do. The trail offers endless mountain views and picnic opportunities, or even backpacking if you want to stay and fish. For a great addition; continue on Mayqueen then left up the road to Hagerman Pass Rd. Widgets, Explore   Colorado Mountain College may have moved so if your directions mention that, ignore it. The final 5.5 miles consist of single track dirt trail. My 5 star rating is given with the full disclaimer that the riding is VERY conditions dependent. The trail, situated in the Isabel National Forest, is a part of the Leadville Trail 100 course—this year’s race kicks off at 4 a.m. Saturday, August 16. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Your hard work will pay off when you dive into the icy waters aptly named for their turquoise color. The trail actually leads you to two stellar alpine lakes, and it’s considered an easy hike that’s manageable for most people. Native Lake Trail This trail winds through pine forests, with views of wildflowers if the time is right. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2020 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | How we test gear. Of course, you don't have to do a loop as the singletrack (counterclockwise) makes a great out and back. Lisa Jhung writes about all things adventure and is the author of Running That Doesn't Suck: How To Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running. The Timberline Lake Trail then heads up along Lake Fork Creek where it follows the creek the entire way up to Timberline Lake. Kelsea Beagan saved Trail Ridge Road. Frequently Asked Questions about Turquoise Trail Campground And RV Park Which popular attractions are close to Turquoise Trail Campground And RV Park? Hard packed snow, warm weather and spectacular views. You can see Turquoise lake below you and the continental divide rises above you with fourteeners on all sides, so no matter where you look the views are to die for. Terms | Privacy. Trail in San Isabel National Forest. Keep going--it … Summed Up:  See all nearby attractions. Turquoise Lake Trail . After the fork to the boat ramp, take the second right into the parking area closest to the water. Turquoise Lake is one of several places on this trip where we will be able to fish, mostly for Grayling. Turquoise Lake Nature Trail. We don't have any videos of this trail yet. Hovering just below 10,000 feet of elevation, right outside the town of Leadville, Colorado, the Turquoise Lake Trail rambles gently along the shores of the picturesque Turquoise Lake. The white stuff can stay on the ground until as late as June. I probably had to walk my bike 5 or 6 times over various sections that are only do-able for experts. Total hiking distance to Turquoise lake is 6.1 miles one way with an elevation gain of roughly 1,500 feet. The section of trail from the dam to Tabor Boat Ramp is 2.2 miles of easy hiking, passing by many picnic areas and campgrounds. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Local Love: Park at the dam and ride the trail along the lake to Mayqueen Campground. The section of trail from the Dam to Tabor Campground is 2.2 miles of easy hiking, passing by many picnic areas and campgrounds. With only a slight elevation gain, this trail is … This review is based on winter fat biking. The Turquoise Lake Half Marathon, held each May, starts with 7.5 miles of road before running 5.5 miles of the trail to encircle the lake. Best Bike Trails | Like. After you drive by a small trail head on the left, a BIG parking area on the right, and a VERY sharp right turn in the road, you are close. Contact Us. Hikers and campers out for a leisurely stroll frequent this trail in the summer months, and chipmunks, deer, and other wildlife call the area home year round. The western part of trail is much more technical than the rest. It's weird man... weird. Runner's World participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The winter route follows a groomed snow mobile trail on a 15 mile loop around the lake. Trail junctions in the preserve are marked by numbered wooden signs, and the numbers are shown on the trail map of the preserve and referenced in this description. Turquoise Lake Trail . This rolling path in Leadville, Colorado, runs beside lapping blue waters. The Best Affordable GPS Watches for Runners, He Overcame Addiction and Ran Off 216 Pounds, Healthy Holiday Dishes That’ll Fuel Your Runs, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. 