wildernet

Divide Ranger District

Quick Facts

Crystal Lake Road 532a

Difficulty:

Intermediate

		General Description
		This is a short (2.5 miles) scenic primitive road that leads to Crystal Lake. It is a fairly popular side trip off the main Bristol Head Peak Road 532. Crystal Lake Road 532a joins the Bristol Head Peak Road approximately 7 miles east from where the Bristol Head Peak Road begins (across Colorado Highway 149 from Rito Hondo/Continental Reservoir Road 513). At the junction, the Crystal Lake Road continues straight ahead (northeast) just before the Boulder Creek crossing where the main Bristol Head Peak Road turns to the south. The Crystal Lake Road usually poses no access problems unless patches of snow remain on its steeper short stretches. However, the first part of the Bristol Head Peak Road, which serves as access, is extremely steep, rocky, and rough. Many of the rocks are large, making navigation difficult due to poor-to-nonexistent tread and lack of clearance. Substantial driving skill is required to successfully negotiate this section of road without damaging your vehicle. From its junction with the Bristol Head Peak Road, the Crystal Lake Road #532a climbs 260 feet in the first 0.5 mile and then flattens out for 0.1 mile. Over the next 0.9 mile, the road gains 240 feet in elevation then drops 200 feet in a little over 0.1 mile where it crosses a fork of Shallow Creek. Four-wheel drive pickups with long beds may have some problems negotiating a few of the short, steep sections with tight turns. This is particularly true when the road is dry causing a "spinout" effect on the rocky roadbed. The final 0.9 mile of road climbs approximately 250 feet to Crystal Lake. The route travels through spruce-fir stands and small subalpine parks to the lake, which sits on a small open flat. This five-acre lake usually provides fair to good catches of rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout to the angler. The lake is subject to winter kill. However, the Colorado Division of Wildlife periodically stocks the lake.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Add your own trip Report! Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others. This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report

No trip reports filed to date. Please be the first one to do so!

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Cold Water Fishing	Crystal Lake	Yes
	Mountain Biking	Short road	Yes
	ATV Riding	Short road	Yes
	Motorcycle Riding	Dirt Bikes	Yes

Related Activities

North Clear Creek - Four fishing access points to North Clear Creek are provided by means of primitive dirt roads, marked with white arrows, that lead off Forest Road #513 (Continental Reservoir/Rito Honda Reservoir Road).

North Clear Creek Campground - Some sites are in open, while some sites are screened with small aspen/spruce/fir. Good general area in the fall to observe and take pictures of fall aspen colors.

North Clear Creek Falls - This site is 27 miles west of Creede in a fenced area with open grass vegetation. There is a very picturesque view of North Clear Creek Falls.

North Clear Creek Road 510 Scenic Drive - This scenic mountain drive is on a gravel road which provides access to South Clear Creek Campground, North Clear Creek Campground and North Clear Creek Falls Overlook.

North Clear Creek Road 510/Santa Maria-Seepage Roa - The route crosses open parks and rolling aspen-covered hills. Beautiful views of Bristol Head Peak and the surrounding mountains of the Continental Divide, as well as North Clear Creek waterfall are available.

Sawmill Gulch Trail (Conejos Peak Ranger District) - A pleasant day hike which offers spectacular views along the way. An excellent area for picnics and mountain scenery exists at the trail's end.