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.

At a Glance

Fees:	Day use areas and campgrounds will charge fees.
Open Season:	Boat ramp hours for 2023 season: May 26 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Sept. 4 - Then Sept. 5 through Oct 1 daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.