Navigation, offline maps, and more on the free Roam app.
Get the AppBill Moore Lake Trail
No elevation data available
Description
Embark on an exciting off-road adventure to the stunning Bill Moore Lake, a high-alpine gem nestled at over 11,300 feet near Empire, Colorado. This trail is a favorite for 4x4 enthusiasts, offering a journey through dense pine forests that open up to breathtaking alpine tundra scenery. As you climb, you'll be rewarded with views of towering peaks like Breckenridge Peak and Witter Peak framing the lake. The trail itself presents a mix of conditions, starting on what might feel like a pleasant mountain road before transitioning into more challenging terrain. Expect to encounter rocky sections, steep and sometimes loose climbs, and potentially moguls or 'whoopdeedoos' that add to the fun. While vehicle access stops short of the lake shore, a brief walk brings you to the water's edge. This area is rich in mining history, and you'll pass by remnants like the Conqueror Mine. It's a popular spot, so be prepared to share the beauty with fellow adventurers, including hikers.
Directions
To reach the Bill Moore Lake trail: From I-70 West, take Exit 232 (Empire/Granby or US-40). Travel on US-40 into the town of Empire. In the center of Empire, head north on Main Street (also known as Park Ave or North Empire Road). Continue uphill as the pavement ends. At approximately 0.7 miles from where you turned onto North Empire Road, bear right at a fork. The trailhead staging area and parking will be on your left at approximately 1.0 mile from the start of North Empire Road.
Difficulty
This trail to Bill Moore Lake offers a rewarding off-road experience that escalates in challenge. Initially, you might find a smoother county road, but it soon transitions to more demanding terrain, including sections of narrow shelf road through dense pine forest where pinstriping is possible. Expect to navigate sections with fairly large rocks (though many are reportedly moved aside), steep and loose climbs, and potentially 'whoopdeedoos' (moguls) that can test your vehicle's articulation and your driving line. While some reports suggest a skilled driver in a stock high-clearance 4x4 can make it, features like at least one locker, larger tires (e.g., 35"+), and a lift are highly recommended, especially for the upper, more difficult parts, to minimize the risk of undercarriage damage. A known bypass (Forest Service road 183.1A) allows you to skip one of the toughest sections if your vehicle isn't equipped for it or if you prefer a slightly easier route. Careful tire placement is key throughout. The trail can be rough and has reportedly deteriorated in some areas with deeper ruts. A trench that previously posed a challenge has reportedly been closed off by the Forest Service. Snow can make the trail impassable, especially in spring and early summer.
Trail Uses
- Off-Road Vehicles
- 4x4 Vehicle
- All-Terrain Vehicle
- Hiking
The text and geometry of this object available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license