First, I apologize for posting another Crystal Mill question. I've searched all the threads on this forum as well as others (as well as some google searches)...
Thank you for any advice/suggestions.
I have the opportunity to be in the Marble area next week. I have a Subaru Forester. Is it possible (or wise) to take my car down the 6-mile road to the Mill? If not, how far can I make it before setting out on foot? I've driven on some bad roads in Colorado, but never on this road.
Also, if I could make it there, is car-camping allowed? I'd love to arrive late afternoon (prime-time from what I can tell), hang around, shoot at dusk, maybe even some star trails, and shoot some again the next morning.
After that, I will head down to Lake City to climb a few 14ers, hopefully.
Roger, I drove it last year in my Jeep Grand Cherokee. Did not need 4WD. It is a rough road and if you take your time, you should be able to get in and out. I went slow, stopped at Lizard Lake for a couple of shots and I'd say it took just over an hour. I don't know about the car camping part but I don't see why you couldn't.
I'll have to differ with Jack on this. I've done it in a '03 4runner with 9½ " of clearance a couple of times and didn't have a problem, and before that, a couple of times, in a '89 4runner with 10½" of clearance with zero problems. But a Subaru Forester has less clearance (7½" on older ones, 8½" on new ones) and will require some very careful driving to not bottom out in a few places. The other major issue is your lack of a 4wd-low gear. This will mean depending on your brakes when going downhill which is not a very safe method. Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that. There are two ways to get there, via the Lizard Lake route (counterclockwise) or the Lead King route (clockwise), either road is a two-way route. I've never driven he Lead King route but have heard it is easier.
I have seen Subaru Outbacks on worse 4wd roads, but I believe the Outback has more ground clearance.
Bottom line: If it were my Forester, I would not try it, but then I always like to protect my resale values.
Camping, once you get there is perfectly fine.
I've done it a few times in my Toyota Land Cruiser and I wouldn't recommend trying it in a Forester. Try checking with Smitty to arrange drop off and pick up at the Mill.
I'm talking to a friend about meeting me there who has high clearance 4 wheel drive. Hopefully that works out. It would be cheaper than paying for a ride and easier than hiking in and out. I'd rather protect my car, too. It has to get me home!
Don, the Lead King route is by far the hardest. Steep descents into the Crystal River canyon and a nasty stretch of boulders along the river just before the town.
The Lead King - Lizard Lake combo make for a great scenic loop.
Rob, if you do meet up with your 4WD buddy, I'd highly recommend it.
Also, if you have time, the hike up to Geneva Lake is superb.
Thanks for everyone's replies. The deal with the buddy fell through, so I'm looking for other means of getting there. I'm going to contact Smitty to see if I can get a ride in/out... or I may just be hiking or wait until another year.
Posted by Rob Greebon on July 10, 2010 at 12:50 PM
Well, I contacted the jeep place, but they never got back to me. If anyone is heading out there in the next 10 days, I'd love to hitch a ride. I could meet in Marble and I'd pay for gas.
Posted by Chris Whitted on August 8, 2010 at 2:08 PM
I know it's too late now, but for the next time someone comes looking...
I visited the mill on 8/3/10, taking Crystal River (right fork of the road/loop). With me were my parents in a fairly well loaded 4wd 2001 Rav4, which has 6.7" of ground clearance. It was somewhat slow going from paranoia, but we had no issues getting back to the mill and town with careful driving and tire placement. There was a Honda CRV back there as well. The disclaimer being that mountain roads can change daily, and there were a couple of places I noted that mud could be an issue if it was much wetter than it was (fairly wet).
There is some very limited amount of camping between the halfway point and the mill, but a lot of private land and driveways along the way as well. There are very few places along the road you could leave a vehicle without blocking a much-needed passing spot for the road. Beaver Lake would be best but a long hike, and I saw a family leave some low wagon looking thing at the fork in the road about a mile in. Lizard Lake has a little bit of parking, and also gives you a preview - if you're not comfortable on the section from the fork to Lizard, it's only going to be more of the same or worse to the mill.
Lead King (the left fork) would NOT be doable. After only a mile or so we came to a stream crossing that I was even hesitant to cross in my un-armored Tacoma, and that's not even to the more difficult sections mentioned above.
Discussion
9 repliesThank you for any advice/suggestions.
I have the opportunity to be in the Marble area next week. I have a Subaru Forester. Is it possible (or wise) to take my car down the 6-mile road to the Mill? If not, how far can I make it before setting out on foot? I've driven on some bad roads in Colorado, but never on this road.
Also, if I could make it there, is car-camping allowed? I'd love to arrive late afternoon (prime-time from what I can tell), hang around, shoot at dusk, maybe even some star trails, and shoot some again the next morning.
After that, I will head down to Lake City to climb a few 14ers, hopefully.
Thanks again,
Roger
I have seen Subaru Outbacks on worse 4wd roads, but I believe the Outback has more ground clearance.
Bottom line: If it were my Forester, I would not try it, but then I always like to protect my resale values.
Camping, once you get there is perfectly fine.
I'm talking to a friend about meeting me there who has high clearance 4 wheel drive. Hopefully that works out. It would be cheaper than paying for a ride and easier than hiking in and out. I'd rather protect my car, too. It has to get me home!
The Lead King - Lizard Lake combo make for a great scenic loop.
Rob, if you do meet up with your 4WD buddy, I'd highly recommend it.
Also, if you have time, the hike up to Geneva Lake is superb.
I visited the mill on 8/3/10, taking Crystal River (right fork of the road/loop). With me were my parents in a fairly well loaded 4wd 2001 Rav4, which has 6.7" of ground clearance. It was somewhat slow going from paranoia, but we had no issues getting back to the mill and town with careful driving and tire placement. There was a Honda CRV back there as well. The disclaimer being that mountain roads can change daily, and there were a couple of places I noted that mud could be an issue if it was much wetter than it was (fairly wet).
There is some very limited amount of camping between the halfway point and the mill, but a lot of private land and driveways along the way as well. There are very few places along the road you could leave a vehicle without blocking a much-needed passing spot for the road. Beaver Lake would be best but a long hike, and I saw a family leave some low wagon looking thing at the fork in the road about a mile in. Lizard Lake has a little bit of parking, and also gives you a preview - if you're not comfortable on the section from the fork to Lizard, it's only going to be more of the same or worse to the mill.
Lead King (the left fork) would NOT be doable. After only a mile or so we came to a stream crossing that I was even hesitant to cross in my un-armored Tacoma, and that's not even to the more difficult sections mentioned above.