Crystal Lakes Community

Crystal Lakes Community

Crystal Lakes is a private mountain subdivision located in Larimer County, Colorado near Red Feather Lakes Village approximately 50 miles northwest of Fort Collins, recognized as one of America’s top cities by numerous national publications. Established in 1969, Crystal Lakes contains approximately 1,600 lots distributed over more than 4,800 acres surrounded by the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 9,500 feet. The alpine setting of Crystal Lakes, blends scenic river valleys with beautiful meadows, of wildflowers and native grasses, spectacular rock formations and, rugged mountainsides of pine, fir, aspen, to create a perfect environment for both vacation and full time living. Year around accessibility is provided over well-maintained, all-weather roads. More than 800 dwellings ranging from modest cabins to spacious mountain homes have been built to date. Many other property owners enjoy camping on their property under covenants which permit temporary shelters (trailers and RVs) for up to 5 months per year. Privacy and seclusion have been preserved by lot sizes generally ranging from 1/2 to 10 acres. Approximately 10% of the land area within Crystal Lakes has been set aside as open space for the common enjoyment of property owners, guests and the abundant wildlife inhabiting the area.

Activities

Crystal Lake, Lower Lone Pine Lake, Little Lone Pine Lake, the North Fork Cache la Poudre river, Panhandle Creek, Lone Pine Creek, Beartrap Creek and several small ponds, offer a variety of fishing experiences for expert and novice alike. Quality fishing is maintained through extensive stocking and stream management programs administered by volunteers and funded by the Crystal Lakes road and Recreation Association. Other activities enjoyed by Crystal Lakes property owners include hiking, horseback riding, canoeing and boating on Crystal Lake (gasoline motors are prohibited), cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and sledding. The area’s extensive network of more than 80 miles of private roads provides an ideal setting for mountain biking enthusiasts. Those in search of adventure will appreciate the many miles of trails and side range of hunting opportunities available in the surrounding national forest.

Community Facilities

Crystal Lakes property owners enjoy the use of hundreds of acres of open space located throughout the subdivision. Hiking and skiing trails have been developed in many areas. Access to streams and lakes is guaranteed by virtue of their location in greenbelt areas or the designation of fishing easements on subdivision plats. Community restrooms are conveniently located at several places within Crystal Lakes. Property owners may also take advantage of boat and trailer storage facilities maintained by the Associations. Picnic areas, community wells and trailer dump stations are also provided for the convenience of property owners.

The centerpiece of Crystal Lakes is a 6,900 square foot community center known as Basecamp or the Wapiti Center. Purchased by the Road and Recreation Association through a one-time special assessment in 1989, the center houses the Associations’ office area, meeting rooms, restrooms with shower facilities, restaurant, general store and laundry. The laundry is open daily from May to November, and the restaurant and store are open on weekends throughout much of the year. Overlooking the North Fork Cache la Poudre River, Basecamp and the Wapiti Center provide a pleasant setting for group meetings, family reunions, weddings and business retreats for members and their guests.

Crystal Lakes Basecamp Community Center

Community Services

Essential community services are provided by Crystal Lakes Road and Recreation Association (CLRRA) and Crystal Lakes Water and Sewer Association (CLWSA). These non-profit corporations are governed by boards of directors elected by Crystal Lakes property owners.  

In addition to managing the extensive open space and common areas in Crystal Lakes, the Road and Recreation Association provides road maintenance, snow plowing, trash service (from a central location), fish stocking and coordination of the other recreational activities for its members. The Road & Recreation Association office can be reached by phone at 970-881-2250 or online at http://www.crystal-lakes.org.

The Crystal Lakes Water and Sewer Association is responsible for administering the water rights augmentation plan for Crystal Lakes and the surrounding area, which enables property owners to obtain well permits. It also operates year around and seasonal water and sewer systems serving portions of Crystal Lakes, and provides water and wastewater hauling services to members who have installed cisterns and sealed vaults. As part of its responsibility to administer the plan, the Water and Sewer Association operates and maintains dams and outlet works for Crystal Lake and Lower Lone Pine Lake. The Water & Sewer Association office can be reached by phone at 970-881-2861 or online at http://clwater.org.

Fire protection is provided by the Crystal Lakes Fire Protection District (http://www.clvfd.org), a well-equipped volunteer organization funded by property tax revenues. 

Protective covenants providing for architectural control, establishing minimum dwelling sizes ranging from 600 – 900 square feet (footprint area), and limiting certain activities are in place to protect and enhance property values. Travel trailers and R. V. s may be placed on vacant lots for up to five months in any calendar year. Association covenants and architectural guidelines are posted on the Association website at www.crystal-lakes.org.

Electricity is supplied by Poudre Valley R.E.A., which has extended service throughout most of the subdivision. Costs to connect to existing lines vary depending on distance, terrain and other factors, and specific costs estimates are available from Poudre Valley R.E.A. Telephone service, including high speed DSL, has been extended into many parts of Crystal Lakes. Information concerning availability of service and installation costs can be obtained from CenturyLink. Wi-Fi service is available at the community center (Basecamp) as well as other locations in nearby Red Feather Lakes Village.

The Larimer County Planning and Building Department (970) 498-7700 regulates the construction of dwellings and other structures in Crystal Lakes. With assistance from the Crystal Lakes Water and Sewer Association, the Larimer County Department of Environmental Health (970) 498-6700, regulates the construction of sanitation facilities

Special Note: Crystal Lakes is a private community. Access is restricted to property owners and guests with proper identification. Please contact our office to make arrangements to tour the area or view properties.