Halfmoon West

Air Quality: Good

This camping area features 16 first come first serve campsites perched at an elevation of 9932ft in the state of Colorado. If you're headed here today, be sure to check out travel times and driving directions before you go. High altitude campgrounds like this one can get very cold at night, even during the warm summer months. Remember to pack accordingly.

Visitors may find numerous amenities and a comfy place to pitch a tent. The surrounding area also offers outdoor enthusiasts the simple pleasure of being outside. Check out the map above to view nearby river levels, or head to the interactive map to explore the surrounding area.

Dump

No

Reservations

No

Showers

No

Hookups

No

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Areas of Interest

Crystal Lake Overlook
Wildlife Viewing
Directions
Located just off U.S.Hwy 24, south of Leadville at the Arkansas River Headwaters, the overlook provides gorgeous views of the highest peak in Colorado, Mt. Elbert.
Mount Cosgriff
Summit
Directions
Named for Peter Cosgriff (1931-1996), attorney, sportsman, and conservationist in Lake County, and in the Colorado high country.
Mount Massive
Summit
Directions
Named by Henry Gannett in 1873 as part of the HaydenSurvey. (CO-T4/070694/p3D)
Twin Lakes Historic District
Auto Touring
Directions
Located next to Colorado's two largest glacial lakes, the Twin Lakes Village began as a stopen-route between the mining districts of Leadville and Aspen. In the late 1880s, however, mining magnate, James V. Dexter, built the nearby Interlaken Resort, a 100-acre complex featuring a dance pavilion, stables and servants' quarters. Soon after, the area became a haven for wealthy tourists who boated in the summer and skied in the winter. It remained popular until the 1950s, when enlargement of the lakes cut off access to the resort.Today, Twin Lakes Village as well as Interlaken Resort, have been carefully preserved for visitors. Interlaken was designated a National Historic Site in 1974 and is undergoing extensive restoration work. Twin Lakes Village, at the base ofMount Elbert (Colorado's highest 14,000 foot peak),has been preserved with many of its classic log cabins still standing.
Monitor Rock
Climbing
Directions
Monitor Rock is a popular rock climbing area locatedon the north side of StateHwy 82, approximately four miles west of the town of Twin Lakes.
Monitor Rock
Climbing
Directions
Monitor Rock is a popular rock climbing area locatedon the north side of StateHwy 82, approximately four miles west of the town of Twin Lakes.
Maid of Erin Picnic Area
Hiking
Directions
Located next to the Matchless boat rampon the easternshore ofTurquoise Lake, Maid of Erinis a beautiful area to enjoy a picnic with friends and family. Facilities include picnic tables, pedestal grills, fire rings, potable water, and flush toilets. You can also access the Turquoise Lake Nature Trail from this site for a leisurely walk around the lake.
Matchless Campground
Recreational Vehicles
Directions
Located on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake, Matchless Campground accomodates larger recreational vehicles.Facilities include restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, and pedestal grills. This campground is adjacent to the boat ramp and parking areas.Itis named after one of the profitable silver mines in Leadville that made Horace A.W. Tabor one of the riches men in America.
Lady of the Lake Picnic Area
Picnicking
Directions
Located on the north shore line of Turquoise Lake.
Rinker Peak
Summit
Directions
Named for Robert Lee Rinker (1911-1985), who lived at the base of the peak for 52 years.
Independence Pass
Auto Touring
Directions
At 12,095 feet, Independence Passis one of the highest paved mountain passes in the United States. Independece Passis the summit of the Top of the Rockies National Scenic& Historic Byway, and is located between Twin Lakes Village and Aspen.Independence Pass serves as the eastern gateway to the Roaring Fork Valley, as well as an historic link between the Western Slope and communities on the Front Range. Thousands of people - from Colorado "locals" to international visitors - travel over the Pass from its opening in May to its closing inthefall.Facilities at the summit include vault toilets anda paved trail that provides pedestrian access to a scenic viewing platform, which providesbreathtaking panoramic views of the glacier-sculpted peaks and ridges of the Continental Divide. Don't forget your camera in the car!
Mount Blaurock
Summit
Directions
Named for mountain climber Carl Blaurock (1894-1993), who was a co-founder of the Colorado Mountain Club and the first to climb all of Colorado's 14'ers.
Ervin Peak
Summit
Directions
Named for mountain climber William F Ervin (1884-1943), who climbed every peak over 14,000 feet in the United States.
Ouray Peak
Summit
Directions
Ouray is the name of a distinguished Ute chief. (CO-T4/042793/p5A)
Hayden Gulch Trailhead
Hiking
Directions
This trailhead is located east of Granite, Colorado at the end of Hayden Gulch Road 396, 4-wheel drive access only.Provides access to Hayden Gulch Trail #1470 heads east into Buffalo Peaks Wilderness to meet withRich Creek Trail #616and Rough and Tumbling Creek Trail #617.
Buckeye Gulch
Biking
Directions
Approximately 2 miles, this road that can be walked, biked or driven. The section of the roadthat can be driven with a 4WD vehiclebegins 4.5 miles north of Leadville on Colorado Hwy91 and ends on a hiking trail about 1/4 mile before the lake. The first part of this road crosses private land. Please stay on the roadway and be respectful of private property.
Kuss Peak
Summit
Directions
The name honors Adolph Kuss (1909-2002), who served on the Leadville City Council, the Lake County Commission, and the St. Vincents Hospital Board; he was also actively involved in the construction of the Mount Massive Golf Course, and was the first manager of Cooper Hill ski resort.
Ski Cooper Alpine Ski Area
Winter Sports
Directions
Ski Cooper, located atop Tennessee Pass 10 miles north of Leadville on U.S. 24, is a unique and affordable alpine ski area for the whole family. Five lifts serve 26 runs on 400 acres with slightly more intermediate than beginner or expert terrain. The longest run is 1.4 miles. The base sits at an elevation of 10,500 feet, with the summit at 11,700 feet. Ski Cooper averages 250 inches of natural snowfall a year and hosts a variety of fun-filled events throughout the winter season.Ski Cooper also includes a terrain park with seven different features, short lift lines anda variety ofruns. The base facilities include the Ski and Snowboard School which offers alpine, telemark and snowboard instruction; a day lodge with guest services, ticket offices, first-aid room, restaurant and bar; a ski rental shop; the Children's Center, featuring a children's ski school, rental equipment and day care for children ages 2-8; the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center with rental equipment for cross-country skiing, telemarking, and snowshoeing, and the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse.Ski Cooper Stats:Vertical drop: 1,200 feet;Acres: 400;2,400 acres of snowcat skiing on Chicago Ridge;Lifts:5- 1 double, 1 triple, 3 surface lifts;26 runs: 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced;Annual Snowfall: 250 inches.
Holy Cross City Jeep Road #759
Hiking
Directions
This extreme road starts off Homestake Road #703 and ends at Holy Cross City historic site. This is one of the more difficult and popular roads in the state. It is recommended to consult a 4-wheel drive guide book for a detailed description of this route and recommended vehilce specs. Stock vehicles should not attempt this one.Click here to see a Recreation Quicksheet for this road, complete with directions, description, map, and more.
Potholes Fishing Site
Wildlife Viewing
Directions
For a description of the area please call the Gunnison Ranger District at 970-641-0471

