Lookout Mountain (Crystal Mountain)
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silverlafs
- Posts: 73
- Joined: 7/18/2009
- 14ers: 19
- 13ers: 1
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Lookout Mountain (Crystal Mountain)
Has anyone on here hiked this? I'm considering a backpacking trip w/day hike to the summit, if I can find the trail. If anyone has tips for how to navigate or camping info, please share!
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon.
Re: Lookout Mountain (Crystal Mountain)
guessing this is the Lookout Mtn in Larimer County near to Crystal Mtn. There is a trail that gets close to the top - you want the trail to Donner Pass and. You can go from the north (Donner Pass trail from Box Prairie on CR 44H) or south (Indian Trail from Dunraven TH near Glen Haven, starting from Bulwark Ridge trail). They're about the same distance (within a mile or so), but Indian Trail would be 800 ft steep uphill on the way back.
There are a few spots for backcountry camping. Near the summit the forest is thinned out more. There are camp spots near the jeep roads that intersect the trail on the north side, and popular spots next to the stream, but these are only a mile in or less. Rest of the area is dry. Most of the trail is through thick forest with no views, but the view from the summit is great on a clear day - you can see all of Larimer County, including Estes Park, Loveland, Fort Collins.
This area is popular with hunters and OHVs since there is easy 4WD access, but Lookout Mtn and its trail are very low-use.
There are a few spots for backcountry camping. Near the summit the forest is thinned out more. There are camp spots near the jeep roads that intersect the trail on the north side, and popular spots next to the stream, but these are only a mile in or less. Rest of the area is dry. Most of the trail is through thick forest with no views, but the view from the summit is great on a clear day - you can see all of Larimer County, including Estes Park, Loveland, Fort Collins.
This area is popular with hunters and OHVs since there is easy 4WD access, but Lookout Mtn and its trail are very low-use.
