The stunning Crystal Mill is one of the most photographed scenes in Colorado. Its precarious perch on an outcropping of rock just above the Crystal River, framed by beautiful aspens and a backdrop of stunning mountains, is an experience not to be missed and provides a breathtaking reminder of the natural beauty of Colorado.
Crystal Mill is a wooden powerhouse built in the late 19th century. It's about six miles east of Marble, just before the ghost town of Crystal. It's reachable only in the summer and fall months by a rough, one-lane, 4X4 road. We rented an ATV to get there, and believe me, it's quite the experience. The Mill can also be reached by foot, mountain bike, horseback, or guided jeep tour. If you're the one driving, keep your eyes on the road! If you're not driving, hang on tight. But at least you can check out the gorgeous scenery.
Leaving the town of Marble you pass by Beaver Lake. On another day we did some fishing there. Past Beaver Lake the road is unpaved and becomes more and more rocky. Lizard Lake is next. Then the "fun" begins. The primarily one lane rocky road is slow going. Much of the time it follows the Crystal River, which occasionally is far down a steep embankment. They left the wreckage of a vehicle way down there as a reminder what can happen if you take your eyes off the road. Now and then, you encounter a vehicle headed the opposite direction. What do you do? Well, someone has to back up to one of the occasional turn-outs to let the other one by.
Just when you've had it and ready to turn back, you round a corner and there it is. As a photographer I'm always looking for the best shot and angle. That's from down on the river. I remember they were charging ten dollars to do that since it's on private property. Some people were griping about that. Not me. Ten bucks is worth getting a great picture. And capitalism is what keeps our economy rolling.
THE JOURNEY TO CRYSTAL MILL
It's quite a ride to Crystal Mill, but definitely worth it.