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Upper Crystal Lake

Length: Approx. 8.5 miles roundtrip
Highlights: Two alpine lakes, views of Mt.Crystal & the Tenmile Range
Difficulty Rating: Advanced
Elevation Gain: Approx. 2,500 ft.
Below: Standing on a ridge at Upper Crystal Lake, looking back down to Lower Crystal from where we came.

Directions:
Drive south of route 9 about 2.3 miles from the last traffic light in Breckenridge and turn right on Spruce Creek Road (County Road #800)  into "The Crown" subdivision. Turn onto Spruce Creek Drive and climb 1.2 miles to the 2WD trailhead. This is the Spruce Creek Trailhead-park here. Walk up the road for about .25 miles and take the fork to your right.
This is Crystal Creek Road. It is a 19th century wagon road that is now used by 4WD vehicles. Lower Crystal Lake is about 2 miles up this road. (National Geographic's TopoMap of Breckenridge/Tennessee Pass is invaluable here.)
 

 Below: Nearing the treeline - with about 3/4 mile yet to reach lower crystal lake.


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Description:
The first mile and a quarter is a stiff climb through spruce forest that leads to an intersection with the Wheeler Trail. After almost an hour of steady hiking on a hot July morning the intersection was a welcome sight because it meant arriving at the tree line and the prospect of Lower Crystal Lake just three quarters of a mile ahead.

From Lower Crystal you'll notice the switchbacks to the north as the
trail continues across talus on the side of Peak 10 to Upper Crystal
about 2 miles from the lower lake. Many hikers might be tempted to stop at Lower Crystal because it is a tranquil, idyllic spot but the 2 mile trek to Upper Crystal is well worth the effort.

Here, you encounter close up views of 13,852' Mt. Crystal and interesting mining ruins. A short scramble from the lower (eastern) end of Upper Crystal will reward you with spectacular views of Lower Crystal & Goose

 

  
Above:  Lower Crystal Lake in the background, an SCE staff member takes a break to investigate old cabin ruins.

Above: Blue skies above on the last stretch to Upper Crystal Lake (note SCE hiker on trail - white spec on right)

 

  
Pasture Tarn off in the distance to the east.

This was a perfect place to have lunch and
to ponder if this is where the expression "it doesn't get any better than this" originated.

 

  
Above: Looking down into Upper Crystal Lake. Follow the trail (slightly visible on the left through the green) to an old cabin.

An SCE staff member pauses for a lunch break and an altitude read on his GPS.

 

    

 

  
  beginner intermediate advanced
    Black Powder Pass   Mohawk Lake   Quandary Peak  14,265'
    Lily Pad   Chihuahua Gulch   Lincoln & Bross 14,291' / 14,177'
    St. John's   Mt. Royal   Bierstadt Peak 14,060'
    Mayflower Gulch   Wheeler Lakes   Willow & Salmon Lakes
    Loveland Pass   Radical Hill Trail   Upper Crystal Lake
    Salt Lick Trail   McCullough Gulch   Gray's & Torrey's 14,278' / 14,267'
    Mesa Cortina Trail   Mt. Sniktau   Mt. Democrat 14,152'
    St. Mary's Glacier   North Ten Mile Trail   Mt. Victoria
    Sally Barber Mine   Willow Falls  

Mt. Elbert  14,433'
    Oro Grande Trail   Eaglesmere Lakes   Buffalo Mountain  12,777'
    Meadow Creek-Salt Lick   Mosquito Pass   Eccles Pass
    Shrine Mountain Trail   Webster Pass   Mt. Huron  14,003'
    Ptarmigan Trail   Ptarmigan via Wilder Gulch    
    Peaks Tr. Barton Gulch   Wheeler Lake - Park County    
    Hoosier Pass Loop   Lenawee Trail    

 

  Spruce Creek Loop NEW! Nightmare on Baldy Mine    
  NEW! Tenderfoot Mountain Trail        
   

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Note: The Summit County Explorer website is for entertainment purposes only. SCE will not be held liable for the any accidents or injuries resulting from the activities listed on this site. Trail conditions change daily and we assume no responsibility for the safety of any individual during any of these activities. Please consult actual trail guides and maps before attempting any of the activities mentioned here.