{"id":6574,"date":"2023-11-24T17:36:41","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T17:36:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/tybo-ghost-town-and-project-faultless-copy\/"},"modified":"2025-10-02T04:09:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T04:09:31","slug":"sevier-lake-crystal-peak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/sevier-lake-crystal-peak\/","title":{"rendered":"Sevier Lake &#038; Crystal Peak Road Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-6574\" data-postid=\"6574\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-6574 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_3bf9456 tb_first tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-2 tb_veia457 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_5k45457    wow\" data-tf-animation=\"zoomIn\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong>This road trip adventure takes us to the vast Great Basin Desert of western Utah.<\/strong> When we decided to find an ideal spot to view the October 2023 annular eclipse, we headed to an area north of the town of Milford, which is 50 miles north of Cedar City. After watching the eclipse, we noticed there was a direct dirt road that would take us to two places we\u2019ve been wanting to visit, Sevier Lake and Crystal Peak.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_oocr458 last\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_6dh8458 image-top rounded drop-shadow  tf_mw wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInRightBig\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=95meMSxr4Pk\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\n                   <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Crystal.jpg\" width=\"330\" height=\"287\" alt=\"Crystal Peak\">        <\/a>\n    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_nw3m456 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_or3z459 first\">\n                    <!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_zldk459 button-bottom-center red  rounded embossed shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInLeft\" data-tf-animation_delay=\"1\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\"><\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <strong>Click image<\/strong> to watch Virtual Video Tour and see viewer comments.\nThen come back to get the rest of the story.        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n<!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_7a87459 image-center bordered  tf_mw wow\" data-tf-animation=\"lightSpeedIn\" data-tf-animation_delay=\"1.5\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=oHfVaCAV75k\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\n                   <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalYouTube.jpg\" width=\"978\" height=\"550\" alt=\"\">        <\/a>\n    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_m9no459    wow\" data-tf-animation=\"zoomIn\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Trip Specs<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_rojq456 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_tg3w459 first\">\n                    <!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_dyxb459  yellow  rounded shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">Length<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <p>\n40 miles (64 km) one-way<br>\n62 miles from Milford, UT<br>\n<\/p>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n<!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_5gyk459  yellow  rounded shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">Attractions<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <ul>\n<li>Large dry lake surface<\/li>\n<li>Crystal Peak<\/li>\n<li>Vast open desert<\/li>\n<li>Remote mountain scenery<\/li>\n<\/ul>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_k5rg460 last\">\n                    <!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_a1mo460  yellow  rounded shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">Difficulty<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <ul>\n<li>All dirt roads<\/li>\n<li>Very remote area<\/li>\n<li>Nearest services in Milford<\/li>\n<li>No phone service<\/li>\n<\/ul>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n<!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_lsoq460  yellow  rounded shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">Elevation Gain<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            <ul>\n<li>Begins at 4,800 ft<\/li>\n<li>Ends at 6,270 ft<\/li>\n<\/ul>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_nroq456 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_n6ym460 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_zb1v460   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Get to Milford<\/h2>\n<p>We headed over to Milford, Utah and continued north on Hwy 257 for 22 miles to a place on the map named Black Rock. We turned left on to Road 13. Our first view of Sevier Lake occurred 8.5 miles from the pavement of 257. Also, in the distance, Crystal Peak stood out on the horizon like a beacon, even though it was still 28 road miles away.<\/p>\n<p>Get to the starting point of our road trip by using Google Maps to navigate to Black Rock, Utah. Black Rock is not a town; just a an old water stop on the railroad.<\/p>\n<h2>Sevier Lake<\/h2>\n<p>We\u2019ve seen Sevier Lake another time on one of our travels. Normally, Sevier Lake is a dry lake or playa, which has always interested us. Technically, this type of lake is also known as an endorheic or terminal basin, which means water flows into the lake and there is no other way for the water to escape other than evaporation.<\/p>\n<p>The lake is primarily fed by the river of the same name, the Sevier River, which originates near Bryce Canyon in Southern Utah, then heads north roughly following scenic Hwy 89, almost as far as the town of Nephi. From there, it makes a big U turn and heads southwest to the town of Delta, where it empties into Sevier Lake. It\u2019s probably the second largest in Utah after gigantic Lake Bonneville, also known as the Great Salt Lake Desert.