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Crystal Mountain Rating Trail Photos  Return to Trail List   
Larimer, CO: Trail Head: N 40?32.73', W 105?24.788'  Trail End: N 40?32.164', W 105?26.446'
Delorme CO Atlas & Gazeteer pg: 19, 7-D
Nearby Trails: Coming Soon.


Access: From Ft. Collins, CO take Hwy 14 west through Laporte. Look for signs for Rist Canyon Rd/52E. Take this west to Stove Prairie Road. Take Stove Prairie Road south a little over 4 miles and look for 44H Road heading west. 44H Road will take you to Moody Hill/Crystal Mountain (FR 513 & FR 132) as well as Ballard Road (FR 129).




Trail: On September 16, 2000 the Colorado Xj group made a trip out to Moody Hill and Crystal Mountain. We had over a dozen XJs and were lead by Grant Barclay. We all aired down at the trail head and looked over the rigs that ranged from a nearly stock 2000 XJ with nothing but rocker gaurds to the nearly 9" lifted 'Guppie' that was running 35" tires.

The first section of the trail is the most difficult, but can easily be handled by most stock SUVs with a bit of experience or a good spotter. The hill isn't that steep, but there are some rocky sections that required a bit more articulation than the stock XJs had to offer without disconnected swaybars. A second attempt was required but most of the other rigs walked up without a problem.

The trail continued on with little difficulty. We headed up to the mines/playground to eat lunch at watch the larger rigs attempt some tougher climbs. The loose soil on one of the climbs claimed a u-joint as well as 2 axle shafts. It was great fun and good spot to stop and relax.

After lunch we headed back down to the main trail (the trail up to mines/playground) requires that you come back down the same way you go in. After regrouping we started out towards Crystal Mountain where we found a number of larger rock ledges that required a little more time and line planning. We were still able to easily get everyone through. The final descent up Crystal Mountain was a bit difficult as some vehicles in front of us had some trouble. They were blocking a portion of the trail which didn't allow much room to turn around up top.

After a few drove to final rocky climb to the top of the trail and returned back down, the entire group headed back down and back to camp. Overall the trail run was great. The group was maybe a little big, but we all had a good time. The stock vehicles were able to make it through with some good spotters while the lifted rigs we're challenged at the playground. Many of the obstacles also allow for varying degrees of difficulty.

As a side note, these trails are VERY dusty when dry. Layers of dust remained everywhere in the vehicles at the end of the day. If possible, check you?re A/C before heading out.

-Scott Brayshaw


G.P.S. Coordinate List:
No Extended G.P.S. data for this trail is available.