Crystal Lake  |
| Maps: |
|
| USGS 7.5' Map: |
Bristol Head, Baldy Cinco |
| Statistics: |
| Difficulty: |
Number: |
Miles: |
Altitude: |
Obstacles: |
Time: |
| Easy 3 |
FR 532.2A |
1.25 |
11,520 to 12,040 ft. |
NA |
1 hour |
|
| County: |
Rio Grande |
| Adopted by: |
|
|
|
| Managed by: |
Rio Grande National Forest
Divide Ranger District |
13308 West Hwy 160
Del Norte, CO 81132 |
719-657-3321 |
| Summary: |
Crystal Lake road is a short windy road that leads to a small alpine lake.
|
| Attractions: |
Lake, Fishing |
Seasonal
Closure: |
Agency - March 15 to May 15
|
| Best Time: |
June - Upper section may still be snowed in
July - Best
August - Best
September - Best
October - Watch for early snows
|
Trail Heads
Accessed: |
McKinzie Trail - Hiking
|
| Camping: |
Some faint dispersed sites were at the lake.
|
| Base Camp: |
This would not be a good area to base camp.
|
| Fall Colors: |
Poor - Travels through pine forest.
|
| Navigation: |
From Creede, CO. head south on CO-149 N for 26.6 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service road 532 and go 4.2 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service road 532.2A, the Crystal Lake 4WD road.
From Lake City, CO. head south on CO-149 S for 8.8 miles. Sharp right to stay on CO-149 S and go 15.1 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service road 532 and go 4.2 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service road 532.2A, the Crystal Lake 4WD road.
|
| History: |
|
| Description: |
The Crystal Lake 4WD road leaves the Bristol Head road, FR532, and climbs a gently sloped saddle to a ridge. Once over the ridge the road drops into the trees and begins to wind through the forest.
 |
Into the trees
photo by:
Adam M |
 |
Winding through the trees
photo by:
Adam M |
It has a few steep climbs with sharp turns at the top. After about a mile of this roller coaster you will come to a longer climb up a rocky section that will top out at the parking are by Crystal Lake.
 |
Crystal Lake
photo by:
Adam M |
|
|
Data updated - November 28, 2015
4WD Road driven - July 23, 2015
Copyright 4X4Explore.com - 2000-2015 |
