Crystal Lakes #44

Facility · Colorado ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

White River National Forest (NF) · Open Access

11,981 ft
Elevation

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.

* There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this trail which is complete with directions, a map, details, and other information about this trail. Or to see quicksheets for other recreation areas across the Forest, click on the "Recreation Quicksheets" link in the right column and select the appropriate Ranger District.

Getting there

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.

39.43606, -106.08900 · 39°26'9.8"N 106°5'20.4"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in1.71.92.02.52.01.22.52.21.51.41.41.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Crystal Lakes #44

Can you reserve a site at Crystal Lakes #44?
No. Crystal Lakes #44 is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Crystal Lakes #44

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Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.