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To get to the Crystal Lakes start at the Spruce Creek Trailhead. You can hike or drive to the Lower Crystal Lake along Crystal Creek Road. If you choose to drive, you will need a high clearance 4x4 vehicle as you follow along Crystal Creek Road. The road is steep, but when they get to the top it opens up. Please help protect and preserve this area -- do NOT drive on alpine vegetation.
If you're thinking about camping here, please keep in mind that there are not many dispersed camping areas at the lakes. Please adhere to the White River National Forest camping restrictions. They require camping at least 100ft from any body of water (Leave No Trace states 200 feet, so best to play it safe!).
As you are making your way to the Lower Crystal Lake, keep an eye out for moose and elk. Some other animals you may run into are pica, marmot, ptarmigan, porcupine, big horn sheep, and mountain goat.
If you want to hike to the Upper Crystal Lake follow the trail past Lower Crystal Lake and continue 1.9 miles up the switch backs.
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Lower Crystal Lake via Crystal Creek Road
This was a great first night in the mountains. We wound up getting a 4x4 so we drove the trail up to the lake. There were a handful of other trucks and campers at the lake overnight. Not crowded. Gave some guys a ride to the lake in the back of our truck. Did some fly fishing but didn’t have what the trout were looking for. Could see the fish but no bites. This would definitely be a tough hike but worth it.
Lower Crystal Lake via Crystal Creek Road
Camped at the trailhead and then hiked Crystal Peak the next day. Check out my adventure detailing what that was like: https://theoutbound.com/colorado/hiking/hike-to-crystal-peak
Lower Crystal Lake via Crystal Creek Road
Beautiful Hike up to Lower Crystal Lake and we camped at the bottom of the trail off of Spruce Creek Trailhead Rd. There were a ton of dispersed camping spots a bit off the trail where you are more secluded. Would definitely go back!
Lower Crystal Lake via Crystal Creek Road
Everything you could ever want in a weekend camping adventure!!!
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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