Crystal Dam
Crystal Dam is the newest dam on the Gunnison, standing at 323 feet tall.
Plan Around Crystal Dam
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Crystal Dam Details
Crystal Dam lies just beyond the park's boundaries on the Gunnison River in the Curecanti National Recreation Area. The dam stands at 323 feet tall and creates the Crystal Reservoir, part of the Colorado River Storage project, as well as generating hydropower. Crystal Dam was constructed in 1976 and is the newest dam on the river. J.F. Shea Company led the design (a concrete thin arch) and construction teams for the project, beginning in 1964. You'll notice that the dam has a notched-out spillway at the top. This allows for excess water to come through and creates an almost 330-foot waterfall in high waters.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
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Nearby Parks Around Crystal Dam
Compare nearby parks around Crystal Dam when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Crystal Dam
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Crystal Dam while the map context is still fresh.
0.4 mi away
Devil's Backbone Route
Despite the menacing name, Devil's Backbone is one of most pleasant ways of experiencing the Gunnison River -- no steep slopes required!
1.6 mi away
North River Route
You'll need to cross the Gunnison River to hike this inner-canyon route.
1.7 mi away
East Portal Campground
Located just outside of the park boundaries, East Portal Campground has 15 campsites, vault toilets, and drinking water.
4.1 mi away
South Rim Campground
In Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park there's only one campground open year round: South Rim Campground.
4.2 mi away
Rim Rock Nature Trail
The Rim Rock Nature Trail is a self-guided hike along the south rim of Black Canyon to the Tomichi Point overlook.
