How to get to Crystal Lake in Colorado by car?

How to get to Crystal Lake in Colorado by car?

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

3,570 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Crystal Lake in central Colorado is calling your name, but this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a high-altitude adventure in Summit County, reaching a staggering 11,712 feet above sea level!

You'll find this gem tucked away in the Mosquito Range of the Rockies. Co Road 2, a gravel and rocky path off Colorado State Highway 9, is your route. Seriously, a 4x4 is a must for this trek!

Fair warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect the road to be closed from October to June due to snow. And even in summer, altitude sickness and crazy weather can be real issues. The road tops out at nearly 12,000 feet. If you've got respiratory or heart problems, this one's best admired from afar. But if you're prepared, the views from the top are absolutely unreal.

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
3,570 m
Difficulty
hard

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