wildernet

Sopris Ranger District

Quick Facts

Crystal Mill Site

Elevation:

8,800 Feet (2743.1 Meters) approximate elevation

Outfitters and Guides

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

The Crystal Mill, between Marble and Crystal City

Crystal Mill is located in Crystal City and is considered by some to be one of the most photographed sites in Colorado. George C. Eaton and B.S. Phillips, promoters of the Sheep Mountain mining operations, provided funds for its construction in 1893. Originally called the Sheep Mountain Tunnel Mill, it was built to provide power for the air drills used in the mine and to provide ventilation for mine workers. Since it's construction the mill's roof has been replaced and supporting cables installed to strengthen the structure. The mill is one of the more obvious remains of the mining economy that fueled settlement of the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado.

Directions from Marble: From Marble continue on road 314 passed Beaver Lake. The road forks, take the right fork which is Crystal River Jeep Trail (314). Follow this road approximately 2.5 miles to the mill site. If you reach the townsite of Crystal you've gone too far.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: April through October (NOTE: The road May be slippery when wet.) .

		Current Conditions & Trip Reports
		Add your own trip Report! Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others. This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report Filed By: Paul Cichocki (Las Vegas, NV) Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: seen 5 people total, 3 on start of 4 wheel drive rd, they were just tinkering in the area, not going to Crystal, one campsite with one person and one of Crystals residents, he said the area is owned by a family that aquired it by paying back taxes on the claim, they have 400 acres, which all includes the townsite of crystal and the mill, he has an cabin he stays in , he said he lives in Glenwood springs and just visits on weekends- very rough 4 whl drv only,cars wontmake it! BEAUTIFUL AREA, dont forget to check out the town of Crystal it is 100 yards past the mill! 8-10 old buildings and saloons etc. Dont ruin it for us all and be respectfull of private property and clean up after yourself please so future generations will be allowed to visit as this is private property! its a long 3 miles on that rough road but the scenery is nice and it is very quiet back there. A creek runs along the side of the road the whole way. Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Neutral Report: Dangerous, 4wheel drive road.

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	History	Crystal Mill	Yes
	Cold Water Fishing	Crystal River	Yes
	Four-Wheel Driving	Crystal River Jeep Trail	Yes
	Viewing Interpretive Signs	Crystal Mill Site	Yes