Turquoise Lake
This very large lake is scenic, but often has few waterbirds, and a scope is usually necessary to see the ones that are there. However, grebes and loons are regular in late fall, along with a few ducks. The spruce-fir forest around the lake can be good in summer for high-elevation birds. The reintroduced lynx are sometimes found in the area, but you will have to be phenomenally lucky to see one.
County: Lake
Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions: From the center of Leadville, head west on 6th Ave. Turn right on McWethy Drive and bear left to continue onto Lake CR 4 to a three way intersection. Take the right fork, which is the continuation of CR 4. Turquoise Lake is along the north side of this road in about a mile, and can be scanned from multiple points along CR 4. Take CR 9C to access the parking lot, boat ramp and campgrounds.
Delorme: 47 B6-B7
Roads of Colorado: 86 A1
Dates of Access: Open all year (facilities closed in winter)
Hours:
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: USFS camping fee
Restrictions: Access can be limited in winter
Parking: Yes
Lodging: Campgrounds, hotels in Leadville
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Reservoir can be partly viewed from car
Latitude: 39.25756
Longitude: -106.36042
Amenities
Restrooms | Yes |
Drinking Fountain | Yes |
Gravel Trails | No |
Paved Trails | No |
Platform/Blind | No |
Boardwalk | No |
Concession | No |
Visitor Center | No |
Gift Shop | No |
Primitive | No |
Camping | Yes |
Picnic | Yes |
Hunting | Yes |
Fishing | Yes |