RMCC Copper Triangle with Turquoise Lake
Classic Colorado alpine road ride looping Copper Mountain, Tennessee Pass, and Turquoise Lake near Leadville — high-altitude showcase on one of Colorado's great routes.
The vibe
High passes, thin air
The Copper Triangle is one of Colorado’s great rides — a loop over Fremont Pass, through Leadville, up Tennessee Pass, and back over Vail Pass through Copper Mountain. RMCC extends this classic with a detour to Turquoise Lake, the reservoir sitting above Leadville at 9,900 feet that rewards the extra effort with lake views and quiet roads through alpine meadows.
Total distance and elevation are serious at altitude — this is not a flat-day outing. The RMCC version splits into pace groups, making it accessible to riders who want the experience without having to match the front group’s pace. Leadville sits at 10,152 feet, and the passes go higher, so first-timers should account for altitude affecting their output.
Part of the Charlie Henderson Challenge Series. Free with club membership. Meetup registration posted ahead of the date. Bring more food than you think you need — altitude and mountain roads burn through energy faster than flat riding.