RMNP - Crystal Lakes

Note: RMNP restricts usage, parking, and entry depending on season and trailhead location. See the CMC Trip Planning Guide with a compact list of parking and entry requirements, alerts and closures, permitting, and general guidance. More general and contact information can be found at the RMNP website. 

The Crystal Lakes are two alpine lakes that sit above Lawn Lake and below The Saddle. They are beautiful and often surrounded by wildflowers in the summertime. 5.5 miles 3133' gain 

Starting at the Lawn Lake Trailhead, follow the Lower Lawn Lake Trail, which begins with a steady, gradual climb through a subalpine forest.  Pass Lawn Lake and then follow the Lower Crystal Lake Trail.  

These trails largely follow the Roaring River, which was the waterway of the famous 1982 Lawn Lake Food, a fatal flood when the aging dam on Lawn Lake failed sending huge amounts of water downstream and into Estes Park. Since then the dam has been removed and the trail rebuilt. (CoTrex)

From the lakes, there are trails that lead further up to The Saddle and into the Mummy Range and the northern part of RMNP. There are also a number of backcountry sites that can be accessed along the trail.

• Suitable Activities: Hiking
• Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October, November
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Length: 15.5 mi
• Elevation Gain: 3,133 ft
• High Point: 11,400 ft

• Land Manager: National Park Service
  Rocky Mountain National Park
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fees
• Recommended Party Size: 10
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12