The Ultimate Road Trip To Crystal Mill in Colorado

Crystal Mill is a wooden powerhouse located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The mill is perched atop a rock outcrop above a waterfall. It’s not a drive you’d want to take in a vehicle that’s not made for this kind of terrain.

Crystal Mill Road

Where is Crystal Mill?

The mill is located just outside the small town of Marble, in the central-western part of Colorado. It was constructed in 1893 by George C. Eaton and B.S. Phillips, and it fell into disuse in 1917 when the Sheep Mountain Mine closed.

Can I drive to Crystal Mill in Colorado?

The rough, one-lane road to the mill, historically known as the Sheep Mountain Mill, is called Crystal Mill Road (County Road 3). It’s totally unpaved. This is not a road for passenger automobiles or inexperienced drivers. It has narrow, rocky, and steep sections.

How long is the road to Crystal Mill in Colorado?

Starting at the town of Marble, the road is 9.01km (5.6 miles) long. It’s not an easy road, so make sure to prepare thoroughly. You will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate the rough and narrow roads. Make sure you leave well before sunset.

Is the road to Crystal Mill in Colorado open?

Set high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, it is reachable only in the summer and fall months: it’s usually impassable from late October through late June or early July. Please remember cell phone service is spotty in the area.

Is the road to Crystal Mill in Colorado worth it?

Located a few miles east of Marble, just before the ghost town of Crystal, the road, with challenging terrain and breathtaking views, follows the Crystal River. Along the way, there are fantastic views of Whitehouse Mountain and the Sawatch Range. The mill is reputed to be one of the most photographed sites in Colorado.
Pic: Chelsea Klein