Hiking Crystal Mill Marble Colorado

While traditionally accessed through marble this hidden gem deep in the elk mountains can be accessed from crested butte as well.

Hiking crystal mill marble colorado.

There are definitely a few things to note before taking off on an overlanding trip to crystal mill and beyond you can either drive it yourself or take the jeep tour to crystal mill with crystal river jeep tours. The crystal mill reputed to be one of the most photographed sites in colorado is historically known as the sheep mountain power house or lost horse mill built in 1893 the mill harnessed the power of the crystal river to run its massive air compressor which in turn drove power to drills in the sheep mountain and bear mountain silver mines. Once you reach the sign that tells you four miles to crystal town you will have a very rocky trail with more inclines. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Crystal city road 314 is a 9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near carbondale colorado that features a river and is rated as moderate. The mill is composed of three parts. The trail is primarily used for hiking and ohv off road driving and is best used from june until october. The compressor house the gear house and the penstock.

The crystal mill is located 6 miles east of marble just before the ghost town of crystal. Marble 7 956 ft is an authentic unpretentious hamlet nestled in the upper crystal river valley surrounded by the tall peaks of the maroon bells snowmass and raggeds wilderness areas. Follow the south fork crystal river to the historic mining town of crystal. Drive through the town and past beautiful beaver lake and find a place to park before the road turns into a smaller 4x4 road.

It s a challenging drive so a high clearance 4 4 is virtually a. It is reachable only in the summer and fall months by a rough one lane 4 wheel drive road. We decided to hike up to crystal mill from the park point in marble just past beaver lake. Know before you go to crystal mill marble colorado.

Of course if you don t want to ride at all you may even want to hike it. The crystal mill is a log and frame structure built in 1892 originally as a powerhouse. The tiny town is a reminder of what colorado use to be a place of quiet natural beauty unspoiled by ski and condo developments. The building has a dramatic location on a rock outcrop on the crystal river in mountainous terrain near marble colorado.

The hike is located in the small town of marble about 40 minutes east of carbondale on highway 133. The crystal mill is a long drive but a short hike. However lizard lake the waterfalls river and scenery are very beautiful on your. You can hike mountain bike utv or four wheel drive from the town of marble to the crystal mill site about a 5 mile trek.