Crystal Creek Reservoir, reservoir in Teller County, Colorado
Crystal Creek Reservoir is a 136-acre lake in Pike National Forest within Teller County, surrounded by pine forests and rocky terrain. The calm water features over 13 miles of shoreline and sits at over 9,200 feet elevation in the North Slope Recreation Area.
The dam was built in 1935 to hold back water and provide a reliable supply for nearby towns including Colorado Springs. The North Slope Recreation Area opened in the early 1990s to allow public access to the reservoir for fishing, boating, and hiking.
The reservoir serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors practice fishing and boating as regular pastimes. The quiet shoreline reflects how people here connect with nature and spend their leisure time in the mountains.
The reservoir is accessible from May through mid-October via Pikes Peak Highway, with over 100 parking spots and a visitor center offering restrooms and supplies. Trails around the shoreline are easy to follow, and picnic tables are scattered throughout the area for day-use visitors.
In July 2023, a rare EF-1 tornado formed on the north slope of Pikes Peak and crossed directly over the reservoir, causing brief concern for visitors. The area recovered quickly and remains a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
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