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_e04u410 image-top rounded  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/brw\/geology-tour-st-george\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\n                   <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Ad-800x500-GeologyTour1.gif\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" alt=\"\">        <\/a>\n    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_fpyr460   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Once we reached the shoreline of Sevier Lake, we found our way out onto a levy with a stable road on top that took us out onto the playa for a few miles. One does not want to drive their vehicle, or even walk, out onto the surface of the playa. It\u2019s still a little damp, and the weight of a vehicle will cause it to sink in and get seriously stuck, and it\u2019s a long way to the nearest tow truck.<\/p>\n<p>Viewing the playa\u2019s surface from the levy road is surreal. The ultra smooth surface, the distant mountain ranges, and the mysterious mirage often accompanied on playas. When we flew our drone for a birds-eye view, we noticed there were a few other levies. These were probably built during some type of mining or prospecting operation. Many playas in the Southwest are rich with alkaline-based mineral deposits. In 2019, a company has been given a permit to mine potassium from the playa. However, during our visit, we couldn\u2019t find any evidence of recent human activity.<\/p>\n<p>More&#8230;<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_2t51276   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Support Us<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Help us fill up our tank with gas for our next trip by donating $5 and we&#8217;ll bring you back more quality virtual tours of our trips!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Your credit card payment is safe and easy using PayPal. Click the [Donate] button to get started:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!-- Begin PayPal Donations by https:\/\/www.tipsandtricks-hq.com\/paypal-donations-widgets-plugin -->\n\n<form action=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr\" method=\"post\">\n    <div class=\"paypal-donations\">\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"cmd\" value=\"_donations\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"bn\" value=\"TipsandTricks_SP\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"business\" value=\"ilene@backroadswest.com\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"return\" value=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"item_name\" value=\"Help fund our travel cost to create more trips\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"item_number\" value=\"BackRoadsWest Blog Donation\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"amount\" value=\"5.00\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"rm\" value=\"0\" \/>\n        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"currency_code\" value=\"USD\" \/>\n        <input type=\"image\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypalobjects.com\/en_US\/i\/btn\/btn_donateCC_LG.gif\" name=\"submit\" alt=\"PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online.\" \/>\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypalobjects.com\/en_US\/i\/scr\/pixel.gif\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" \/>\n    <\/div>\n<\/form>\n<!-- End PayPal Donations -->\n<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_5lw8471   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Pictures<\/h3><p>Below are some pictures of what you will see along the way.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><div  class=\"module themify_builder_slider_wrap tf_clearfix module-slider tb_yxwb461  slider-default  \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"themify_builder_slider tf_carousel tf_swiper-container tf_rel tf_overflow\" data-lazy=\"1\"        data-visible=\"1\"\n        data-tab-visible=\"1\"\n        data-mob-visible=\"1\"\n        data-scroll=\"1\"\n                            data-auto=\"4000\"\n            data-controller=\"0\"\n                data-pause_hover=\"1\"\n        data-speed=\"normal\"\n        data-wrapvar=\"1\"\n        data-slider_nav=\"1\"\n        data-pager=\"1\"\n        data-effect=\"scroll\"\n        data-height=\"variable\"\n        data-css_url=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/pinboard\/themify\/themify-builder\/css\/modules\/sliders\/carousel,https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/pinboard\/themify\/themify-builder\/css\/modules\/sliders\/slider\"\n                    >\n        <div class=\"tf_swiper-wrapper tf_lazy tf_rel tf_w tf_h tf_textc\">\n                         <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr1.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Setting up the solar telescope\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr1.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Setting up the solar telescope\"><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>Setting up the solar telescope<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr2.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"View of annular eclipse from telescope\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr2.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"View of annular eclipse from telescope\"><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>View of annular eclipse from telescope<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr3.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Sevier Lake, southern end, as seen from Road 13\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr3.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Sevier Lake, southern end, as seen from Road 13\"><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>Sevier Lake, southern end, as seen from Road 13<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr4.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Surface of Sevier Lake from levy road\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr4.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Surface of Sevier Lake from levy road\"><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>Surface of Sevier Lake from levy road<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>                     <div class=\"tf_swiper-slide\" style=\"content-visibility:hidden\">            <div class=\"slide-inner-wrap\">\n                                    <div class=\"tf_rel tf_lazy slide-image\">\n                                                                            <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" class=\"tf_svg_lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr5.