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Beauty can be eerie. And that is why a former mill in Colorado is the state’s most photographed landmark. The iconic Crystal Mill is part a ghost town, part a Disney attraction; as it sits on its high perch, you can feel the history, while at the same time, it is so surreal that it almost feels like it should be an entrance to a roller coaster at Disney. Yes, it reminded me of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
What Is The Crystal Mill, Colorado?
Located just outside the small town of Marble, Colorado, and about a 90-minute drive from Aspen, Crystal Mill is not (and never was) a working mill, it turns out, but rather the Sheep Mountain Power House. Built in 1892 by the “Sheep Mountain Tunnel and Mining Company”, it contained a turbine driven by the powerful waters of the Crystal River below.
It powered pneumatic tools and provided air ventilation to nearby silver mines. When the Sheep Mountain mine closed up in 1917, the old mill was abandoned. Sixty-eight years later, Colorado decreed the mill a landmark, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Today, the ghost town of Crystal Mill is a major attraction sought out by hikers, tourists, and of course, photographers, all seeking to view the quiet serenity of the mill sitting high atop the rushing Crystal River, surrounded by lush, rich forest, and nearby mines, with the near-perfect background of the surrounding mountains.
How To Visit Crystal Mill
The easiest way to access the old Crystal Mill is one of the guided tours. You will find several options available in the town of Marble which is located about seven miles off Highway 133 on County Road 3.
However, Highway 133 between Somerset and Paonia was closed on May 2 after intense rain washed out the road. The road reopened on June 19 after a temporary bridge was installed, but the fall season got off to a slower start than usual because of this.
Work is now underway and the Colorado Department of Transportation anticipates the work to be completed soon.
The town itself is a rustic throwback to the Old West. Here you’ll find several outfits offering Crystal River Jeep Tours and Horseback tours to the mill, but you’re also welcome to reach the mill by hiking or biking in.
The mill is located six miles east of Marble, just before the ghost town of Crystal. Being in Colorado, the mill is only accessible during non-snow months in the summer and fall.
Getting The Perfect Picture
When you arrive, you’ll find that there are basically two main areas from which to see and photograph the mill. The most popular location is to the right of the mill. The cliffside vantage point is fairly small and can only fit three to four people at a time, so be ready to wait and move fairly quickly.
For more adventurous types, you can venture beyond the visible barriers. The owner of the land will allow photographers to purchase a pass and sign a waiver to access other prime locations for photos, according to GearJunkie.
Photography sites recommend you use a moderate- to ultra-wide lens to get the best perspective. A fisheye lens will allow you to capture “more of the peripheral scenes.”
What Else Can Visitors Expect?
Experiencing Crystal Mill is just one of the wonders you’ll find on a visit to this area of Colorado. The town of Marble, small in size, is growing into an outdoor paradise, featuring multiple activity options for families, travelers, and RVs.
Camping opportunities are plentiful. RVs are welcome at the Bogan Flats Campground along County Road 3. Hiking, biking, and water sports abound in the summer, and, of course, there is good skiing and snowboarding within a 2-hour drive to Aspen.
Fishing is also becoming hugely popular at Beaver Lake, which is on the route to the mill.
You can find more information about all sorts of activities on the Marble tourism website.
Don’t Miss This Stops On Your Way to Crystal Mill
Lizard Lake
The road to the Crystal Mill isn’t overly scenic but it does pass by a small lake known as Lizard Lake, which owes its name to the misidentified salamanders that live in and around it. This relatively small lake is thought to be a volcanic vent and has a yet unknown depth.
The Town of Crystal
Not to be mistaken with Crystal City, Virginia, just a short distance up the road from the iconic mill is the town of Crystal, Colorado. This is where the silver miners lived during the mill’s heyday, but today, unlike Crystal City, Virginia, the town of Crystal is almost a ghost town.
Lead King Basin
Make sure you explore the Lead King Basin for sheer mountain beauty. With Snowmass Mountain looming over the stunning terrain, this beautiful remote area is best explored on a guided jeep tour.
Know Before You Go
If you do decide to hike or bike to the mill, make note of the distance. It is about 9.1 miles round trip, and you will gain over 1,000 feet of elevation. There are no amenities on the trail, so make sure you pack food and water accordingly. Also note that you will be sharing the road with bikers, horseback riders, and even vehicles. Don’t be surprised to see some ATVs, as well, on your way.
FAQs
What Is the Best Season to Visit Crystal Mill?
The best time to visit the Crystal Mill in Colorado is in autumn. Typically the third week in September is ideal for planning an autumn trip to the mill. However, snowfall during this time of the year can make reaching the mill more challenging.
How Much Time Do I Need For Crystal Mill?
There is very little to do at Crystal Mill and it takes no more than 15 to 30 minutes to get to know the area. However, getting to the structure can take all day depending on your mode of transportation.
Can I Take a Guided Tour of the Crystal Mill?
Yes. It is the best way to visit Colorado’s Crystal Mill even if you like to experience places at your own pace. Letting someone else worry about driving takes a lot of stress out of exploring this amazing area.
Where Is Best to Park Near the Mill?
The best spot to park throughout the day is a parking lot at Beaver Lake. There are a few pullouts further up the hill and if you arrive earlier you can grab one of these spots and shave off some substantial elevation gain.
What is the Nearest Place to Crystal Mill to Stay?
Accommodation options near the mill are scarce. The Beaver Lake Lodge & Cabins in Marble are great for a relaxing getaway, but if you are looking for more traditional accommodations like hotels, you will have to head to Carbondale.
