rcwild
10-15-2009, 11:17 AM
The North Fork of the Crystal is a wild water descent including waterfalls and swimming in the heavily forested gorge created as the North Fork descends out of Lead King Basin.
Rating: 3C III
Time Required: 6 to 8 hours in canyon.
Longest Rappel: <100 ft.
Permit Information
No special permits required for technical canyaoneering.
Camping/Lodging
There are National Forest Campgrounds located all along Colorado Hwy. 133. There is good primitive camping in the area as well. Numerous restaurants hotels and other lodging are available in Redstone and Carbondale.
Preferred Season
Late summer/early fall when dangerous water drops to manageable levels.
Water Concerns
High water levels dramatically increase the potential danger of this canyon. High altitude and cold water make hypothermia a reasonable concern.
Special Challenges
Equipment Suggestions
One 200' rope plus a river rescue throw bag, nylon webbing and rapid links to replace old slings, wet suit, standard wet canyon kit.
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' topo Snowmass Mtn. Colo, USGS 1:100,000-scale metric Carbondale.
Directions to Trailhead
From the town of Carbondale Colorado drive south on Colo. Hwy. 133 to Redstone. Continue south past Redstone heading toward McClure Pass. About four and one half miles south of Redstone take a left on FR 314 paralleling the Crystal River another five miles or so to the town of Marble.
Follow the signs through town toward Beaver Lake State Fishing Area. The road passes along the north side of Beaver Lake and continues in an easterly direction winding through a residential area where it finally makes a distinct left turn and begins a steep climb up Daniels Hill. The road here is marked 4WD only although it is passable by cars for a short distance longer.
Near the top of Daniels Hill the road forks. The left fork goes to the Colorado Outward Bound School up Lost Trail Creek. Take the right fork past Lizard Lake. Hat Mountain (pt. 9161) is on your right. The descent back into the Crystal River Gorge is narrow, loose and 4WD only. Proceed up the road about two and one half miles to the scenic Crystal Mills and Falls on your right. About another mile further you will come to the Crystal townsite. Drive through Crystal to the west end of town and park in an open meadow where the road switches back to the left and begins its climb up to Lead King Basin.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the parking area start walking up the 4WD road that heads into Lead King Basin. Hike about one mile up this road until the canyon opens and flattens out. Drop left into the gorge and begin your descent.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description: Standard Route
Wild water hiking and swimming and rappels through waterfalls.
Description:
Exit
After the last waterfall strike left through the Aspen groves to the 4WD road and back to your car.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
Rating: 3C III
Time Required: 6 to 8 hours in canyon.
Longest Rappel: <100 ft.
Permit Information
No special permits required for technical canyaoneering.
Camping/Lodging
There are National Forest Campgrounds located all along Colorado Hwy. 133. There is good primitive camping in the area as well. Numerous restaurants hotels and other lodging are available in Redstone and Carbondale.
Preferred Season
Late summer/early fall when dangerous water drops to manageable levels.
Water Concerns
High water levels dramatically increase the potential danger of this canyon. High altitude and cold water make hypothermia a reasonable concern.
Special Challenges
Equipment Suggestions
One 200' rope plus a river rescue throw bag, nylon webbing and rapid links to replace old slings, wet suit, standard wet canyon kit.
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' topo Snowmass Mtn. Colo, USGS 1:100,000-scale metric Carbondale.
Directions to Trailhead
From the town of Carbondale Colorado drive south on Colo. Hwy. 133 to Redstone. Continue south past Redstone heading toward McClure Pass. About four and one half miles south of Redstone take a left on FR 314 paralleling the Crystal River another five miles or so to the town of Marble.
Follow the signs through town toward Beaver Lake State Fishing Area. The road passes along the north side of Beaver Lake and continues in an easterly direction winding through a residential area where it finally makes a distinct left turn and begins a steep climb up Daniels Hill. The road here is marked 4WD only although it is passable by cars for a short distance longer.
Near the top of Daniels Hill the road forks. The left fork goes to the Colorado Outward Bound School up Lost Trail Creek. Take the right fork past Lizard Lake. Hat Mountain (pt. 9161) is on your right. The descent back into the Crystal River Gorge is narrow, loose and 4WD only. Proceed up the road about two and one half miles to the scenic Crystal Mills and Falls on your right. About another mile further you will come to the Crystal townsite. Drive through Crystal to the west end of town and park in an open meadow where the road switches back to the left and begins its climb up to Lead King Basin.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the parking area start walking up the 4WD road that heads into Lead King Basin. Hike about one mile up this road until the canyon opens and flattens out. Drop left into the gorge and begin your descent.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description: Standard Route
Wild water hiking and swimming and rappels through waterfalls.
Description:
Exit
After the last waterfall strike left through the Aspen groves to the 4WD road and back to your car.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate