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.

Restrictions: Access can be limited in winter

County: Lake

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.

Alternate Directions: From the center of Leadville, head west on 6th ave. Stay straight on 6th as it becomes Lake CR 4, for 3.5 miles to a three way intersection. Take the right fork, which is the continuation of CR 4, and reaches the lake shortly.

Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir

Dates of Access: Open all year (facilities closed in winter)
Hours:
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: USFS camping fee

Parking: Yes

Lodging: Campgrounds, hotels in Leadville

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Reservoir can be partly viewed from car

Delorme: 47 B6-B7

ROC: 86 A1

Latitude: 39.25756
Longitude: -106.36042

Visit the Website for Turquoise Lake »

Additional Resources

Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4007383