Lower Crystal Lake via Crystal Creek Road

To get to the Crystal Lakes start at the Spruce Creek Trailhead. You can hike or drive to the Lower Crystal Lake along Crystal Creek Road. If you choose to drive, you will need a high clearance 4x4 vehicle as you follow along Crystal Creek Road. The road is steep, but when they get to the top it opens up. Please help protect and preserve this area -- do NOT drive on alpine vegetation.

If you're thinking about camping here, please keep in mind that there are not many dispersed camping areas at the lakes. Please adhere to the White River National Forest camping restrictions. They require camping at least 100ft from any body of water (Leave No Trace states 200 feet, so best to play it safe!). 

As you are making your way to the Lower Crystal Lake, keep an eye out for moose and elk. Some other animals you may run into are pica, marmot, ptarmigan, porcupine, big horn sheep, and mountain goat.

If you want to hike to the Upper Crystal Lake follow the trail past Lower Crystal Lake and continue 1.9 miles up the switch backs.