COLORADO – UNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FOREST – Crystal Lake

Notes: It is rare for me to highlight a single lake as a Favorite Place. But in my travels, I’ve found this body of water to be a gem. I make it a priority to visit this spot when I’m in the area. As with most photographic locations I write about, timing has a lot to do with the experience. With respect to time of day, early morning – just after sunrise – is optimal for Crystal Lake. Being on the northern bank of this lake before the wind picks up will allow you to see and take advantage of why this lake is deserving of its name: a crystal-clear reflection of the surrounding, stunningly spectacular mountain peaks. Particularly noteworthy are the three 12,000-foot Red Mountains to the south. I’ve been here during the second-half of July and late September. By far, late September is best when the butter-yellow leaves of aspens adorn the mountain slopes. Crystal Lake is located about six miles south of Ouray CO on US 550. The lake will be on the right side of the highway, slightly above the elevation of the road. Every time I’ve been to this location, the temperature has varied from cool to cold. Dress accordingly and enjoy the beauty.

&spsp.; Alpine sunflowers, Red Mountains reflection - Crystal Lake, Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado &spspspsp; Red Mountains reflection, fall colors - Crystal Lake, Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado

&spsp.; Fall colors reflection - Crystal Lake, Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado &spspspsp;