Popular Destinations

Campground Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Cottonwood Lake 24 9,586 ft
Halfmoon East 6 9,923 ft
Molly Brown 49 9,897 ft
Collegiate Peaks 56 9,837 ft
Mayqueen 27 9,884 ft
White Star 66 9,256 ft
Gold Park 11 9,246 ft
Baby Doe 50 9,913 ft
Lakeview - Twin Lakes 27 9,511 ft
Gore Creek 25 8,720 ft
Father Dyer 26 9,953 ft
Parry Peak 26 9,430 ft
Halfmoon 7 10,294 ft
Tabor 44 9,897 ft
Elbert Creek 17 10,095 ft
Matchless 17 9,903 ft
Camp Hale Memorial 21 9,318 ft
Dexter 24 9,271 ft
Belle of Colorado 19 9,924 ft
Silver Dollar 43 9,905 ft
Tigiwon 9 9,994 ft
Mirror Lake - Almont 10 11,007 ft
Blodgett 6 8,836 ft
Halfmoon West 16 9,932 ft
Hornsilver 7 8,843 ft
Iron City 15 9,928 ft
Twin Peaks 37 9,615 ft
Ski Area Snowpack Air Temperature 5 Day Forecast
Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area 67" 12° 1.17"
Breckenridge Ski Resort 52" 17° 2.24"
Copper Mountain Resort 52" 17° 2.24"
Beaver Creek Resort 65" 26° 4.33"
Ski Cooper 31" 17° 1.19"
Vail 65" 17° 3.78"
Location Fish Habitat Craft Restrictions
Black Lakes (Vail) Rainbow Trout Non Motorized Hand-Launch
Lost Man Reservoir
Green Mountain Reservoir Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee None
Curtain Ponds Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Cottonwood Lake (Buena Vista) Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout
Upper Cataract Lake Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout Non Motorized Hand-Launch
Clear Creek Reservoir Tiger Muskellunge, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
Homestake Reservoir Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout HP Restricted
Officers Gulch Pond Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout Non Motorized Hand-Launch
Williams Fork Reservoir Brown Trout, Kokanee, Lake Trout Non Motorized Hand-Launch
Needle Creek Reservoir Rainbow Trout All Boats Allowed
Wolford Mountain Reservoir Brown Trout, Cutbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout All Boats Allowed
Cottonwood Lake
Grizzly Reservoir
Turquoise Lake Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Lake Trout Electric Motors Only
Mirror Lake (Almont) Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout All Boats Allowed
South Fork Clear Creek
Kiln Creek Brook Trout
Nottingham Lake Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout All Boats Allowed
Hayden Meadows Reservoir Rainbow Trout Electric Motors Only
Rich Creek Brook Trout
Crystal Lakes Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout Non Motorized Hand-Launch
Lower Cataract Lake Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout None
O`Haver Lake Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout None
Taylor Park Reservoir Northern Pike, Sockeye Salmon, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Mount Elbert Forebay Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Lake Trout

