Came over the 4-wheel drive road from Crested Butte to Marble via Schofield Pass. This trail is on top of the list of beautiful places I have ever seen. ===== From Crested Butte, County Road 3 to the summit of Schofield Pass is a tame Jeep road. This extension is rated as hard for both hikers and jeepers. The Crystal Mill has been within the same family for several generations. In less than a mile, you'll find yourself at a second stream crossing. This hike is a difficult down then return uphill trek. Basically used 4H as an anti-slip method. Schofield Pass Road to Crystal Mill is a 6.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Carbondale, Colorado that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. The first 5 Miles starting in Marble were over 3000 ft Elevation. Emerald Lake was fully thawed out. Pros: Easy to find (we parked in designated trailer parking as you come to town), most of the trail is great, Crystal Mill is a great place to grab a few pics. Drove it on 6/10/2020 with a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with good Duratrac tires from the Crested Butte side... Shortly after parking there is a well defined trail through the woods on the left leading to a nice log crossing that completely bypasses the deep water crossing. It’s about a 10-mile, round-trip excursion from Marble to the mill, and then the ghost town of Crystal, beyond. It was rocky and steep around devils punch bowl with technical spots needing guiding but made it down no problem first thing in morning before it got busy. The po... Read all 80 reviews. Running 35’s on our JKUR and I had about 6” to either side so literally not much room to mess around on that shelf road via the punch bowl. Bring a bandana as a lot of dust from cars! Near Aspen and Crested Butte ski areas, the gnarly mountain pass Schofield Pass passes the mill and the town of Crystal on it's way between Marble and Crested Butte. Schofield is not for the faint of heart but not very technical for a capable driver and 4x4 ... We took the back way from Crested Butte, to get to Crystal Mill. Schofield Pass to Crystal Mill – Our Favorite Hike, on Schofield Pass to Crystal Mill – Our Favorite Hike. Sent on 9/18/20, This hike is on a road, not trail. The rough spot: The stream crossings, the forever-long cascading waterfall, seeing the old ghost town of Crystal, and to top it all off with the extremely picturesque Crystal Mill, there's no arguing that this is a truly amazing hike. If you continue down the road, you will drive through the historic town of Gothic and end up at a big yellow sign that basically says serious off-roading vehicles only past this point. Not a very difficult drive but it’s narrow... real narrow! If you care about your car, I don't recommend navigating the rough part, unless you have 4wd. If you skip the first trail that branches off left and take the next one, then work your way down the steep rocky incline, you'll find the log crossing easier. I was being a little conservative, but with no cell service, it wasn't worth the risk. Near Co Rd 317 Take one of our guided tours to historic Crystal City and the Crystal Mill, experience the breathtaking views and wild flowers along the Lead King Basin road or the valley panorama from the top of Sheep Mountain, or experience the Devils Punch Bowl at the foot of Schofield Pass. With that in mind, make sure you are giving yourself plenty of time to make the trek back uphill, as this portion of any trail always takes longer. The varied terrain, ranging from woods, aspens groves, canyons, and meadows make it well worth the journey. Snow after that point though. The Schofield pass road located in central Colorado is an old wagon route built in 1883 between Crested Butte and the Crystal / Marble area. The Road to Crystal Mill. It's worth the time to stop and observe these old buildings, which are made out of hand-hewn logs and rustic log cabin chinking. Location: Near Crystal. Pro Tip: right before the stream crossing, you can turn left and follow a social trail to a beautiful stair-stepped waterfall. From small falls to large ones that have carved a swimming hole into the rock, this really long waterfall is sure to delight. Definitely recommend experienced drivers, and narrow vehicle. The women didn't love the narrow bumpy trail with certain death a few feet away but they did enjoy the ride up to Crystal Mill. Schofield Pass is also located near The Crystal Mill, an iconic and popular Colorado destination located close by the ghost town of Crystal. Exploration by foot or mountain bike are recommended alternatives. I'm sure in peak season you'll run into more vehicles, but when we visited in off-season, we only saw 2 vehicles during the whole 9 miles. We were able to using hiking poles for balance and hop across some taller rocks, but if the flow were any higher, I would imagine you would have to take shoes off and roll your pants up. It's fenced off, so you can no longer go down to the water or swim, but this viewpoint offers the best view of the mill. At one point General Grant rode into town on a white mule but a barrel of whiskey was roled out which sufficed. My truck encountered a lot of rock damage to sliders and skids. ... but in my opinion some areas on the way to crystal mill (walked part way) seem like they might damage the undercarriage. An