Date Hiked: July 21, 2024

Distance: 1 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain: minimal

Elevation Min/Max: 9,867 to 9,892 ft

Trailhead Lat/Long: 39.26119, -106.35297

Managing Agency: U.S. Forest Service

Fee: None

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

The Turquoise Lake Recreation Area is a popular spot in the summertime as there are numerous campgrounds and miles of trails. The Turquoise Lake Trail runs along the northern and eastern shores of the lake, there is a new system of hiking/biking trails, and there is the short but sweet Turquoise Lake Nature Trail.

There is not much needed as far as a trail description goes. The trail runs from the trailhead, west through pine forest to the shore of the lake. The trail follows the short north for a short way, then turns east and returns to the trailhead. This is an easy hike and perfect for all ages and all skill levels.

The draw of this hike are the views from the lakeshore. Turquoise Lake is huge and across the lake you get some huge mountain views. Mt. Massive is the most prominent and impressive of the many prominent and impressive mountains of the Sawatch Range that are visible from the lakeshore. Directly, across the lake, the unnamed peaks west of Timberline Lake are visible, as is Mt. Galena and Homestake Peak to the northwest. The lakeshore is comprised of bluffs and beaches so this is a great place to relax and take in the alpine viewshed.