Gunnison, CO – Crystal Creek Trail is a scenic route in the Curecanti National Recreation Area of western Colorado. The trail winds through wildflowers, gambel oak, aspens, conifers, and a recovering burn area. With its sun exposure, this trail is ideal for spring or fall hiking. Sweeping views of the Cimarron Valley and the West Elk and San Juan Mountains can be viewed along the way. The trail ends at an overlook, 1800 ft. above Crystal Reservoir. The trail is about 3 miles in length and gains about 385 feet from its beginning elevation at just over 8,500 feet.

The trail has outstanding views of the Crystal Reservoir

The trail begins with a downhill section before climbing steeply on switchbacks. The route was mostly treed but had intermittent open areas for viewing scenery. There are 4 benches for taking in the environs. There were no other hikers on a Saturday in mid-September.

Gambel Oak line the trail in September

View of the surrounding West Elk Mountains

Fall color along the Crystal Creek Trail

Along Crystal Creek Trail

Crystal Reservoir

The trailhead is located between Gunnison and Crawford, Colorado, off of Highway 92, about 24 miles north from its junction with Highway 50. The trailhead is well signed and had ample parking and a vault toilet.

We hiked Crystal Creek Trail while staying at the Crested Butte RV Resort.  During this trip, we also hiked the Dillon Pinnacles Trail in Curecanti National Recreation Area, and the West Maroon Bells Pass Trail into the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness.