crystal lakes

Good for a day hike, Jeep trip (to Crystal Lake), even better for an overnight trip: these pristine alpine lakes, and the towering peaks surrounding them, are stunning.

Rating: *****

Best for: Dramatic views of southern Summit County, water reflection shots, various compositions via extemporaneous hikes are available

Drawbacks: Exposure to the elements-entire area is above treeline. Harsh lighting and inclement weather are possible considerations.

Alltrails Link 1

Alltrails Link 2

Waypoints (see AllTrails Link):

  • Crystal Lake (image)
  • Mohawk Lakes from Crystal Peak (image)
  • Upper Crystal Lake from Crystal Peak (image)
  • Portrait Beside Creek (image)

Trailhead: Spruce Creek

Trail Length/ Vertical Gain (Gross*): 7.2 mi (plus side excursions) 2,923’

*starting from Upper Spruce Creek Trail, includes summiting Crystal Peak (13,823’)

Trail Access: Crystal Lake Trail #44, FSR 803, Wheeler Trail #39

Camping: Sites are abundant in the area. Upper Crystal Lake (Dispersed) Lower Crystal Lake (Dispersed), FSR 803 has some dispersed sites, too, as does the Upper trailhead and the road from the Lower to the Upper Spruce Creek Trailheads.

Recommended Photography Gear: Tripod for still shots of mountain scenery and long exposures of the lake, ND filters, Polarizing Filters, Remote Shutter Release, wide-angle lenses to capture large swaths of mountainscape!

There are a few ways to get to the Crystal Lakes (Upper and Lower); their accessibility combined with the rugged alpine nature of this basin, surrounded by 12,000’ and 13,000’ peaks, is a perfect place for an exploration-oriented landscape photographer to spend a weekend.


A high-clearance 4WD vehicle will make this one a piece of cake. Head to the Spruce Creek Trailhead and while on Spruce Creek Road FSR800, veer right onto FSR 803 after ½ mile. This road is fairly tough business (think Jeep or better, although being Colorado, there will be Subarus at the top) and there’s some tight sections that might put racing stripes on paint.

While FSR 803 will eventually arrive a stone’s throw from the shore of Crystal Lake, the hike from the Upper Spruce Creek Trailhead is a lovely walk, as well. Cross a stream at one point, grab some of that Rocky Mountain water, and soak in the view.

After hiking a little over a mile-and-a-half, some of it along the aforementioned FSR 803, admire some wildflowers along the way, if they’re in season (July-August!)

Once here, it’s probably best to spend a night or two camping in the area, with myriad excellent dispersed camping all in the area, for camper vans/Overlanders, backpacking and etc. After checking out Crystal, follow the trail to Upper Crystal Lake, which sits at a cool 12,900’. This is another excellent place to set up camp; be sure to dress in warm layers! The hike between the lakes is well-trodden and fairly gradual and offers excellent views of Lower Crystal Lake.

There are trails in the area to explore some of the high peaks in the area, which are surprisingly accessible at the lakes. Established routes lead to nearby Mt. Helen (13,164’), Father Dyer Peak (13,615’) and the lunker of the group, 13,850’ Crystal Peak. Be sure to turn back and soak in the views while on this climb (See Header Photo), as the views of Crystal Lake and the Front Range in the background are truly a sight to behold.

Once camp is set up, enjoy (provided the conditions are safe) the unique experience of enjoying the sunset from atop a high alpine peak! The moonlight reflecting in nearby Mohawk Lake in this image really made this a special visit for me. Be careful with route-finding if enjoying one of these sunsets, ensuring that the proper route is being taken back to camp.

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