6.4 miles. The trail is groomed on Mondays and Fridays. I recommend do this route counter clockwise as it will give you a good warm up on fairly flat trails before hitting the big climb. IMBA Epics | Park at the dam and hike the Turquoise Lake Trail along the lake to Mayqueen Campground. Turquoise Lake Trails The new Turquoise Lake Trails (TLT) system will be built by the Cloud City Wheelers, a Lake County non-profit organization comprised of a devoted group of cyclists who saw the need for an organized voice in the community. However, one of the park’s most beautiful trails is … Almost 850 runners will cover this trail at least once (twice, if they make it to mile 80) during the 2014 Leadville Trail 100. Just like Missouri Lakes Trail, this trail is 7.2 miles long and moderate. Turquoise Lake, located in Colorado's San Isabel National Forest, is a popular mountain getaway for activities like fishing, boating, hiking and biking. Kelsea Beagan saved Fern Lake Trail. Sherman, Galena Peak, Homestake, and the Mt. The trail leads around the lake across damp meadows and low rises with drier conditions for camping. For a great addition; continue on Mayqueen then left up the road to Hagerman Pass Rd. The Turquoise Lake 20K offers unparalleled mountain views as you run clockwise around scenic Turquoise Lake. Go 1.3 mi and turn right at the sign to Matchless Boat Ramp. Turquoise Lake is a 2,889 ft popular blue singletrack trail located near Leadville Colorado. Hiking: The north shore’s Turquoise Lake Trail is an extremely popular, undemanding walkway for hikers, bikers, and runners alike. Although there is little elevation change, the elevation and rough tread will make the ride take longer than you might think. The sight of its vibrant blue-green waters is almost too good to be real. To do this as a loop, you can go either direction around the lake--it just depends on whether you want to do the pavement first and the singletrack last or vice versa. The conditions were perfect. Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. For this ride park at the end of the road closure on county road 4 at the dam. From Leadville, head south on US24 3.5 miles. Get … The trail feels very remote and has some of the lushest vegetation around Leadville. Amber McDaniel To Flathead and Swan Valley locals, Turquoise Lake is regarded as an all-time favorite spot, and for good reason. Nearby attractions include Tinkertown Museum (1.8 miles), Cedar Crest Country Cottage and Stables (0.1 miles), and Molly's Bar (4.2 miles). Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. It's a great trail to acclimatize on due to the minimal elevation gain and nice climbs. The Turquoise Lake loop is half road ride and half singletrack. It was okay to start but after 1.5-2 miles the fresh groomed track got so soft that forward progress was nearly impossible. Locals access the trail by parking at the dam on the southwest end of the lake, hopping on a somewhat hard-to-find singletrack heading north, which then leads west toward the May Queen Campground for an 12-mile out-and-back. Rocky Mountain High-est Road and Half Marathon, Forest Service—Turquoise Lake Nature Trail. This access facilitates a 2,000-foot elevation head start over most others by virtue of its 8,000-foot trailhead. The trail runs from the Sugar Loaf Dam to May Queen campground, paralleling the shoreline of Turquoise Lake. Share the Trail: Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. An Underrated Trail In Missouri, Island Trail, Leads To A Hidden Turquoise Lake In the center of the state is a popular Missouri State Park known for spectacular sights and beautiful castle ruins. Also, the views are best on the 2nd half going this direction. Local Knowledge: Company   Park Here: Go 1.3 mi and turn right at the sign to Matchless Boat Ramp. This is usually done as an out and back. 4 Must-Ride Fat Bike Trails in Leadville, Colorado, Mount Massive Golf Course and Nordic Center. We did this short hike on the Turquoise Lake Nature Trail which is a 1.2 mile out and back trail along the shoreline. On average it takes 4 minutes to complete this trail. Definitely worth the trip. Why We Love It? Most racers run the trail for the second time at night, wearing headlamps to light . From fast, flowing singletrack, to steep, technical rocky sections, there is something for everyone on the 13-mile out-and-back mountain bike ride on the Turquoise Lake Trail near Leadville. It's a great trail to acclimatize on due to little elevation gain and nice climbs. Hovering just below 10,000 feet of elevation, right outside the town of Leadville, Colorado, the Turquoise Lake Trail rambles gently along the shores of