Crystal Reservoir, Colorado, USA

In 1882 the Curecanti needle became the symbol for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. With its steep cliffs and rock formations, the area around Crystal Reservoir has been inspiring travelers ever since. Created by the Crystal Dam in 1976, Crystal Reservoir is and impoundment of the Gunnison River. Along with its sister reservoirs, Morrow Point Reservoir and the much larger Blue Mesa Reservoir, the three together…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Crystal Reservoir! Article topics include:

Looking for Crystal Reservoir cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.


All About Crystal Reservoir, CO

In 1882 the Curecanti needle became the symbol for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. With its steep cliffs and rock formations, the area around Crystal Reservoir has been inspiring travelers ever since.

Created by the Crystal Dam in 1976, Crystal Reservoir is and impoundment of the Gunnison River. Along with its sister reservoirs, Morrow Point Reservoir and the much larger Blue Mesa Reservoir, the three together make up the Wayne N. Aspinall Storage Unit and impound more than 40 miles of the Gunnison River. The Aspinall Unit was created for hydroelectric power, flood control, and recreation, but its primary purpose was irrigation and water storage. Crystal Reservoir is also used for hydroelectric power and to stabilize and regulate the flow of water. The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation controls the three dams and reservoirs.

Because of its rocky shoreline, visitors to Crystal Reservoir must hike down to reach the water. The only boats allowed on the reservoir are those that can be hand-carried down to the water. As a result, boating on Crystal Reservoir is a very isolated, private experience. Water levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, so boating should only be attempted by skilled boaters with guidance on local conditions.

Visitors do not have to be on the water, however, to enjoy Crystal Reservoir. Created in 1965 to manage the land on and around the Aspinall Unit, Curecanti National Recreation Area offers visitors of all adventure levels something to enjoy. Starting above the Blue Mesa Reservoir, continuing past the Morrow Point Reservoir, and ending below Crystal Reservoir where it meets the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Curecanti Recreation Area has hiking for all skill levels, horseback riding, and camping both in campgrounds and back country. Although there are no specifically groomed areas, winter visitors to Curecanti can snowmobile, snowshoe, and cross country ski. There is also ice climbing and ice fishing.

Following the path of the Gunnison River, Scenic US Highway 50 allows visitors to drive over and along the three reservoirs with plenty to see and explore along the way. With its breathtaking scenery and rich history, Crystal Reservoir and the Curecanti National Recreation Area are sure to delight both the truly adventurous and the adventurous at heart.

Things to Do at Crystal Reservoir

These are some activities in the Crystal Reservoir, CO area visitors can enjoy:

  • Vacation Rentals
  • Fishing
  • Ice Fishing
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Campground
  • Hiking
  • Ice Climbing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Horseback Riding
  • National Park
divider

Find Places to Stay at Crystal Reservoir

If you’re considering a Crystal Reservoir lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

More Sites to Book a Crystal Reservoir Vacation

Our interactive Crystal Reservoir lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

Check TripAdvisor
Check Expedia
Find a Campspot
All Travel Resources

Crystal Reservoir Statistics & Helpful Links

divider

Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

Water Level Control: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation

Surface Area: 301 acres

Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 6,700 feet

Water Volume: 12,891 acre-feet

Completion Year: 1976

Lake Area-Population: 5,409

Trophic State: Oligotrophic

We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

Shop Crystal Reservoir Gifts

Custom Lake Tumblers

Captain / First Mate Custom 20 oz Tumbler

SHOP NOW
Custom Lake T Shirt

Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

SHOP NOW
Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

On Lake Time Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

SHOP NOW
VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

More Crystal Reservoir news from LakeLubbers.com

  • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
  • The Crystal Reservoir forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
  • New Crystal Reservoir photos coming soon!
  • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
  • Share this Crystal Reservoir article with your fellow LakeLubbers: