Bill Moore Lake Trail

Bill Moore Lake Trail starts innocent enough near Como, following an old mining road through South Park’s rolling hills before the real work begins. The route climbs relentlessly through a maze of mining debris and tailings piles, with rock ledges that’ll test your approach angles and a notorious waterfall section that’s claimed more than a few oil pans. The final push to Bill Moore Lake involves some serious rock crawling over granite slabs — this is where rental Jeeps go to die.

Don’t even think about this one without serious rock sliders, skid plates, and at least 33-inch tires. Expert-level driving skills mandatory, especially in the wet. July through September only — snow lingers late at 12,000 feet. Fairplay’s your supply stop, and there’s decent dispersed camping near the lake if you make it that far. The reward is a pristine alpine lake surrounded by 13ers, complete solitude, and bragging rights that actually mean something in Colorado 4WD circles.