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Named after the "unsinkable" Molly Brown on the Titanic, Molly Brown Campground, on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake, sits in a shaded lodgepole pine forest. The campground offers access to boating, fishing, and hiking.
The famous Molly Brown lived in the town of Leadville, just 5 miles east of the campground. She became wealthy from her husband's mining success and took on a life as a philanthropist, socialite and activist.
The 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail is a gentle loop trail through the forest and down to the shoreline of Turquoise Lake. This trail connects to the 6.4 mile Turquoise Lake Trail that parallels the shoreline from the dam to May Queen Campground. It is recommended that hikers pick up a trail guide prior to departure to learn about the flora and fauna along this trail. On the lake, sailing, boating and canoeing are always enjoyed. Anglers seek out mostly mackinaw and rainbow trout.
The two-loop campground offers single family sites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection are provided. Firewood is for sale at the Host site.
Campsites are perched along the scenic waters of the lake. Nearby is the Mount Massive Wilderness area, a 30,540 acre stretch of forest land which encompasses Colorado's second highest peak, Mount Massive at 14,421 feet. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.
The town of Leadville, a historic gold and silver mining town, is a fun place to explore with the family.
Drive on the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway to Independence Pass, one of the highest paved passes in Colorado. Continue over the pass to the town of Aspen, a well-known ski resort town.
In Leadville, CO, at north end of town off US Rt. 24, turn west at National Recreation Area Turquoise Lake sign (at Safeway - no street sign). Go 2.8 miles to a "T" intersection and Turquoise Lake Recreation Area sign (CO RD 9). Turn right at sign onto CO RD 9 and go 0.5 miles to another Turquoise Lake Recreation Area sign. Turn left across railroad tracks, and go 0.5 miles to stop sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.3 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.5 miles to campground.
