Paradise Basin

Paradise Basin and Crystal Peak Claims

In 2007, along with the funding of the Yule Creek Mining Claims, 1% for Open Space granted the Trust for Public Land $11,500 for the purchase of 46 acres of mining claims in and near Paradise Basin. Paradise Basin is located north of Crested Butte between Paradise Divide and Schofield Park. The Crystal Peak Claims are located further north on the mountainside under Crystal Peak near Paradise Basin. The 46 acres these claims encompass were preserved because there were multiple sites that could have been developed on. The preservation of these mining claims as open space prevents them from being developed.

1% for Open Space felt strongly in helping the Trust for Public Land in this effort as this project allowed for Paradise Basin to remain undeveloped, keeping its wildlife corridor uninterrupted and protecting the integrity of the watershed as a tributary to the East River runs through these claims. The claims are now part of the Gunnison National Forest and managed by the Forest Service. They are public lands and they provide us with endless beautiful viewsheds at 10,000 ft.