I have an extra day on the tail end of my vacation and would like to shoot this icon. Can anyone give me directions and is it best shot in the morning or evening? Can it be reached directly by car? I'll probably be going late Sunday so any prompt replies will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Jamie Botdorf on July 11, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Bill - you may want to post this question over at the RMNP forum...I'm sure the folks there can give you good insight.
I tried heading out for the mill in June. The road was pretty rough (for me). I would say it is definitely 4wd material. I'm not much of an off-roader. I was driving a 4Runner and chickened out after about 2.5 miles and turned around.
Posted by Fred Stearns on July 11, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Bill,
I haven't been up to Crystal Mill yet. From what I hear, the road is as rough as Jamie describes it and I may not make it. I believe that there is a local Marble company that makes runs up that road, but check on RMNP as there are people on that forum that do make the trip.
I just went to get my Colorado Backroads book. This road is rated as difficult. You can make a circle tour and come down Lead King Basin, also rated difficult. The distance from Scofield Pass to Marble is 10 miles, allow at least 2 hours. That is for driving only;. According to the map, your best bet is from Marble to Crystal Mill and go back the same way you came. They list that road as mostly moderate, but that requires a SUV with high ground clearance. If you are used to Houston where Herman Park hill is the high point in town, this will be a real challenge. I remember hearing that this was a ledge road in spots, but for that you need others more knowledgeable others to chime in.
That road sure has deteriorated since I drove it with a Honda Civic hatchback in 1976.
I think that car had about 4" of clearance.
Certainly the Lead King Basin loop should be avoided with a regular car. But last year I encountered two ladies in a rental car that were somewhat clueless about the road conditions. I was astounded to see them later at the mill site with their car still operational!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on July 12, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Thanks for the history note, Ron. I guess leaving the road rough does have its' benefits. They'd have to install traffic signals in Crystal, if they did a too much maintenance.
Ron, let me clarify, that rental car was taken over the Lead King Basin route! In additon to very steep grades that are tough on brakes, the last portion of the trail, along the river, makes the lower road look like I-70. I felt the rocks were about as much as I could handle in a stock Wrangler!
For anyone with 4WD, I highly recommend taking the Lead King Basin loop to Crystal and the mill. The scenery is spectacular. Allow enough time for a hike to Geneva Lake. The trail is a wildflower garden. It will make you forget about that silly old mill.
My brother tried getting to the Geneva Lake TH last week, and the folks at Crystal told him there were avalanches closing off access to it. Be sure to stop in and ask before attempting.
Also, the Crystal Mill road is definitely 4WD.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on July 14, 2008 at 10:48 AM
I missed this before, but I have to agree. Crystal mill road is best in a high clearance vehicle, though I don't think 4WD is necessary. Though at the same time, back in the day I used to take my 1985 Accord up roads like this.
Also there is a road from Gothic (Crested Butte) to Crystal. It should only be run FROM GOTHIC and should only be run in a NARROW BODY 4WD. This road called the Devil's Punchbowl or Schofield Pass has had a very serious accident on it. Also be aware that it probably will not open this year due to the snow. In fact an avalanche closed it for 2 years in 2004 or 2005.
I took the Jeep tour from Marble last year at fall foliage time. Very nice people and the tour was reasonable. I recommend it. We had plenty of time to take pictures.
Discussion
9 repliesI tried heading out for the mill in June. The road was pretty rough (for me). I would say it is definitely 4wd material. I'm not much of an off-roader. I was driving a 4Runner and chickened out after about 2.5 miles and turned around.
I haven't been up to Crystal Mill yet. From what I hear, the road is as rough as Jamie describes it and I may not make it. I believe that there is a local Marble company that makes runs up that road, but check on RMNP as there are people on that forum that do make the trip.
I just went to get my Colorado Backroads book. This road is rated as difficult. You can make a circle tour and come down Lead King Basin, also rated difficult. The distance from Scofield Pass to Marble is 10 miles, allow at least 2 hours. That is for driving only;. According to the map, your best bet is from Marble to Crystal Mill and go back the same way you came. They list that road as mostly moderate, but that requires a SUV with high ground clearance. If you are used to Houston where Herman Park hill is the high point in town, this will be a real challenge. I remember hearing that this was a ledge road in spots, but for that you need others more knowledgeable others to chime in.
I think that car had about 4" of clearance.
Certainly the Lead King Basin loop should be avoided with a regular car. But last year I encountered two ladies in a rental car that were somewhat clueless about the road conditions. I was astounded to see them later at the mill site with their car still operational!
Ron, let me clarify, that rental car was taken over the Lead King Basin route! In additon to very steep grades that are tough on brakes, the last portion of the trail, along the river, makes the lower road look like I-70.
For anyone with 4WD, I highly recommend taking the Lead King Basin loop to Crystal and the mill. The scenery is spectacular. Allow enough time for a hike to Geneva Lake. The trail is a wildflower garden. It will make you forget about that silly old mill.
Also, the Crystal Mill road is definitely 4WD.
Also there is a road from Gothic (Crested Butte) to Crystal. It should only be run FROM GOTHIC and should only be run in a NARROW BODY 4WD. This road called the Devil's Punchbowl or Schofield Pass has had a very serious accident on it. Also be aware that it probably will not open this year due to the snow. In fact an avalanche closed it for 2 years in 2004 or 2005.
http://www.crystalriverjeeptour.smithfamilycolorado.com/