Crystal Road - Spruce Creek Road

I am a novice and this was my first trail ever. I drove a 2026 Chevy Traverse Z71 and it had no problems with traction or ground clearance. I got stopped just after the first creek crossing due to snow too deep for me to pass. The trail is rocky and narrow with no room to pass except at a few infrequent passing areas. It was a challenge for me and marvelous fun for a first-timer.

I would rate this at least 4 or 5. Steep dips require high clearance and a short wheelbase — saw a 4Runner and xterra but I think anything longer would have trouble. Needed to take the cargo hitch off my GX. Gets narrow at points, needs extra caution to avoid pinstripes. Oncoming traffic would be problematic. River crossings minimal. Not a lot of campsites but the few along the way and at the top are beautiful. Lake at the top is epic.

Trails closed for some reason, I mean I know the reason... but it's a dumb one, should be open. whether is fine. roads are good at least to the point that I hiked to.

Gate was open. Able to get up to lower Crystal lake without any issues.

The lower trail is open. Lots of cars and hikers. The upper Crystal lake road is closed with a gate at both locations. The lower trail takes you to around 1/4-1/2 mile from the lower lake. It was a beautiful day and zero issues for our 4 door Rubicon. I was able to complete the whole lower trail in 4H part time. I did disconnect my sway bar just for easier riding but definitely not needed. Lockers necessary at all. Could have probably done it all in 2wd. There are a couple of obstacles where SUVs with low clearance could get high centered or scrape, but nothing impassable.

Will certainly be brining my son here to camp. The trail was mostly in good shape. There are several pass points. These came in handy as we met 2 descending while we ascended and 2 ascending while we descended. All in all, the trail is pretty easy, but I rated it a 4 for a couple reasons. 1) Clearance: my 97 Expedition sits higher than most stock SUVs, and it still dragged in several spots. You need minimum 9-10" clearance. 2) Obstacles: erosion control humps are built into the trail and are steep. Some are built close to natural inclines which made the rear bumper drag as the front climbed and rear dropped. A couple of the humps have steep approach and departure causing the belly to drag nearly gouging my fuel tank. (trail scars are cool though) There are also a couple ledges that are about 10-14" high. A Subaru Crosstrek was ascending while we descended. Driver said they were dragging pretty bad before they had even reached any real obstacles.

Crystal Lake Rd - Open all the way to Lower Crystal Lake. There were 3 other vehicles up at the top with us. Road has some loose rocks and a few wash outs. Stock 4x4 could handle it easily. The gate at Lower Crystal Lake up past the lake seems to be permanently closed, the road past it is really torn up, so there is no progressing past the Upper Crystal Lake Trail Head waypoint listed on On X.

Trail was open all the way to Upper Crystal Lake Trailhead. A fence blocked any further progress.

Gate was closed