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Walking up to Crystal Peak\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr5.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Walking up to Crystal Peak\"><\/noscript>                                            <\/div>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"slide-content tb_text_wrap\">\n                        \n                                                    <div>Close-up of cavities on Crystal Peak<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>            <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_tcn9456 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_hoe9461 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_fj92461   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p style=\"text-align: center;\">Help fund our next trip and your next adventure by purchasing a subscription to Gaia GPS. We will receive a small commission from your purchase.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/click.php?tool_type=ml&amp;merchant_link_id=8988a2bc-2458-428a-a722-9a326e4941c5&amp;website_id=cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/gbi\/bd4517b4-b0f2-4660-8208-2ade3a1fdb4c\/8988a2bc-2458-428a-a722-9a326e4941c5\/a24ae5c1-c37a-45ea-b3f8-5480cc46d529\/cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\/image.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_ezbo462 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_tgrp462   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- Skyscraper160x600 --><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_927s456 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_4fyw462 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_r4mk463   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- Skyscraper160x600 --><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_1744462 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #000;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_d4xz462   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Crystal Peak<\/h2>\n<p>From Sevier Lake, we continued due west on Road 13 to reach Crystal Peak. Even from the long distance away, we continually saw the bright-white peak get closer and closer. The road was in such good condition, we thought we were on a paved road, allowing us to travel faster over the desolate terrain.<\/p>\n<p>Crystal Peak is definitely a geologic oddity. Nothing like it exists for many miles around. It is stark white compared to the brown and gray hills of the Great Basin. Upon closer inspection, one can clearly see that the mountain is made up of a different type of material. This material is volcanic ash and was created from the remnants of a huge pyroclastic flow. What is seen today is a mere fraction of what used to exist.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_xvrh462   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <div class=\"g g-11\"><div class=\"g-single a-30\"><a class=\"gofollow\" data-track=\"MzAsMTEsNjA=\" title=\"BackRoadsWest.com\" href=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/brw\/tour-planning\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-medium wp-image-2382 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ad-800x500-TripPlan1.gif\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_ixq4463   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Another interesting characteristic of Crystal Peak is that it\u2019s full of small holes and cavities. The peak looks like a big chunk of Swiss cheese. These holes most likely formed when the super-heated ash quickly cooled and changed into a solid. The holes were probably formed by gas bubbles inside the ash. Not long after the eruption, the gas escaped, leaving behind the holes. But that\u2019s only a guess.<\/p>\n<p>The road passes by Crystal Mountain with not many access points or trails. If you\u2019d like to experience its unique and bizarre terrain, look for a short road leading south from Road 13 on the east side of the mountain. Park here, then walk towards the mountain to whatever strikes your fancy. There\u2019s a lot of interesting nooks and crannies to explore.<\/p>\n<p>Continuing on Road 13 past Crystal Mountain a short distance will provide a view of Wheeler Peak, the second highest point in Nevada, which is inside Great Basin National Park. Return back to civilization by heading back on Road 13 the way you came in.<\/p>\n<h2>Trip Map<\/h2>\n<p>To help plan your trip, use our interactive Google Map below. Be sure to switch to Satellite view to see the terrain.<\/p>\n<p>Most of the maps in our videos were created using Gaia GPS. Click the ad below to purchase a Gaia GPS subscription and we&#8217;ll earn a few dollars to fund our next trip.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/click.php?tool_type=ml&amp;merchant_link_id=2efe71d3-5569-4c72-a69e-e9258881dd0a&amp;website_id=cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/gbi\/bd4517b4-b0f2-4660-8208-2ade3a1fdb4c\/2efe71d3-5569-4c72-a69e-e9258881dd0a\/a24ae5c1-c37a-45ea-b3f8-5480cc46d529\/cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\/image.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/map\/\">Learn more<\/a> about our maps.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module maps pro -->\n<div  id=\"tb_shyw463\" class=\"module module-maps-pro tb_shyw463  tf_lazy\" data-map-provider=\"google\" data-zoom=\"10\" data-type=\"TERRAIN\" data-address=\"38.74116, -113.27987\" data-scrollwheel=\"1\" data-draggable=\"enable\" data-disable_map_ui=\"\" data-polyline=\"\" data-geodesic=\"\" data-polylineStroke=\"2\" data-polylineColor=\"\" data-trigger=\"\" data-cluster=\"\" data-mapid=\"\" data-style_map=\"pale-dawn\" data-legacymarkers=\"\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"maps-pro-canvas-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"maps-pro-canvas\" style=\"width:100%;height:400px\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<template>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"38.6994,-113.19826\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-jeep.