Crystal Lakes
The small Crystal Lake is popular with fishermen but can also attract diving ducks and maybe even shorebirds. There is a fishing dock that can provide an accessible birding area. Many nest boxes around the parking lot host Mountain Bluebird and Tree Swallow families in summer. The sage lands to the southwest are part of the Crystal Lakes State Trust Land and are open year-round for wildlife recreation. Look here for Horned Lark, Sage Thrasher and even Brewer’s Sparrow.
County: Lake
Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Sagebrush
Directions: From Leadville, head south on US 24 about 4.5 miles until you pass between two ponds, a tiny one on the left and a medium-sized one on the right. Just past the ponds, turn right at the sign for Crystal Lake Overlook and follow the road around the buildings to the parking lot.
Delorme: 47 C7
Roads of Colorado: 86 A2
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free
Restrictions: Obey posted rules and regulations
Parking: Yes
Lodging: Hotel in Leadville
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Elevation: 9616
Latitude: 39.19332
Longitude: -106.33824
Amenities
| Restrooms | No |
| Drinking Fountain | No |
| Gravel Trails | Yes |
| Paved Trails | No |
| Platform/Blind | No |
| Boardwalk | No |
| Concession | No |
| Visitor Center | No |
| Gift Shop | No |
| Primitive | No |
| Camping | No |
| Picnic | No |
| Hunting | No |
| Fishing | Yes |