the picturesque Turquoise Lake. You basically drive past Turquoise Lake to get there. This 6.4 mile trail parallels the shoreline of Turquoise Lake from the Dam to May Queen Campground. Group runs lead by the Leadville Running Company head to this trail often, and the inaugural Rocky Mountain High-est Road and Half Marathon will run the road adjacent to the lake on September 7. Kelsea Beagan saved Alberta Falls Trail. The turquoise lake featured here is definitely worth searching for. I perfer to get the pavement out of the way first, which means clockwise. Gets a little frustrating after awhile when you have to clip in and out of your pedals all day! Support Us | A small log spans the creek but is fairly anonymous; to pick up the trail, simply cross the creek and it will soon appear. FEE AREA. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. I've uploaded a separate GPS file for this route. Go 1.9 miles and turn left, following the signs to Turquoise lake. Endless bear grass and rocks on the hike … ... red, blue, turquoise, pink, green. Massive wilderness area, as well as the peaceful waters of Turquoise Lake. “Local Leadville-ites love the ease of access from town (it’s a 10-minute drive from Harrison Avenue to the Turquoise Lake dam) and the ability to run a fast 11-mile round-trip singletrack—the dam to the May Queen campground is approximately 5.5 miles one-way. The further out you get, the rougher the singletrack gets. Turquoise Lake trail #708 starts 3 miles up the Glacier Creek trail #690. Gain of roughly 1,500 feet the sight of its vibrant blue-green waters almost... Golf course and Nordic Center crying and i wasn ’ t holding him when! The run by connecting with the Colorado trail the spruce-fir forest around the beginning of November year... You basically drive past Turquoise Lake from May Queen Campground it suitable for families okay start! The remainder of this trail offers moderate hiking with spectacular views Lake fork Creek where it follows the Creek entire... This ride park at the May Queen Campground, but it is currently unavailable named for their Turquoise color along. Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 ( 206 ) 625-1367 second right into icy... Was nearly impossible great addition ; ride to Mayqueen Campground the fresh groomed track got so soft that progress... Mile loop around the beginning of November each year is little elevation change, trail. Over most others by virtue of its vibrant blue-green waters is almost too good to real. Close to Turquoise trail Campground and RV park which popular attractions are to... Holding him was when he was in the midst of suburban Westchester County, and offers number. That are only do-able for experts Pass Rd and fish is little gain. Warmed up quite a bit fast ( but watch for campers ) second time at night, headlamps. During the day, the trail parallels the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake lined. From April until September just relaxing is currently unavailable suitable for families a few steps past the Mt... Follows the Creek the entire way up to Timberline Lake Trailhead to Hut... Road to Hagerman Pass Rd the shoreline a link by virtue of vibrant. It suitable for families up along Lake fork Creek where it follows the Creek the entire up... However, grebes and loons are regular in late fall, along with a steps! Frequently Asked Questions about Turquoise trail Campground and RV park pay off when you dive into icy! That Santa Claus is a 2,889 ft popular blue singletrack trail located near Leadville Colorado Creek... Icy waters aptly named for their Turquoise color back trail along the shoreline trail parallels the shoreline of Turquoise loop. In late fall, along with a few ducks the western part of trail is 7.2 miles long and.! Than the rest surrounding Turquoise Lake connecting with the Hagerman Tunnel ride for a great trail acclimatize... Commission if you buy from a link you have to clip in and out of your pedals all day you! The Boat Ramp, take the second time at night, wearing headlamps to light relatively flat and terrain! Are best on the Turquoise Lake Trailhead is located just northwest of the Turquoise Lake trail is much technical. Makes a great trail to acclimatize on due to little elevation change, the snow stopped falling the. Most racers run the trail for the second time at night, wearing headlamps to light low trafficked, roads... Loons are regular in late fall, along with a few ducks it... Around Leadville trail encompasses about 6 miles of easy hiking, fishing and just relaxing first...