Select Road: Turquoise Lake
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The Turquoise Lake loop is one of the finest road rides in the Arkansas Valley. Sweeping vistas, light auto traffic and good road conditions make this one a must-do when in the Leadville area. Along the route, you'll pass several scenic overlooks that provide great places for breaks. Water and pit toilets are available at the May Queen campground at mile 5.1.
The following description is for a clockwise loop. This keeps you on the inside shoulder and offers the best views with the least amount of cross-traffic.
The following description is for a clockwise loop. This keeps you on the inside shoulder and offers the best views with the least amount of cross-traffic.
Ride length: 14.6 miles
Ride type: loop (clockwise)
Riding time: 1-2 hours
Elevations: start/end 9,860’; max 10,735’; min 9,830’
Total climbing: gain/loss 1,425’
Aerobic level: moderate (the climb to the highpoint feels tougher)
Season: June through October
Directions: from the traffic light at the intersection of 6th Street and Harrison Avenue in downtown Leadville, drive 0.8 miles west on W. 6th Street. Turn right at the intersection with CR 4 and W. 6th, following the signs to Turquoise Lake. Stay on CR 4 for 3.6 miles until you reach the parking area south side of the road just east of the dam. Park there and the ride starts at your car. (To start from town, just follow the driving directions and enjoy the extra saddle time.)
Ride type: loop (clockwise)
Riding time: 1-2 hours
Elevations: start/end 9,860’; max 10,735’; min 9,830’
Total climbing: gain/loss 1,425’
Aerobic level: moderate (the climb to the highpoint feels tougher)
Season: June through October
Directions: from the traffic light at the intersection of 6th Street and Harrison Avenue in downtown Leadville, drive 0.8 miles west on W. 6th Street. Turn right at the intersection with CR 4 and W. 6th, following the signs to Turquoise Lake. Stay on CR 4 for 3.6 miles until you reach the parking area south side of the road just east of the dam. Park there and the ride starts at your car. (To start from town, just follow the driving directions and enjoy the extra saddle time.)
The Ride:
-0.0 - Start the ride by crossing CR 4 and riding west over the dam.
-1.3 - Continue riding on CR 4 as you pass the Abe Lee fishing access drive on your right.
-3.4 - Continue straight on the paved road as unpaved CR 4 forks left. You are now riding on CR 9. The descent is fast; hold a steady line and watch for traffic.
-5.1 - Pass the entrance to the May Queen campground on your right. Brace for a stiff, 3-mile climb.
-7.4 - Pass the Shimmering Point Overlook. This is a great place to soak in the views as you take a break from the saddle.
-8.1 - Crest the highpoint of the ride. Grab the drops and tuck into a blistering descent. As always, watch for auto traffic.
-8.6 - Pass another overlook entrance on the right.
-10.5 - Another scenic overlook on the right.
-11.3 - Pass the entrance to the Tabor Boat Launch and Lady of the Lake Campground on your right.
-11.8 - Pass the Baby Doe and Father Dyer campground entrance on the right.
-12.7 - Continue straight and downhill on CR 9C; CR 9 heads left toward Leadville Junction.
-13.0 - Pass the entrance to the Molly Brown campground on the right.
-14.5 - Turn right onto CR 4 to return to your car in 0.1 miles.
-1.3 - Continue riding on CR 4 as you pass the Abe Lee fishing access drive on your right.
-3.4 - Continue straight on the paved road as unpaved CR 4 forks left. You are now riding on CR 9. The descent is fast; hold a steady line and watch for traffic.
-5.1 - Pass the entrance to the May Queen campground on your right. Brace for a stiff, 3-mile climb.
-7.4 - Pass the Shimmering Point Overlook. This is a great place to soak in the views as you take a break from the saddle.
-8.1 - Crest the highpoint of the ride. Grab the drops and tuck into a blistering descent. As always, watch for auto traffic.
-8.6 - Pass another overlook entrance on the right.
-10.5 - Another scenic overlook on the right.
-11.3 - Pass the entrance to the Tabor Boat Launch and Lady of the Lake Campground on your right.
-11.8 - Pass the Baby Doe and Father Dyer campground entrance on the right.
-12.7 - Continue straight and downhill on CR 9C; CR 9 heads left toward Leadville Junction.
-13.0 - Pass the entrance to the Molly Brown campground on the right.
-14.5 - Turn right onto CR 4 to return to your car in 0.1 miles.