Lower Crystal Lake via Crystal Creek Road

Breckenridge, Colorado

5.0/5

based on 5 reviews

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Distance

4.52 miles

Elevation Gain

1624 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Ryan Mckinney

Lower Crystal Lake offers amazing lake views and great fishing in the White River National Forest.

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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Wildflowers

Wildlife

Lower Crystal Lake via Crystal Creek Road Reviews

Erika Karsky

Lower Crystal Lake via Crystal Creek Road

09/06/16

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!

5.0

Ryan Grunkemeyer

Lower Crystal Lake via Crystal Creek Road

06/18/16

Everything you could ever want in a weekend camping adventure!!!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Lower Crystal Lake via Crystal Creek Road

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Lower Crystal Lake via Crystal Creek Road Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to & Stay at Francie's Cabin

Backpack & Fish The Mohawk Lakes

Spruce Creek Loop

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Ski or Snowshoe to Section House Hut

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