Bill Moore Lake

Bill Moore Lake sits at 11,368 feet in the Arapaho National Forest, tucked into a rocky alpine basin west of Empire in Clear Creek County. Getting here is half the adventure. The rugged 4x4 trail from Empire climbs through dense forest, past the historic Conqueror Mine, and over exposed ridgelines before dropping you at one of the Front Range's most rewarding backcountry destinations. If you do not have a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can still reach the lake on foot via the Continental Divide Trail from Rainbow Road, though the hike is steep and includes sections above treeline that demand solid fitness and a head for heights.

The lake itself is a pristine alpine gem surrounded by wildflower meadows and talus slopes. Anglers pull brook trout and cutthroat trout from the cold, clear water, and the shoreline offers plenty of room to cast without crowding. Because vehicle access requires genuine off-road capability, Bill Moore Lake never feels overrun the way some Front Range lakes do on summer weekends. Visitors consistently describe the setting as breathtaking, with panoramic views stretching across the Continental Divide.

Dispersed camping is available in the surrounding national forest, so you can extend a day trip into an overnight backcountry experience. There are no developed facilities at the lake itself, so pack everything you need and carry out all trash. Mosquitoes are notoriously aggressive near the water from late June through August, and experienced visitors recommend bringing heavy-duty bug spray or a head net.

The 4x4 route is roughly 10.4 miles out and back from the Empire trailhead, rated moderate to difficult depending on conditions. Red Elephant Hill, one of the trail's signature obstacles, draws Jeep and off-road enthusiasts who enjoy technical rock crawling. The road is typically passable from late June through September, though snowfields can linger into July at this elevation. Fall visits reward drivers with golden aspen color across the surrounding hillsides.

Whether you are testing your rig on one of Colorado's classic 4x4 trails or hiking to a remote alpine lake for a quiet afternoon of fishing, Bill Moore Lake delivers a genuine high-country experience within a reasonable drive from Denver and Idaho Springs.