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTurn-off from Road 13 to Sevier Lake\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"38.79878,-113.59978\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-jeep.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tView of Wheeler Peak to the west\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"38.79594,-113.59295\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-hiker.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPark here to explore around Crystal Peak\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"38.72063,-113.19064\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-jeep.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTurn here to go onto levy road\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"38.74296,-113.19398\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-jeep.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAs far as we went on levy road\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"38.71688,-112.96934\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-jeep.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJunction of Utah SR 257 and Road 13 and start of road trip\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"38.39286,-113.01156\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-info.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMilford, Utah\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-address=\"38.69841,-113.12524\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/icon-info.png\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSevier Lake &amp; Crystal Peak first come into view\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/template>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n<!-- \/module maps pro -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_i9lh463   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Comments<\/h3>\n<p>Read and leave comments about this post on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=oHfVaCAV75k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_u9qb456 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_jdo6463 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_o8wo463   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Support Us<\/h3><p>Help us fill up our tank with gas for our next trip by donating $5 and we&#8217;ll bring you back more quality virtual tours of our trips!<\/p><p>Your credit card payment is safe and easy using PayPal. 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center;\"><em>See all our comprehensive virtual tour guides at<\/em>:<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a title=\"BackRoadsWest\" href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/brw\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-medium wp-image-2382 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo-300x40.jpg\" alt=\"BRWlogo\" width=\"300\" height=\"40\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo-300x40.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo.jpg 438w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_a91h464   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- Short-wide --><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:728px;height:90px\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"1662640655\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module callout -->\n<div  class=\"module ui module-callout tb_ee8c465 button-bottom red  rounded gradient shadow wow\" data-tf-animation=\"rubberBand\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <div class=\"callout-inner\">\n    <div class=\"callout-content tf_left\">\n        <h3 class=\"callout-heading\">More Trips<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n            Would you like to go on more trips in Utah?        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n                    <div class=\"callout-button tf_right tf_textr\">\n            <a href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/category\/utah\/\" class=\"ui builder_button rounded gradient shadow yellow\">\n                <span class=\"tb_callout_text\">See More Trips in Utah<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/callout-content -->\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module callout -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This road trip adventure takes us to the vast Great Basin Desert of western Utah. When we decided to find an ideal spot to view the October 2023 annular eclipse, we headed to an area north of the town of Milford, which is 50 miles north of Cedar City. After watching the eclipse, we noticed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6577,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,12,15,17,19,21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6574","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-geology","category-places","category-roadeasy","category-season-fall","category-season-spring","category-utah","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO 4.9.9 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Road trip in the Great Basin Desert of western Utah will take you to see what Sevier Lake and Crystal Peak looks like. Explains how to take the trip.\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"max-image-preview:large\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Cliff Bandringa\"\/>\n\t<meta name=\"keywords\" content=\"utah,geology,volcano,volcanic ash,sevier lake,sevier river,crystal peak,millard county,milford\" \/>\n\t<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/sevier-lake-crystal-peak\/\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"generator\" content=\"All in One SEO (AIOSEO) 4.9.9\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BackRoadsWest Trips Blog | A new kind of travel guide for the 21st Century\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Sevier Lake &amp; Crystal Peak Road Trip | BackRoadsWest Trips Blog\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Road trip in the Great Basin Desert of western Utah will take you to see what Sevier Lake and Crystal Peak looks like. Explains how to take the trip.