Bill Moore Lake/Empire Loop

Facility · Colorado ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Arapaho National Forest (NF) · Open Access

11,330 ft
Elevation

The Bill Moore/North Empire Loop is a network of roads for OHV opportunities located north of Empire.

This road is very rocky and steep, especially to Bill Moore Lake. A 4-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended.

Refer to the Clear Creek Ranger District's Motor Vehicle Use Map for more information about OHV opportunities in the area.

Note: Due to high elevation, the area is not generally snow-free until late June or even July in some years. Best late spring through fall.

View a COTREX map here.

Getting there

I-70 westbound, take exit #232 US Hwy 40 to Empire. Turn right on Main St. (North Empire Road) and follow the County Road on to Forest Road 171.2.

39.80474, -105.71245 · 39°48'17.1"N 105°42'44.8"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in4.14.04.45.23.71.82.42.32.32.93.43.8

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Bill Moore Lake/Empire Loop

Can you reserve a site at Bill Moore Lake/Empire Loop?
No. Bill Moore Lake/Empire Loop is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Bill Moore Lake/Empire Loop

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.