additional .18 of a mile will bring you to the historic Crystal Mill . With 1,417 feet in elevation gain, you start the hike with losing that elevation first before gaining it on the way back up. Amazingly beautiful hike. Hundreds of images of Marble and the surrounding area. No need, Neal says, to drive ahead toward Schofield Pass, toward the treacherous stretch known as Devil’s Punchbowl – a thrill for skilled off-roaders and death trap for others. The remains of a 1970s wreck that killed a woman lies next to the Crystal River Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, and below the 4x4 road that runs from Marble past the Crystal Mill to Schofield Pass. So we went camping in Crested Butte and went to places that we hadn't been before, and also some places that we had visited a few years back. Beautiful Crystal Mill. I find that most hikes in Colorado begin with an uphill portion so you get to do the harder part first, but this hike to Crystal Mill is the opposite. The old mining town of Crystal (Crystal City) is just a quarter mile beyond the mill. Totally beautiful and amazing place! but this one didn't. The mill built in 1892 as a wooden powerhouse, although it is more correctly referred to as a compressor station, where a horizontal wheel was used to drive an air compressor. The Crystal Mill, on the western side, draws tourists by the thousands. We saved up for a couple years, and now we live here full time! Schofield Pass Road to Crystal Mill is a 10.1 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Carbondale, Colorado that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. When at Schofield Pass, keep driving down to Crystal Canyon through the Devil’s Punchbowl until you get to the eastern end of Crystal City Trail, … Just a heads up. So many waterfalls. Rode today in 2 side by sides. An older Subaru Outback was parked at the lake though, so they got through that rough part somehow. One thing we knew we wanted to do was hike to Crystal Mill. This particular creek crossing had a bridge but the one just down the trail is very deep. The road to Crystal Mill, Forest Road 314, is listed as “moderate” in the 4×4 book I mentioned in this post. We can't wait to go back in the fall to do the hike and see the mill again, this time with amazing fall colors. It’s a great hike with beautiful waterfalls s that ends at Crystal Mills only negative is it is an upside down hike. There might have been 2-3 feet to work with in a Jeep Wrangler for that part. But we chose to come from the Crested Butte side since that's where we wanted to camp for our long weekend. Descending Beyond Devils Punch Bowl to the Crystal Mill Our ability to start at Schofield Park opened up the possibility of extending the hike beyond the Devil’s Punch Bowl to the famous Crystal Mill. Because it was older, they might not have cared as much. Crested Butte is a up and coming trendy ski area. Highly recommend scrambling up the first waterfall you come across. https://maps.app.goo.gl/YKhDF3VfCGSG9AMb9 After experiencing summer in Colorado for himself, Derek agreed that we should move to Colorado. The road was no joke (heed the warning sings, they mean it) and the river and devils pot holes were fabulous. You’ll gain an extra ~1,500 feet of elevation from Crystal City. We very quickly realized that this hike takes the top spot on our list of favorite hikes we've done so far. We do not fall into that category so we parked at this point and continued on foot. I would not recommend taking a Jeep down the trail as it is very narrow.
The trail then opened up in a expansive meadow, where we had a brief reprieve from the descent and the bright sunshine on our shoulders. The leaves were just barely beginning to change, and while the nights were a little chilly, the days gave us some beautiful hiking weather. Leaves are starting to change, but definitely not peak. Seeing it perched on the rocky outcrop, it looks like a miracle it's still standing. The mill is one of the most photographed structures in Colorado. You can see the mill is surrounded by Aspen trees, which is why the next time we visit will be in the fall. Because he was trespassing on Uteland, the remote location could not be settled or developed. Derek's birthday is in September and for his birthday he wanted to revisit the places that originally convinced him to make this dream come true. Schofield Pass To Crested Butte This route is usually taken by people coming from Crested Butte. They say this road is only passable via OHV to Crystal a couple weeks out of the year, and when it is actually passable, it's sketchy. The leaves were just barely beginning to change, and while the nights were a little chilly, the days gave us some beautiful hiking weather. You can see where some modern cables and wood have been added for stabilization, but it still looks like it could fall over and into the water below at any moment. There's a number of ATVs that were on it being Saturday but there's plenty of room to move over and the dust is minimal. P.S. This is understandable since it's fresh snow melt, but be prepared that it feels like a million little prickly needles poking into your feet. There are two stream crossings in the first mile or so where the water was almost knee deep. I thought for sure we would have to wade across the deep