\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/sevier-lake-crystal-peak\/\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-11-24T17:36:41+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-02T04:09:31+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Sevier Lake &amp; Crystal Peak Road Trip | BackRoadsWest Trips Blog\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Road trip in the Great Basin Desert of western Utah will take you to see what Sevier Lake and Crystal Peak looks like. 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After watching the eclipse, we noticed there was a direct dirt road that would take us to two places we\u2019ve been wanting to visit, Sevier Lake and Crystal Peak.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=95meMSxr4Pk\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <img src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Crystal.jpg\" width=\"330\" height=\"287\" alt=\"Crystal Peak\"> <\/a>\n<h3><\/h3> <strong>Click image<\/strong> to watch Virtual Video Tour and see viewer comments. Then come back to get the rest of the story.\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=oHfVaCAV75k\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <img src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalYouTube.jpg\" width=\"978\" height=\"550\" alt=\"\"> <\/a>\n<h3>Trip Specs<\/h3>\n<h3>Length<\/h3> <p> 40 miles (64 km) one-way<br> 62 miles from Milford, UT<br> <\/p>\n<h3>Attractions<\/h3> <ul> <li>Large dry lake surface<\/li> <li>Crystal Peak<\/li> <li>Vast open desert<\/li> <li>Remote mountain scenery<\/li> <\/ul>\n<h3>Difficulty<\/h3> <ul> <li>All dirt roads<\/li> <li>Very remote area<\/li> <li>Nearest services in Milford<\/li> <li>No phone service<\/li> <\/ul>\n<h3>Elevation Gain<\/h3> <ul> <li>Begins at 4,800 ft<\/li> <li>Ends at 6,270 ft<\/li> <\/ul>\n<h2>Get to Milford<\/h2> <p>We headed over to Milford, Utah and continued north on Hwy 257 for 22 miles to a place on the map named Black Rock. We turned left on to Road 13. Our first view of Sevier Lake occurred 8.5 miles from the pavement of 257. Also, in the distance, Crystal Peak stood out on the horizon like a beacon, even though it was still 28 road miles away.<\/p> <p>Get to the starting point of our road trip by using Google Maps to navigate to Black Rock, Utah. Black Rock is not a town; just a an old water stop on the railroad.<\/p> <h2>Sevier Lake<\/h2> <p>We\u2019ve seen Sevier Lake another time on one of our travels. Normally, Sevier Lake is a dry lake or playa, which has always interested us. Technically, this type of lake is also known as an endorheic or terminal basin, which means water flows into the lake and there is no other way for the water to escape other than evaporation.<\/p> <p>The lake is primarily fed by the river of the same name, the Sevier River, which originates near Bryce Canyon in Southern Utah, then heads north roughly following scenic Hwy 89, almost as far as the town of Nephi. From there, it makes a big U turn and heads southwest to the town of Delta, where it empties into Sevier Lake. It\u2019s probably the second largest in Utah after gigantic Lake Bonneville, also known as the Great Salt Lake Desert.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/brw\/geology-tour-st-george\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <img src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Ad-800x500-GeologyTour1.gif\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" alt=\"\"> <\/a>\n<p>Once we reached the shoreline of Sevier Lake, we found our way out onto a levy with a stable road on top that took us out onto the playa for a few miles. One does not want to drive their vehicle, or even walk, out onto the surface of the playa. It\u2019s still a little damp, and the weight of a vehicle will cause it to sink in and get seriously stuck, and it\u2019s a long way to the nearest tow truck.<\/p> <p>Viewing the playa\u2019s surface from the levy road is surreal. The ultra smooth surface, the distant mountain ranges, and the mysterious mirage often accompanied on playas. When we flew our drone for a birds-eye view, we noticed there were a few other levies. These were probably built during some type of mining or prospecting operation. Many playas in the Southwest are rich with alkaline-based mineral deposits. In 2019, a company has been given a permit to mine potassium from the playa. However, during our visit, we couldn\u2019t find any evidence of recent human activity.<\/p> <p>More...<\/p>\n<h3>Support Us<\/h3> <p style=\"text-align: left;\">Help us fill up our tank with gas for our next trip by donating $5 and we'll bring you back more quality virtual tours of our trips!<\/p> <p style=\"text-align: left;\">Your credit card payment is safe and easy using PayPal. Click the [Donate] button to get started:<\/p> <p style=\"text-align: center;\">[paypal-donation]<\/p>\n<h3>Pictures<\/h3><p>Below are some pictures of what you will see along the way.<\/p>\n<img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr1.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Setting up the solar telescope\"><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr1.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Setting up the solar telescope\"><\/noscript> Setting up the solar telescope <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr2.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"View of annular eclipse from telescope\"><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr2.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"View of annular eclipse from telescope\"><\/noscript> View of annular eclipse from telescope <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr3.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Sevier Lake, southern end, as seen from Road 13\"><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr3.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Sevier Lake, southern end, as seen from Road 13\"><\/noscript> Sevier Lake, southern end, as seen from Road 13 <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr4.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Surface of Sevier Lake from levy road\"><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr4.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Surface of Sevier Lake from levy road\"><\/noscript> Surface of Sevier Lake from levy road <img src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20width='800'%20height='450'%20viewBox=%270%200%20800%20450%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy=\"1\" data-tf-not-load=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-tf-src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr5.