Another Crystal Mill question

We are going to try to go to the crystal mill next week. I have a stock Nissan Pathfinder and was wondering if this vehicle will make it to the mill and any problems I might expect? Is there only one road up from Marble and what is it like? Can you go over to the Gothic road once you get to the town of Crystal? I have never been there so any information would be helpful. Thanks
Stuart

Your Pathfinder will have no problem getting to the mill. However, don't even THINK about going the rest of the way to Gothic.

Stuart,

You lucky dog You guys picked a good time to go. What day next week will you be heading out there?

I have not done the drive, but would really like to some time. I have read a lot of posts and reports here and in other forums about that road/drive. From what I have read your Pathfinder should be fine. There was an off road forum which actually had pictures of the road. But I don't have the link right now.

Do a search here and you will find a lot of posts on this famous drive and location. Also check Photo.net.

I am sure someone else here will be able more of your Q's.

Let us know how the colors are looking when you get back.

Derek

You should be fine to the mill, but just watch where you're going. There are some big rocks in the road. I've got an Explorer lifted 1 1/2" and on 31" tires, and occassionally scrape the running boards on something if I'm not paying attention.

Note the hand-scribbled note in the upper left of the smaller sign.

Darren,

That road over Schofield Pass looks gnarly!!!

Its a good thing I didn't try it in our family minivan this summer

Thanks for the detailed report. That is really cool. You are right about a certain mystique associated with this drive. It definately looks like a challenge.

On the same subject...anyone have an opinion if my Yukon XL will make it to the mill?

Jim

Now this is just getting silly. What year is your Yukon? Does it have AC?

Todd,
A 2007 Yukon Xl with A/C, kinda' a tan color to blend in with the earth tones, leather interior and a nice mattress in the back for comfy car camping.

I think silly is not checking first, then taking the plunge (literally).

Thanks,

Jim

Jim,

You'll make it to the mill by going the driect route up from Marble to Crystal. This is easy and I've seen an Outback up there. I wouldn't recommend that every Outback owner hit that trail, but obviously it is possible with good driving.

You might not want to do Lead King Basin to Crystal in a Tahoe. The road from Lead King Basin to Crystal is a narrow shelf (not as bad a Schofield Pass) with a couple of 12" ledges that transect the trail. While I don't think you'd damage your vehicle on them (might scrape a bumper) you'd have a difficult time passing other vehicles in spots. However, Lead King and Crystal Road share the same trail head, so you could do them as 2 out and backs. Obviously this suggestion depends on your 4wd experience and skills. If you are very familiar with your vehicle, then I don't think this would be a problem for you either.

Schofield Pass from Gothic to Crystal is definitely a no go in the Tahoe or any full size SUV or Truck. It is passable for the smaller Pathfinder when conditions are good. This trail is driven from the Crested Butte/Gothic side for safety. It would be better if you did not try to run this trail from Crystal.

You can read about the trail here Devil's Puchbowl or pick up Charles Wells book on 4wd trails in CO Volume 1.

Mel-

Once when I was at Crystal Mill someone in a Honda Civic was already parked waiting for the light. It was fun watching him drive back down the road. My suggestion is that you have a spotter out ahead of you to move large rocks, if need be, and let you know of oncoming cars in the very narrow sections. Claire Curran

A Civic?!?! It never ceases to amaze me what kinds of vehicles people will take to rugged places. Talking with one of the Park Rangers at Capitol Reef once, he noted that someone managed to get a Ferrari out to the Cathedral Valley Campground. I've personally seen on-road RVs out there, and know for a fact that the Boulder Mountain boulders that make up the road around the campground can easily project ~7 inches. I've also seen low-clearance passenger cars out at the Racetrack (said road beat up my Subaru pretty good, so it wasn't just a good day...)

I guess it goes to show where you can get if you've got patience, skill, and maybe a bit of a shortage of brain cells.

Back in the late 80's, just as I finished shooting, I was heading back to my truck and a VW bug pulled up. There were 4 people in it laughing their heads off. I was simply amazed since the road was considerably rougher in the one "bad" section than it is today. The next day I went back out there and noticed a trail of oil on the way out. I wonder if they were still laughing.

I'm so excited to get a wrangler when I get back to the states....Next fall...that mill is mine!

If there's anything you'd like to know about Wranglers, I'd be glad to help. I own a 2004 Wrangler Rubicon and moderate a Jeep Rubicon forum.

Mel-

Whats your email addy?

So, I shouldn't have a problem with my piece of crap 1996 Chevy Blazer Generic Edition?

The last time I was there was a good 15 years ago when I was driving an International Scout. Man, I loved that thing...