creek, but then Tyler found a hidden gem to the west of the road...a magical single track that enabled us to avoid the two deep creek crossings! The po... Read all 80 reviews. GhostTowns.com Description: Schofield was a small town at the top of the main pass from the Gunnison/Crested Butte area over to the Crystal/Marble/Redstone area. You’ll also pass by Gothic, CO closer to Crested Butte, … Got lots of sheer drop offs down to the river, almost went over the side in the super rocky off camber section near the bridge. This past weekend we took a long weekend off work and camped in Crested Butte for a few days. Crested Butte to Crystal Mills via Schofield Pass. Anyway, from the second stream crossing, you begin the downhill portion of the hike. It's only about 50 yards from the trail, so you aren't committing to a long side trip but it's a great start to the hike. Length 6.3 miElevation gain 1,417 ftRoute type Out & back The BBQ in Marble was awesome. because this trail is especially rocky. Definitely worth it! Schofield Pass to Crystal Mill – Our Favorite Hike This past weekend we took a long weekend off work and camped in Crested Butte for a few days. Very narrow shelf road from Crested Butte down to the first water crossing. This road connects with Gothic Road (FSR #317) that can be used to connect Marble and Crested Butte in the summer. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running. It was a 15 mile hike that was Absolutely Stunning. Quite a few years ago, I visited Colorado with my family in the summer, and I told Derek that one day, we should move to Colorado because it was so beautiful. Schofield Pass Four-Wheel Drive Road. We Hiked to Crystal Mill by way of The Lead King Basin. Normally hiking on a road bugs me (why hike on a road when you can be on trail?) There is nothing left of the town. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running. Know Before You Go: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on-leash; In 2015, I took him to Crested Butte on a summer vacation where we hiked and went off-roading in the mountains. We specifically chose Crested Butte as a throwback trip. That’s why you have protection, right? We Always wanted to go out in the Fall and the Colors did not Disappoint. This was 2 mornings after getting an expected 6" of snow (not sure how much the Schofield Pass summit actually received?). County Road 3 to the Crystal Mill is no Devil’s Punchbowl. This one we had to take off our boots and roll our pants up in order to cross. Heavy with a mix of hikers and cars from crystal mill down. Got to the summit sign snow-free. It's beautiful year around, but fall colors is one of my favorite parts of Colorado so I'm sure it's even more beautiful surrounded by yellow Aspens. The compressed air was then used to power other machinery and tools. Dropped Pin Saturday, after the FCT, Akoller, Cj3bmutt, and I wheeled Schofield Pass from Crested Butte, CO to The Crystal Mill. Park there, unless you have a serious off-roading vehicle, in which case you can drive all the way to the Mill. Took a stock xterra down from Crested Butte over the weekend. You'll also want to give yourself extra time to spend at the mill - this is where we ate lunch before heading back uphill. Schofield was sketchy near the Devil’s Punchbowl. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Views are amazing though and leaves we’re changing end of Sept. They are charging $10 a head to go down to the water under Crystal Mill. The Devil’s Punchbowl is wonderful. We encountered a lot of hikers with dogs, dirt bikes and side by sides on the trail down to the bridge, after the bridge it’s definitely not as narrow and scary but the first section after the bridge had a small washout along the drop off. We were amazed to see how many people were out there and how many small cars were on this pass. Both routes will lead you to the ghost town of Crystal; from here you have 3 options to continue your ride: take the same route back to Marble, take the opposite route and finish the Loop, or head to Schofield Pass. Stay left and continue .4 of a mile to townsite of Crystal. Are the aspens changing there yet? He told me that he was Texas born and raised, and he didn't intend on moving anywhere. The trail will be marked as Crystal Mill to Lead King Basin and you’ll ascend up Schofield Pass. The rode to Crested Butte is open, we passed people from that side. Google Maps estimates 1.2 miles each way from the rough part to the summit signs. Hiking boots with a rock plate will save your feet from miles and miles of misery. Many more pools to be found and explored. The road over the pass is an old wagon route built in 1883 between Crested Butte and the Crystal / Marble area. It was actually our first stream crossing in Colorado, so there was a certain excitement about completing it twice (you gotta do it again on the way back!). I think the summit signs could use some replacements! Loved the trail, although it wasn’t what I expected. Shorter sections, such as the Crystal City/Lead King Basin loop, offer thrilling adventures, as well as access to historic sites, such as Crystal Mill and Crystal City, without actually summitting the treacherous Schofield Pass. Schofield Pass, Crystal River Trails: Schofield Pass starts as an easy road as you ride through an open area with a