Crystal Mill Question.

I have read many places that Crystal Mill Trail is a Jeep trail but I have also read that is a very easy one. Would I make it OK in a 2wd Dodge Dakota or would I need 4wd?

Thanks

Jim, I've done this road a number of times and I wouldn't do it in a 2wd.

I have driven it 3 or 4 times and wouldn't do it with a 2WD either.

From with direction or either? I know if you go up over Schofield Pass it would require a good 4x4 but does it also require one from Marble?

I'm planning on going there the week of the 27th sometime during the week (unless I hear bad reports) if you want to tag along. I have a lifted 4x4. Personally I don't think either direction is really that hard. Schofield pass is shelf road that you can really get into trouble if you don't know what your doing. But I would agree with the others that I probably wouldn't do either way in a 2wd.

Yes, from Marble it is easier than Schofield, but is still a rough road. For some reason I can't access the older pages but I seem to remember a few week ago someone posted about the same question and I thought someone replied that the county went in this year and improved the road a little, but you should do a search to confirm. It would probably be worth a call to the Forest Service in that area to see what the condition of the road is in. On these back roads conditions can change yearly or even seasonally.

The guide book I have seems to indicate that 4WD is a must have from either way.

I'd like to hear your report Ron. My plan is to go there on the 29th.

I would also be interested in a report.

Just as an FYI my 2wd truck has 31x10.5 tires on it so it has the same ground clearance as the 4wd version it is just missing the other 2 wheels moving.

Ron, I think all of us will appreciate your update of current conditions.

Back in the 1970's I took a Honda Civic, with zero clearance, to the Mill.
Apparently road maintenace was much better back then.
I would not risk taking my own 2WD vehicle today, although I'm sure you will see them on the road.
It's amazing where people will take rental cars.

Just read on the central states forum a timley admonition about traveling to Crystal Mill relying on a GPS unit....the statement was made that these units pick the closest way and that in the case of the Mill that could lead you over one of the most dangerous passes anywhere. Advised use of good maps, especially for first time travelers to that area. I have never been there, but it made good sense to me.
Joe Rogers

It's been several years since I was up there but I did it from Marble on a mountain bike. As I remember it wasn't a difficult ride, and is quite a bit cheaper than renting a 4x4. Of course you have to have a mountain bike and a way to carry your photo gear, but it's no big deal. Bicycling is a good way to deal with some of the "Jeep trails". Though I haven't done serious bicycling in several years, I've been thinking about giving it another try.

I did the road last fall (2008) by coming in from the north, looping around and going out by Lizard Lake. I've been 4-wheeling for 25 years and it is very hard to imagine doing Crystal Mill w/o 4-wheel. A 2-wheel truck with HIGH clearance may be ok since others have done it. Also, is the Devil's Punchbowl/Scholfield open again? The last time I tried it in my stock 4x it was so badly rutted, I turned around.

Nice timing on this thread as I'm planning on doing maroon bells and then crystal mill on friday the 25th. I also drive a small 2wd truck(chevy s10) but with big tires. I'm still getting my trip plans together for the rest of the wknd. So if anyone wants to get together while i'm out that way let me know.

I know it may not be PEAK, but I'm looking to do the Bells this Sat. AM for sunrise (along w/ the other 50+ photogs) then hopefully drive toward Marble and maybe find a ride up to the mill. Anyone heading up that way this Sat 9/19 that has room for one more? Shoot me an email if you're heading that way as I don't have a 4wd or a Mt.Bike (but can offer gas/beer $). Cheers...

How hard is the road to Crystal Mill in comparison to the Alpine Loop? I've done the Alpine Loop in my stock 4X4 (Chevy K1500 Z71) but have never been to the Mill. The Loop was doable, albeit rough so if they are similar I'll try and head to the Mill this year when I'm in the area on 28th and 29th.

4wd is not only a really good choice for the Crystal Mill Road because of ground clearance, but there are also some steep sections where 2wd will have real difficulty getting enough traction to go up, and not being able to gear down on the way down means burning up your brakes, which isn't too safe. If you try it and find yourself stuck in a narrow section, you might p--- off a alot of folks who are properly equipped.