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Walking up to Crystal Peak\"><noscript><img data-tf-not-load data-no-script src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CrystalSldr5.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Walking up to Crystal Peak\"><\/noscript> Close-up of cavities on Crystal Peak\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Help fund our next trip and your next adventure by purchasing a subscription to Gaia GPS. We will receive a small commission from your purchase.<\/p> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/click.php?tool_type=ml&amp;merchant_link_id=8988a2bc-2458-428a-a722-9a326e4941c5&amp;website_id=cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/gbi\/bd4517b4-b0f2-4660-8208-2ade3a1fdb4c\/8988a2bc-2458-428a-a722-9a326e4941c5\/a24ae5c1-c37a-45ea-b3f8-5480cc46d529\/cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\/image.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><br \/> <br \/> <ins style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/> <\/p>\n<p><br \/> <br \/> <ins style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"8100341909\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><br \/> <\/p>\n\n<h2>Crystal Peak<\/h2> <p>From Sevier Lake, we continued due west on Road 13 to reach Crystal Peak. Even from the long distance away, we continually saw the bright-white peak get closer and closer. The road was in such good condition, we thought we were on a paved road, allowing us to travel faster over the desolate terrain.<\/p> <p>Crystal Peak is definitely a geologic oddity. Nothing like it exists for many miles around. It is stark white compared to the brown and gray hills of the Great Basin. Upon closer inspection, one can clearly see that the mountain is made up of a different type of material. This material is volcanic ash and was created from the remnants of a huge pyroclastic flow. What is seen today is a mere fraction of what used to exist.<\/p>\n<p>[adrotate group=\"11\"]<\/p>\n<p>Another interesting characteristic of Crystal Peak is that it\u2019s full of small holes and cavities. The peak looks like a big chunk of Swiss cheese. These holes most likely formed when the super-heated ash quickly cooled and changed into a solid. The holes were probably formed by gas bubbles inside the ash. Not long after the eruption, the gas escaped, leaving behind the holes. But that\u2019s only a guess.<\/p> <p>The road passes by Crystal Mountain with not many access points or trails. If you\u2019d like to experience its unique and bizarre terrain, look for a short road leading south from Road 13 on the east side of the mountain. Park here, then walk towards the mountain to whatever strikes your fancy. There\u2019s a lot of interesting nooks and crannies to explore.<\/p> <p>Continuing on Road 13 past Crystal Mountain a short distance will provide a view of Wheeler Peak, the second highest point in Nevada, which is inside Great Basin National Park. Return back to civilization by heading back on Road 13 the way you came in.<\/p> <h2>Trip Map<\/h2> <p>To help plan your trip, use our interactive Google Map below. Be sure to switch to Satellite view to see the terrain.<\/p> <p>Most of the maps in our videos were created using Gaia GPS. Click the ad below to purchase a Gaia GPS subscription and we'll earn a few dollars to fund our next trip.<\/p> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/click.php?tool_type=ml&amp;merchant_link_id=2efe71d3-5569-4c72-a69e-e9258881dd0a&amp;website_id=cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/gbi\/bd4517b4-b0f2-4660-8208-2ade3a1fdb4c\/2efe71d3-5569-4c72-a69e-e9258881dd0a\/a24ae5c1-c37a-45ea-b3f8-5480cc46d529\/cb6aacf1-7563-4b97-8b5d-48e9519fe173\/image.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" \/><\/a><\/p> <p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/map\/\">Learn more<\/a> about our maps.<\/p>\n<template> Turn-off from Road 13 to Sevier Lake View of Wheeler Peak to the west Park here to explore around Crystal Peak Turn here to go onto levy road As far as we went on levy road Junction of Utah SR 257 and Road 13 and start of road trip Milford, Utah Sevier Lake &amp; Crystal Peak first come into view <\/template>\n<h3>Comments<\/h3> <p>Read and leave comments about this post on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=oHfVaCAV75k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Support Us<\/h3><p>Help us fill up our tank with gas for our next trip by donating $5 and we'll bring you back more quality virtual tours of our trips!<\/p><p>Your credit card payment is safe and easy using PayPal. Click the [Donate] button to get started:<\/p><p>[paypal-donation]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Subscribe<\/h3> <p>[mc4wp_form]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>See all our comprehensive virtual tour guides at<\/em>:<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a title=\"BackRoadsWest\" href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/brw\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo-300x40.jpg\" alt=\"BRWlogo\" width=\"300\" height=\"40\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo-300x40.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/BRWlogo.jpg 438w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><br \/> <br \/> <ins style=\"display:inline-block;width:728px;height:90px\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7400034802659664\" data-ad-slot=\"1662640655\"><\/ins><br \/> <\/p>\n<h3>More Trips<\/h3> Would you like to go on more trips in Utah? <a href=\"http:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/category\/utah\/\"> See More Trips in Utah <\/a>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6574","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6574"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6574\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7966,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6574\/revisions\/7966"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6574"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6574"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backroadswest.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6574"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}