Nearby Snowpack and Streamflow Levels

Streamflow and snowpack data for the watershed
Gauge Streamflow Stage
North Fork Fryingpan River Near Norrie
USGS 09078500
20 cfs 2.7 ft
Columbine Ditch Near Fremont Pass
USGS 09061500
-999 cfs -0.4 ft
St. Louis Creek Near Fraser
USGS 09026500
301 cfs 2.6 ft
Monte Cristo Diversion Near Hoosier Pass
USGS 09041900
0 cfs 0.0 ft
Piney River Near State Bridge
USGS 09059500
37 cfs 2.7 ft
Kerber Cr Abv Little Kerber Cr Nr Villa Grove
USGS 08224500
-999 cfs 0.0 ft
Lake Creek Above Twin Lakes Reservoir
USGS 07084500
-999 cfs 3.7 ft
Blue River At Blue River
USGS 09046490
2 cfs 0.3 ft
Black Gore Creek Near Minturn
USGS 09066000
3 cfs 2.6 ft
Tarryall Creek At Upper Station
USGS 06696980
12 cfs 5.1 ft
Snotel Site Snowpack 24hr Change
Ivanhoe
SNOTEL 547
61" -1"
Stillwater Creek
SNOTEL 793
39" 1"
Berthoud Summit
SNOTEL 335
66" -1"
Bear River
SNOTEL 1061
47" -1"
Cochetopa Pass
SNOTEL 1059
25" -1"
Lynx Pass
SNOTEL 607
49" 0"
Rough And Tumble
SNOTEL 939
20" -1"
Hoosier Pass
SNOTEL 531
52" 0"
Moon Pass
SNOTEL 1124
26" 4"
Upper San Juan
SNOTEL 840
133" -1"
Saint Elmo
SNOTEL 1100
53" -2"
Deadman Hill
SNOTEL 438
64" -1"
Jackwhacker Gulch
SNOTEL 935
45" -1"
Buffalo Park
SNOTEL 913
59" 0"
Grayback
SNOTEL 1058
14" 1"
Independence Pass
SNOTEL 542
62" -1"
Rabbit Ears
SNOTEL 709
88" 2"
Porphyry Creek
SNOTEL 701
67" 0"
Dry Lake
SNOTEL 457
90" -1"
Fremont Pass
SNOTEL 485
59" -1"
Beaver Ck Village
SNOTEL 1041
53" -2"
Roach
SNOTEL 718
63" -3"
Copper Mountain
SNOTEL 415
52" -2"
Kiln
SNOTEL 556
52" -1"
Buckskin Joe
SNOTEL 938
31" 0"
Arapaho Ridge
SNOTEL 1030
89" -2"
Phantom Valley
SNOTEL 688
49" -2"
Wolf Creek Summit
SNOTEL 874
141" -2"
Summit Ranch
SNOTEL 802
51" -2"
Tower
SNOTEL 825
147" 0"
Elk River
SNOTEL 467
82" -1"
Elliot Ridge
SNOTEL 1120
76" -3"
Zirkel
SNOTEL 1033
91" -2"
Rawah
SNOTEL 1032
51" -2"
Park Cone
SNOTEL 680
57" -1"
Joe Wright
SNOTEL 551
79" -5"
Jones Pass
SNOTEL 970
57" -1"
Vail Mountain
SNOTEL 842
65" -1"
Brumley
SNOTEL 369
47" -1"
Lily Pond
SNOTEL 580
71" -1"
Mccoy Park
SNOTEL 1040
65" -2"
Middle Creek
SNOTEL 624
78" -2"
Loveland Basin
SNOTEL 602
64" 0"
Long Draw Resv
SNOTEL 1123
63" -3"
Hayden Pass
SNOTEL 1102
30" 2"
Middle Fork Camp
SNOTEL 1014
49" 1"
Chapman Tunnel
SNOTEL 1101
57" -1"
Willow Creek Pass
SNOTEL 869
63" -1"
Upper Taylor
SNOTEL 1141
74" -1"
Grizzly Peak
SNOTEL 505
60" 0"