wildernet

Leadville Ranger District

Quick Facts

Turquoise Lake Dam Trail

Beginning Elevation:	9,950 Feet (3101.6 Meters) Winter Trailhead
Beginning Elevation:	9,850 Feet (3070.4 Meters) May Queen Campground
Difficulty:	Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain:	150 Feet (46.8 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	9,800 Feet (3054.9 Meters) Sugarloaf Dam
Length, One-way:	6.4 Miles (10.67 Kilometers)

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

The trail runs from the Sugar Loaf Dam to May Queen campground, paralleling the shoreline of Turquoise Lake. 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. The remainder of the trail offers moderate hiking with spectacular views of the Turquoise Lake basin.

This trail is open in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Directions from Leadville: From Harrison Street in Leadville turn on to West Sixth Street for 1/2 mile. Turn right on to Turquoise Lake Road (Forest Road 104) and follow it approximately 10 miles past the dam to May Queen Campground. The trail begins at the campground

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: May through September (NOTE: Snow may obstruct the trail during the Early Summer months.) .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Cross-country Skiing	Turquoise Lake Trail	Yes
	Fishing	Turquoise Lake	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Turquoise Lake Dam Trail	Yes
	Mountain Biking	Turquoise Lake Trail	Yes
	Snowmobiling	Turquoise Lake	Yes
	Snowshoeing	Turquoise Lake Trail	Yes

Related Activities

Baby Doe Campground - Baby Doe Campground is one of 8 campgrounds surrounding Turquoise Lake. It has 50 reservable sites with a maximum trailer size for the campground of 32'.

Belle Of Colorado Campground - Belle of Colorado Campground is one of 8 campgrounds surrounding Turquoise Lake. Tent sites only are available at this campground.

Father Dyer Campground - The following eight campgrounds surround Turquoise Lake: Baby Doe, Belle of Colorado, Father Dyer, Molly Brown, Printer Boy, Silver Dollar and Tabor. The Father Dyer Campground has the capacity to house trailers up to 32'.

Lady of the Lake Picnic Ground - Lady of the Lake Picnic Ground is located on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake six miles west of Leadville. Access to the lake as well as recreation opportunities in the surrounding terrain make this a popular site.

Maid of Erin Family Picnic Ground - Maid of Erin Picnic Ground is located on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake six miles west of Leadville. Access to the lake as well as recreation opportunities in the surrounding terrain make this a popular site.

Matchless Boat Launch - On the shores of Turquoise Lake are two paved boat ramps. Matchless Boat Ramp is located on the southeastern shore of the lake.

May Queen Campground - The following eight campgrounds surround Turquoise Lake: Baby Doe, Belle of Colorado, Father Dyer, Molly Brown, Printer Boy, Silver Dollar and Tabor. The Mayqueen offers 13 reservable sites of 27 without flush toilets and sinks.

Molly Brown Campground - The following eight campgrounds surround Turquoise Lake: Baby Doe, Belle of Colorado, Father Dyer, Molly Brown, Printer Boy, Silver Dollar and Tabor. The Molly Brown Campground offers 47 reservable sites.

Silver Dollar Campground - The following eight campgrounds surround Turquoise Lake: Baby Doe, Belle of Colorado, Father Dyer, Molly Brown, Printer Boy, Silver Dollar and Tabor. Thirty-nine of the Silver Dollar's sites are reservable with the capacity to house trailers up to 22'.

Tabor Boat Launch - On the shores of Turquoise Lake are two paved boat ramps. Tabor Boat Ramp is located on the northeastern shore of the lake.

Tabor Campground - The following eight campgrounds surround Turquoise Lake: Baby Doe, Belle of Colorado, Father Dyer, Molly Brown, Printer Boy, Silver Dollar and Tabor. Sites at the Tabor Campground are not reservable.