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Crystal Lake Ouray - 12 Things to Know Before Visiting

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Things to know

About Crystal Lake Ouray

Crystal Lake is a beautiful alpine lake sitting at an elevation of 9,600 feet. It is surrounded by towering peaks. Located right beside Million Dollar Highway 550, Crystal Lake is surrounded with several hiking trails, including the Crystal Lake Trail, which leads to an overlook with stunning views of the lake.
Address : Crystal Lake, Colorado 81432, USA
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Things to Do at Crystal Lake Ouray

Crystal Lake is a beautiful natural lake located in San Juan Mountains in Ouray County, Colorado. The clear blue waters of the lake are surrounded by towering mountains, making it a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy paddling around the lake in a kayak or canoe, or go for a swim. In the winter, the lake freezes over, providing a perfect surface for ice skating and cross-country skiing. 

The lake is exceptionaly beautiful and scenic during sunrise and sunsets.

Top Activities Near Crystal Lake Ouray

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Best Time to Visit Crystal Lake Ouray

The best time to visit Crystal Lake is from June to September when the weather is warm and the scenery is beautiful. Hikers can explore the many trails that wind around the lake, and campers can set up their tents. The views at the lake can be especially beautiful in the early mornings of the summer months. The lake will be covered in fog, with wildflowers lavish in the sides and the skies deliciously pink. Quiet, peaceful, and magnificent.

Tips for Visiting Crystal Lake Ouray

  1. The best time to visit is early morning or evening, when the sun is low in the sky and the light is softer and colorful.
  2. If you're hoping to see wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for eagles, ospreys, and other birds of prey. You might also spot some elk or deer grazing near the shoreline.
  3. Crystal Lake is a great place to fish, so be sure to bring your tackle box and Fishing License.
  4. The water can be chilly, even in summer, so brought a swimsuit if you plan on taking a dip.
  5. There are several hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous hikes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
  6. The lake is dog, bike and kid friendly.
  7. There are no restrooms available near the lake. 

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Crystal Lake Ouray

  1. The 65 mile long Alpine Loop Byway starts near to the lake.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Crystal Lake Ouray

The time spent at the lake can vary a lot based on what you want to do. Since the access to the lake is pretty easy, it only takes 15 to 30 minutes to just hang around and enjoy the views. But if you are planning to hike around, it can easily extend to a full day of explorations.

How to Reach Crystal Lake Ouray

The lake is located just off the Million Dollar Highway 550, between the towns of Ouray and Ironton.

Entrance Fee of Crystal Lake Ouray

There are no entrance fee to enter the Crystal Lake.

Opening Hours of Crystal Lake Ouray

Crystal Lake is open year-round with no time restrictions.

Attractions Near Crystal Lake Ouray

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Corkscrew Gulch
3.28 km away from here
Corkscrew Gulch is a high-mountain valley located in Ouray County. The valley is home to a creek of the same name, which flows through a winding ravine lined with cliffs and boulders. The valley is a popular destination for hiking and camping, and offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. Corkscrew Gulch is also well-known for its abundance of wildflowers, which bloom in early summer. The trailhead for the Corkscrew Gulch trail is located at the end of a four-wheel drive road.
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Hayden Mountain
3.34 km away from here
Hayden Mountain is one of the tallest peaks in the Ouray County, Colorado. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers due to its challenging trails and stunning views. Hayden Mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. The mountain is named after Ferdinand V. Hayden, who was the first to survey the area in 1874. Today, Hayden Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
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Poughkeepsie Gulch
3.37 km away from here
Poughkeepsie Gulch is a narrow and steep-sided gulch located in San Juan County, Colorado. The area is known for its mining history, and the gulch was once the site of several large mines. Today, the area is popular with hikers and campers, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The gulch is also home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, peregrine falcons, and bighorn sheep. Poughkeepsie Gulch is a beautiful and unique place that is well worth a visit.
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Yankee Girl Mine
5.6 km away from here
This is a former silver, lead, and zinc mine in Ouray County. The mine operated from 1869 to 1991 and produced silver, lead, and zinc ore. During its operating years, the mine employed hundreds of workers and was an important source of income for the local community. The Yankee Girl Mine is now a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels and see first-hand the equipment used by miners during the heyday of silver mining in Colorado.
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The Million Dollar Highway
5.73 km away from here
The Million Dollar Highway is a name given to a section of U.S. Highway 550 that runs through Ouray County. The highway is considered to be one of the most scenic and dangerous roads in the country. The road was built in the early 1900s and is famous for its hairpin turns and steep grades. It is also known for being treacherous in the winter months, when ice and snow make the road extremely slick. Despite these efforts, the Million Dollar Highway remains an exciting and challenging drive.
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Ouray Ice Park
6.26 km away from here
The Ouray Ice Park is a man-made ice climbing park located in Ouray. It is the first and largest ice climbing park of its kind in the world. The park consists of over 200 routes ranging from beginner to expert, and it is open to climbers of all skill levels. It is also open to the public for free ice climbing clinics, which are offered throughout the year. This is a unique and world-renowned destination for ice climbers, and it offers an unforgettable experience for both beginners and experts.
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Discover Attractions NearBy

Discover More Attractions in Ouray County, Home of Crystal Lake Ouray

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Ouray County
Ouray County is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, offering something for everyone regardless of their preferred activity. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the county's slopes, while in the summer months hikers and climbers take to the mountains. There are also ample opportunities for jeeping, fishing, horseback riding, and more.
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Location of Crystal Lake Ouray

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