Trail Overview
This route is approximately 1.5 vehicles wide and travels through a dense forest of pine and other conifers. The road follows the hillside with several steeper climbs and descents, where 4-Low may be helpful in heavier vehicles for better control. The surface is primarily hard-packed dirt, gravel, and exposed rock, with scattered loose rocks and some minor erosion along portions of the route. Although generally smooth, the rocky surface and steeper grades could become slick when wet. The route passes private property, so obey posted boundaries and remain on the designated road. An old structure that appears to be associated with the area's historic mining activity can also be seen along the route. The surrounding terrain varies from densely wooded slopes to more open areas of exposed rock and sandy soil. There are no major obstacles or technical sections along this route.
Difficulty
The route consists primarily of hard-packed dirt, gravel, and exposed rock with scattered loose rocks and minor erosion. Several steeper grades add some difficulty, particularly when wet, as the rocky surface may become slick. There are no major obstacles, ledges, deep ruts, or technical sections requiring careful tire placement.
History
The mountains surrounding Turquoise Lake are closely connected to Leadville's mining and transportation history. Mining activity brought roads, trails, settlements, and transportation routes into the mountains west of Leadville during the late 1800s. The area around Hagerman Pass also became an important railroad corridor when the Colorado Midland constructed a route across the Continental Divide. Remnants of historic mining activity, old transportation corridors, structures, and other evidence of the area's early development can still be found throughout the surrounding mountains.
