Crystal Creek Trail
Difficulty: Moderate Trail Use: Light (except first mile which sees heavy fishing use)
Length: Crystal Cr. T.H. to jnct with Jagg Cr. Trail #4084- 3 miles, Crystal Cr. T.H. to jnct with West Crystal Cr. Trail #4017 – 6.5 miles, Crystal Cr. T.H. to Gros Ventre Divide and Gros Ventre River Trail #4081 – 14.3 miles
Elevation: 7195ft at Crystal Cr. T.H., 7600ft at jnct with Jagg Cr. Trail, 8000ft at jnct with West Crystal Cr. Trail, 10,500ft at Gros Ventre Divide
Open to: Hikers, Equestrian
Trail Highlights:
- This trail has several creek crossings, the first of which is often the deepest and swiftest. This is not recommended in early spring. The trail then winds across the meadow and into the forest where it climbs steeply to the top of a hill where it pops out into meadow again with a fantastic view of the drainage. The trail heads down the hill to another creek crossing and continues on across the meadow.
- The trail continues through a mixture of forest and meadow along Crystal Cr. until reaching an unmarked junction. Both trails will basically take you to the same local. The trail to the left stays high and offers some nice views of Crystal Peak and will connect you with the Jagg Cr. Trail eventually. The trail to the right keeps you on the creek which is pleasant on hot summer days. If you don’t like creek crossings, take the trail to the left, if you don’t mind them then take the trail to the right. If you decide to go left and stay high, follow this trail until reaching an unmarked junction. Take a right to meet up with Crystal Cr. Trail again or take a left to head up into the Jagg Cr. drainage.
- A new reroute was constructed due to the Crystal Cr landslide that occurred in 2008 and 2009. The junction is marked with a post and will continue up Crystal Cr on the right hand side. The reroute offers nice views of the landslide and the newly formed lake.
- The trail continues along the creek until eventually climbing steeply to the saddle of the Gros ventre River headwaters, Crystal Cr headwaters and Swift Cr headwaters.
Options
- At the first junction, take a left to continue up to Jagg Cr Trail #4084. From Jagg Cr Trail you can connect to Six Lakes Trail #4084W, Teepee Cr/Two Echo Park Trail # 4096, or to the Big Cow Cr Trail #4083.
- At the next junction, take a right to connect to the West Fork of Crystal Cr Trail #4017. This trail will take you up and over into the Flat Cr Trail # 4015.
- At the upper saddle, you can connect to Swift Cr Trail #4020, the Shoal Falls Trail # 4119, or the Gros Ventre River Trail # 4081.
Important Information
- Crystal Cr Trail is located within the Gros Ventre Wilderness. See restrictions link below for more info.
- Crystal Cr can be treacherous to cross throughout the spring and summer. The trailhead crossing is often the deepest and can usually be crossed downstream from the trailhead if too dangerous.
- This trail is located on USGS quad maps for Grizzly Lake, Crystal Peak, and Darwin Peak.
- Always check the posted information at the kiosks for maps, updated material on forest regulations and closures.
- The Crystal Cr landslide is extremely unstable. The mud is very thick and heavy and it is not recommended to venture out onto the slide, or camp in its vicinity.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Call Tim Farris, Trail Supervisor @ 307-739-5414 for current trail conditions. |
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Restrictions: | Trail is located within the Gros Ventre Wilderness. For more information click here. |
General Information
Directions:
From Jackson, head north on 89/191 towards Grand Teton National Park. At Gros Ventre Junction, take a right towards the town of Kelly. Follow the road through Kelly and take a right on the Gros Ventre Road. Follow the road for about 9 miles, go past Crystal Cr. campground, cross a bridge over Crystal Cr. and take your next right on road 30377 towards Red Rock Ranch. Head down this road and bear left when the road forks. Proceed on this road another mile or two until reaching a parking area with kiosk. Park here, the trail immediately crosses the creek and heads across the open sagebrush meadow.
Accessibility:
General Notes:
Crystal Cr Trail immediately crosses the creek at the trailhead. Do not follow the trail that extends from the end of the road. It crosses a large cliff and is extremely hazardous.