Crystal Geyser

Total Miles
22.4

Elevation

1,451.19 ft

Duration

5 Hours

Technical Rating

6

Difficult

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

Crystal Geyser starts out with five miles of challenging, cratered terrain. Once you reach Salt Wash Road, you'll follow an easy, winding trail around a small powerline and eventually reach a county-maintained road that leads to the geyser. The staging area is a central point to head out and back on each half of this trail.

Photos of Crystal Geyser

Crystal Geyser
Crystal Geyser

Difficulty

Difficult at the beginning. Easy and moderate the rest of the way. Stock SUVs should have high clearance, skid plates and at least one locker. Impassable when wet. Dusty.

History

Crystal Geyser is a rare coldwater, carbon-dioxide-driven geyser. It is not geothermal. It can erupt to 40 meters high or more, but when we were there, it was spurting just a few feet. We're told it goes for periods of time with no activity at all. Hopefully, you'll be luckier on your visit. Source: Wikipedia (has picture of a big eruption).

Technical Rating

6

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Access Description

From I-70, exit 175, head south on Ruby Ranch Road 4.2 miles and turn left following power lines (Exception: Trailered vehicles should continue straight on Ruby Ranch Road to staging area at Wpt. 02). Go another 3.8 miles and turn right on Tenmile Point Road after a big curve. Trail starts on right in another 3.1 miles. You can also drive west on Blue Hills Road directly from Hwy. 191. It's 13.4 miles to Tenmile Point Rd. on left.

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