Crystal Lakes is a private mountain subdivision located near Red Feather Lakes Village approximately 50 miles northwest of Fort Collins, one of Colorado’s fastest growing front-range communities. Established in 1969, Crystal Lakes contains approximately 1,650 lots distributed over more than 4,800 acres located in the midst of Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 9,500 feet. With year around accessibility over well-maintained, all-weather roads, this alpine setting of grassy meadows and mountainsides of pine, fir and aspen creates a perfect environment for both vacation and full-time living. Approximately 700 dwellings ranging from modest cabins to spacious mountain homes have been built to date. Many other property owners enjoy camping on their property. Privacy and seclusion have been preserved by lot sizes generally ranging from ½ 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.
Crystal Lake, Lower Lone Pine Lake, Little Lone Pine Lake, the North Fork Cache la Poudre River, Panhandle Creek, Lone Pine Creek and Beartrap Creek combine to 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 small/big game hunting available in the surrounding national forest.
Essential community services are provided by the Crystal Lakes Road and Recreation Association and Crystal Lakes Water and Sewer Association. These non-profit corporations are governed by boards of directors elected by Crystal Lakes property owners. Although separately constituted, the Associations have established a partnership arrangement through which they jointly employ a full time general manager, office staff and maintenance personnel to serve the needs of the community. The Association offices is open daily from May through September, but is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesday October through April.
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 removal from a central location, fish stocking and coordination of other recreational activities for its members. Property owners are kept informed about important issues and upcoming events by an association-sponsored newsletter issued eight times per year. The Association’s budget, which exceeds $550,000 per year, is generated by the assessment of annual dues on each lot. For the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2006 the dues assessment is $345 for the first lot and $187.50 for each additional lot owned by the same member. The Association’s board of directors meets monthly, and directors are elected by mail-in ballot sent to all members in March and April each year. The Road and Recreation Association holds its Annual Meeting for members on the second Saturday in June each year.
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, provides for water and wastewater hauling services to members who have installed cisterns and sealed vaults and offers RV holding tank pumping services at a nominal charge. Dues assessments for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2006 are $170 for unimproved lots and $270 for improved properties. Lots served by the community water or sewer systems located in portions of Filings 6 and 11 pay additional fees ranging from $60 to $240 per year. The current fee for delivering water is $115 per 2000 gallons, while the charge for servicing sealed vaults and septic tanks is $150 and $200 respectively.
Fire protection is provided by the Crystal Lakes Fire Protection District, a well-equipped, 15 to 20 member organization funded by property tax revenues in excess of $50,000 per year. The Fire District has succeeded in obtaining a Category 9 classification for the area, and fire insurance is available through most underwriters at competitive rates.
Protective covenants providing for architectural control, minimum dwelling sizes of either 600 or 900 square feet, and limitation of certain activities help to preserve and enhance property values. Travel trailers and R.V.s may be placed on lots for not more than three months in any calendar year.
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. at (970) 226-1234. Telephone service has been extended into many parts of Crystal Lakes. Information concerning availability of service and installation costs can be obtained from Century Tel at 1-800-261-7649.
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.
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 from late May to early September. Overlooking the North Fork Cache la Poudre River, this facility provides a pleasant setting for group meetings, family reunions, weddings and business retreats.
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 view properties.
Copyright 1993 by Steven
N. Koeckeritz, P.O. Box 173, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545