Turquoise Lake Recreation Area

Sitting deep in the forest west of Leadville, Turquoise Lake takes its name from the turquoise mines that produced the semiprecious stone in Leadville's not too distant past. A spot prized for its fishing, camping, and hiking, Turquoise Lake provides some of the most beautiful views on the Leadville Ranger District. The east end of the lake hosts the majority of campgrounds, while the west end of the lake hosts the popular May Queen Campground near the Timberline Lake trailhead, which accesses the Holy Cross Wilderness. To the southwest of the lake rises the Mt. Massive Wilderness, along with such beautiful hikes as Native Lake and Windsor Lake. Snow in these areas can stay well into midsummer and possibly longer.

Turquoise Lake is heavily visited, especially during the summer months. Reservations for the campgrounds on Turquoise Lake that take reservations are often filled early, especially for holiday weekends. Camping is only allowed in developed campgrounds in the Turquoise Lake Area. There is no dispersed camping available.

The standard limit of fish allowed from Turquoise Lake is 4 fish total; 2 lake trout within the 4 fish limit with no size restrictions. Turquoise Lake is stocked with rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. Turquoise Lake is rated as fair to good fishing.

A valid Colorado fishing license is required. Remember to check fishing regulations before fishing at any body of water. For stocking reports and more information on regulations or fishing licenses, check out the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website.