Crystal River
6,175 acres (9.7 square miles)
Setting
In the Crystal River roadless area, with the exception of the Avalanche Creek valley floor, the terrain consists of very steep west-facing slopes towering 3,000 feet above the Crystal River and the Town of Redstone. These slopes include the massive red sandstone outcrops that give Redstone its name. The vegetation within the area consists of dense stands of Gambel oak and aspen, as well as some Douglas fir and spruce/fir forest. The elevation ranges from 6,500 feet on the Crystal River to 9,422 feet above the Redstone Campground.
What's special about it?
The proposed Crystal River addition provides an important mid-elevation buffer along the W and SW side of the high-elevation Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness Area. These slopes provide access for the area's abundant and diverse wildlife to the Crystal River valley, which provides critical winter range for bighorn sheep and elk. Look for bighorn sheep in Filoha Meadows across from Penny Hot Springs. Peregrine falcons nest in the cliffs of this area, and Avalanche Creek supports a major fishery.
According to the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Avalanche Creek (very high), Kline Creek (high), and Gift Creek (moderate) all contain significant montane riparian forest habitat. The unit is adjacent to the Kline Creek Research Natural Area. The Crystal River is also under consideration for Wild, Scenic & Recreational River designation.
Potential threats
Because of the increasing development of private lands along the Crystal River, protecting the natural character of the lower elevation public lands takes on all the more importance. An active alabaster mine in lower Avalanche Creek is extremely noisy, according to neighbors, and likely disturbs wildlife in the area. The rugged nature of the terrain within the RA helps to limit the potential for timber or mineral exploration.
How to get there
The proposed Crystal River Addition to the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness Area is located south of Carbondale, spanning 17 miles on the east side of the Crystal River. Access to the area is from State Highway (SH) 133.
- The short Nettle Creek Road (FS 313), 8 miles south of Carbondale, goes from SH 133 to the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness boundary. This is the northern boundary of the unit.
- Avalanche Creek Road (FS 310), 11 miles south of Carbondale and 5.4 miles north of Redstone, ends at the popular Avalanche Creek Trailhead. This trail (1959) enters the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness Area through the Crystal River roadless area.
- Two other trails pass through the area. To reach the East Creek Trail, begin at the north end of Redstone, 0.6 miles N of the Redstone bridge. Follow a 4WD road for 1 mile to the trailhead. To reach the Placita Trail, cross the Crystal River on a bridge 3.2 miles S of Redstone. Take a short dirt road to the trailhead. Both trails are very steep.
- The USGS 7 1/2' quads for the Crystal River RA are Mount Sopris, Redstone, Placita, and Chair Mountain.
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