Recreation Region: Dillon Ranger District

Crystal Lakes Road TH #44

This area has beautiful alpine scenery with views of the Tenmile Range. A 4WD road leads to Lower Crystal Lake and then a hiking trail continues for approximately 2 miles to Upper Crystal Lake. The road will take you through numerous alpine meadows which are fed by the tributaries of Crystal Creek. The road rises onto a shelf with Lower Crystal Lake nestled against the mountain walls. A cabin at the lake offers some shelter from the wind. Directly west of the cabin is Peak 10 at the Breckenridge Ski Area.

This area is part of the 53,804-acre Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument, designated by Presidential Proclamation on Oct 12, 2022 to protect its important prehistoric, historic, natural and recreational values.

General Information

Hiking trail to Upper Crystal Lake is closed to motor vehicles

Getting There

Elevation

12,982 ft.

Directions

From I-70 take Exit 203, Frisco/Breckenridge, and travel south on HWY 9 through Frisco and to Breckenridge. Continue 2.3 miles south on HWY 9 past Breckenridge and turn right onto Spruce Creek Rd (County Rd 800). Take left turns at the forks for approximately 1.8 miles until you come to the Spruce Creek Trailhead. If you do not have 4WD you can park at the trailhead and walk up the road OR continue driving and at the first junction turn right onto Crystal Creek Road (FDR 803). This is a 4WD road that will take you to Lower Crystal Lake. Motorized travel is prohibited beyond Lower Crystal Lake.