Above the Sugar Loaf Dam west of Leadville, Colorado the Turquoise Lake is a man-made reservoir that sits around 10,000 feet of elevation in Lake County.
People Also Ask
Miners dammed the waters to create this lake so they could focus on mining for rare turquoise. The average depth of this lake is 50 feet. It is a recreational lake mainly used for fishing, swimming, diving, hiking, and camping. Sugarloaf Mountain is to the side of the lake, offering picturesque views.
Swimming: Swimming is permitted in Turquoise Lake, however the bone-chilling alpine conditions rarely make the water desirable for visitors. With that said, a bit of bravery or a wetsuit can create the right moment for a refreshing dip in the reservoir.
Turquoise Lake HistoryThe lake is said to have naturally occurred, but was damned as early as the 19th century to help provide water for all of the mining activity in the area. As front range populations continued to grow even after the mining boom, today's Sugar Loaf Dam was completed in 1968.
Limestone is composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and is white in color. As the river breaks down this rock into tiny crystals, these crystals will get mixed up into the water.When sunlight hits the tiny crystals, it will reflect that beautiful blue color.
The clearest lake in Colorado is Columbine Lake, located in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. The lake is so clear due to its alpine location, meaning it has a short warm season so natural material such as algae does not grow well in the water.
Turquoise lake is an absolutely beautiful hiking trail near Leadville, This area is fantastic for dogs, but please keep in mind that they do need to be kept on a leash at all times.
Turquoise Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee. Other species in the lake include brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. Turquoise Lake is rated as fair to good fishing.
Grand Lake is Colorado's largest and deepest natural water body. The lake's beauty and proximity to the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park draw thousands of visitors annually.
General Information: Turquoise Reservoir, a 1789 acre impoundment, offers good fishing for brown, rain- bow, cutthroat and lake trout. The reservoir has excellent amenities and is located in one of the most scenic areas in Colorado.