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13,860 ft · Tenmile Range, Colorado

Crystal Peak

Crystal Peak is a 13,860 ft peak in the Tenmile Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge: 9 mi, 3,500 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Crystal Peak in the Tenmile Range, Colorado

Crystal Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,860 ft4,224 m
  • RouteNortheast RidgeClass 2
  • Distance9 mi3,500 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeTenmile RangeColorado

Climbing the Northeast Ridge

From Breckenridge, drive south on Highway 9 and turn west on Spruce Creek Road to the lower Spruce Creek Trailhead; passenger cars are fine to the lower lot. Hike the Spruce Creek trail and the old road toward Lower Crystal Lake, then climb Class 2 talus onto Crystal's northeast ridge and follow it to the summit. Snow lingers near the lakes into early summer. Pacific and Atlantic are nearby for a longer Tenmile outing. Start early; storms build quickly over the range. Upper Spruce Creek Road can shorten the hike for high clearance vehicles.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (30–40 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Loose rock
  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Snow near summit

Quests with Crystal Peak

Peaks near Crystal Peak

  1. Peak 10

    Peak 10

    13,641 ft · 0.9 mi away

  2. Pacific Peak

    Pacific Peak

    13,965 ft · 0.9 mi away

  3. Atlantic Peak

    Atlantic Peak

    13,856 ft · 1.6 mi away

  4. Fletcher Mountain

    Fletcher Mountain

    13,943 ft · 2.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Crystal Peak?

Crystal Peak is 13,860 feet (4,224 m) tall. It is in the Tenmile Range, Colorado.

How does Crystal Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,860 feet, Crystal Peak is the 82nd highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Crystal Peak?

The Northeast Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 3,500 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Crystal Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Northeast Ridge, covering 9 miles with 3,500 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Crystal Peak?

The Northeast Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 3,500 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Crystal Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Crystal Peak reaches 13,860 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Crystal Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Crystal Peak?

The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Crystal Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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