Bill Moore Lake Trail
Alpine rock crawling to high mountain lake
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 12100 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Built 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Fairplay, Colorado |
| Land manager | Pike National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run Bill Moore Lake Trail?
No. This trail requires a built 4WD with skid plates, rock sliders, and at least 3 inches of a lift with aggressive all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. Stock rigs will high-center and get torn up on the technical rock sections.
When does Bill Moore Lake Trail open each year?
July through September is the reliable window. Snow can block access into late June at 12,100 feet, and early September storms can close it again fast — check conditions before you go.
Do I need a permit to run Bill Moore Lake Trail?
No permit required. It sits in Pike National Forest and is free to access. Dispersed camping is allowed under standard National Forest rules — 14-day stay limit, 300 feet from water sources.
What's the hardest section and what makes it so difficult?
The upper rock climb approaching the lake is where rigs get stopped — large, loose, and stacked boulders demand precise line selection and solid articulation. Ground clearance and a spotter are non-negotiable here; a single bad line can mean recovery or damage.
Is there water available on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There are water crossings on the trail but treat any water before drinking — no potable sources out there. Fairplay is your last stop for gas, roughly 20 miles from the trailhead, so fill up before you head in.
Trail track
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