Curecanti National Recreation Area · Colorado

Crystal Creek Trail

1.5 mi of trail, end to end · about 400 ft of climbing · 8,527 ft–8,895 ft · trail class Developed · hiking

ViewsPicnic areas

8,646 ft 8,873 ft · 1.1 mi high 8,873 ft

Along the way Crystal Creek Picnic Area Crystal Creek Trail Overlook Crystal Creek Trail Overlook

Trailhead Crystal Creek Trail 8,653 ft Drive there

Hike Crystal Creek Trail the Park Service's write-up

2-3 Hours · dogs allowed · Spring, Fall · season This trail is popular during spring and fall.

Start Crystal Creek Trailhead

A trail leading around a cliff edge with a view of mountains
View from Crystal Creek Trail Photo: NPS Photo

Winding through abundant wildflowers, Gambel oak, aspens, conifers and a recovering burn area, Crystal Creek Trail is ideal for spring or fall hiking. Sweeping views of Cimarron Valley, the West Elk and San Juan Mountains can be viewed along the way. The trail forks and leads to two overlooks, both over 1,000 ft (305 m) above Crystal Reservoir.

Good shoes or boots are recommended. Carry at least 2 quarts of water per person. Check for ticks frequently during the hot summer months.

Distance (one-way): 1.5 mi (2.4 km)

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous. Trail begins at 8900 ft (2703 m) above sea level.

Accessibility This trail has significant elevation change and is not wheelchair accessible.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 19 trails in Curecanti National Recreation AreaFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.