Photos by Sue Chesnut, Michael Wasgatt, Jeff Gutekunst, Jim McConnell, Ted Ray and Others.
Crystal Lakes Road and Recreation Association
Crystal Lakes Road and Recreation Association (CLRRA) 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, CLRRA contains approximately 1,600 lots distributed over more than 4,800 acres surrounded by the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 9,500 feet. The alpine setting of CLRRA blends scenic river valleys with beautiful meadows of wildflowers and native grasses, spectacular rock formations, and rugged mountainsides of pine, fir, and 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 that 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 CLRRA has been set aside as open space for the common enjoyment of property owners, guests, and the abundant wildlife inhabiting the area.
Community Services
Essential community services are provided by the 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. The Associations no longer share employees or facilities. The CLRRA Office can be reached by phone at 970-881-2250 or e-mail at office@crystal-lakes.org. Additional information about the Association's services and activities, governing documents, and financial statements can be found on this website.
In addition to managing the extensive open space and common areas, CLRRA provides road maintenance, snow plowing, trash service (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 the weekly View sent out by the General Manager and the monthly newsletter sent out by the Board. The Association’s budget of approximately $1,200,000 per year is funded primarily by the assessment of annual dues on each property in the subdivision. The CLRRA Board of Directors meets on the third Saturday of each month, and directors are elected by mail-in ballot sent to all members in March or April each year. CLRRA holds its Annual Meeting for members on the second Saturday in June each year.
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 lots for up to five months in any calendar year. Association covenants and architectural requirements are posted on this website.
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 cost estimates are available from Poudre Valley R.E.A. Telephone service, including DSL, has been extended into many parts of CLRRA. Information concerning the availability of service and installation costs can be obtained from CenturyLink. Wi-Fi service is available at the library in Red Feather Lakes Village.
The Larimer County Planning and Building Department regulates the construction of dwellings and other structures in CLRRA. The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment regulates the construction of sanitation facilities.
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 the Fishing Board and funded by CLRRA guests. Other activities enjoyed by CLRRA 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 65 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 wide range of hunting opportunities available in the surrounding national forest.
CLRRA 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. Portable restrooms are provided at several places within CLRRA. Property owners may take advantage of trailer storage facilities maintained by the Associations. Picnic areas are also provided for the convenience of property owners.
Community Facilities
The centerpiece of the Association is a 6,900 square foot community center known as Basecamp. Purchased by the CLRRA property owners through a one-time special assessment in 1989, the center houses the Associations’ office area, meeting rooms, community center, restrooms with shower facilities, and laundry. Overlooking the North Fork Cache la Poudre River, Base Camp and the Wapiti Center provide a pleasant setting for group meetings, family reunions, weddings, and business retreats for members and their guests.
Crystal Lakes is a private community.
The text above is copyright 1993 by
Steven N. Koeckeritz
(November 16, 1946 - September 2, 2022)
Information contained herein is subject to change. Revised October 2024.