Turquoise Lake, nestled in the San Isabel National Forest near Leadville, Colorado, is an artificial reservoir that spans 1,780 acres with a capacity of 129,440 acre-feet. Created by the Sugar Loaf Dam, the lake was part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, which diverts water from the Colorado River basin to the more arid plains east of the Rockies. This project, completed in the 1960s, provides water for agricultural use in Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
The lake sits at 10,000 feet, offering a cool respite during the summer when daytime temperatures hover around 80°F. Turquoise Lake is a hub for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. In winter, the area transforms into a popular destination for ice fishing, snowmobiling, fat biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The surrounding land has trails perfect for mountain biking and hiking. The 13-mile round-trip trail from Sugarloaf Dam to May Queen Campground is particularly popular for its slight elevation gain and scenic views.
Turquoise Lake is an angler’s delight with a wealth of fisheries-supporting species like rainbow, brown, cutthroat, brook, and kokanee salmon. Whether fishing from boats or popular onshore sites like the dam, the lake is easily accessible. The campgrounds, each named after nearby historical mines and tycoons, provide convenient access to the lake’s amenities, with some offering views over the water and others nestled in forests and meadows.
Winter at Turquoise Lake is a time of excitement and adventure. The lake’s frozen surface is a playground for ice fishing, while the High Riders Snowmobile Club maintains 25 miles of trails around the lake, ensuring that winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the stunning snowy landscape. Turquoise Lake provides outdoor enthusiasts with a wide variety of activities to enjoy in the stunning Colorado countryside, whether they visit in the summer or the winter.