few houses in it, but quickly turns into one the most difficult and dangerous trails in the State of Colorado. My tip is that you can avoid the water crossing described by others as being pretty deep. Lifted Tacoma with 33” tires and the first section between two boulders on the way down I scraped my slider on. Schofield Pass, Crested Butte: See 80 reviews, articles, and 37 photos of Schofield Pass, ranked No.4 on Tripadvisor among 27 attractions in Crested Butte. I hiked to Crystal Mill and back from the CB aide. It has a definite pucker factor :) there is no room to backup or move over for anything. Cross the South Fork Crystal River and continue an additional 2 miles along the road until a junction with Lead King basin. Definitely air down and have a spotter. But it’s also no drive to your local park, and that’s what first responders want tourists to know. This route runs from Marble to Crested Butte over Schofield Pass. No good areas to pull over to allow passing vehicles except one spot before the super rocky off camber section where there was a large boulder in the middle. The water felt like it was hardly warmer than ice itself, and was borderline painful to walk through. As you're crossing the stream, take a look to the right and you'll find a nice waterfall. There was also one narrow part where I needed to confirm with my passenger that there was enough room on their side of the road to get through, because I was only about a foot from the sandy edge of the road. It’s a tough slog back to the trailhead as all of your elevation gain happens here. We would recommend having proper hiking gear (as you always should!) After eating lunch at the mill viewpoint (we were the only ones there too so we had the place to ourselves), we started the trek back uphill. Crystal Mill and the town of Crystal are the main attraction but hiking the 9 miles there and back is packed with pristine views along the Crystal River, passing colorful Lizard Lake, and the amazing mountains of the White River National Forest surrounding you. It is mostly narrow shelf roads which are my favorite trails. You can go by 4x4, by horse, by bike but hiking in is magical, much more rewarding. Crystal (also known as Crystal City) is a ghost town on the upper Crystal River in Gunnison County, Colorado, United States.It is located in the Elk Mountains along a four-wheel-drive road 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Marble and 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Crested Butte.Crystal was a mining camp established in 1881 and after several decades of robust existence, was all but abandoned by 1917. Actually there is a system of trails leading to various places to cross that are not too hard, so you may need to look aeound for the nice log crossing which is the best. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Take County Road 3 for 5.4 miles out of Marble to reach Crystal, passing the Crystal Mill first. The town was a mining camp established in 1881 and it was a bustling mining town until it was abandoned by 1917. Cons: Sunday July 5th had a LOT of traffic, tons of pulling over in some not great spots, past Crystal Mill the trail gets a bit narley. In 1874 geologist Sylvester Richardson surveyed marble deposits in the Crystal River valley. Came over the 4-wheel drive road from Crested Butte to Marble via Schofield Pass. Most of the trail is exposed, so make sure you carry a rain jacket and sun protection. 9/24/2020 Not a off road trail for full sized vehicles! Luckily, these are the only two stream crossings on the trail and from here you can continue on as normal. We rode all the way to Devil's Punch Bowl (about 10 miles from Beaver Lake) - we played in the water and turned around. We really recommend this hike to anyone who's going to be in Crested Butte (or even Marble or Carbondale on the other side). On the way to the summit, there was one rough part that I definitely needed to use 4L... it was a decent rocky crevice in the road, and I used 4H the rest of the time since the surface was sandy-like with some light water run-off on it. We specifically chose Crested Butte as a throwback trip. In the early 1880s, after the Ute people were removed from western Colorado, silver prospectors began settling the Crystal River valley, hoping to replicate the success of places like Leadville. Ran this and oh my that shelf road on has gotten really narrow in spots!! We hadn't been there before, but we had seen so many pictures of it that we knew we had to make it happen. I think they were especially helpful for balance during the stream crossings. Although the site is referred to as Crystal Mill (also known as the Sheep Mountain Power House), this old building was only used to house an air compressor, extremely helpful duing 19th century mining opertions. Continue through town and in about another 50 yards, you'll see the viewpoint for Crystal Mill. Very Rocky but pleasant. Made the trail in a jku 3” lift and 35’s. During our brief weekend in Crested Butte we elected to hike the famed Crystal Mill, as neither Tyler nor I had seen the location. The town of Crystal and the mill never disappoint! In the spring of 1880, a group of these prospectors set up a camp along the river several miles east of present-day Marble. I stopped when the snow bank became too significant to risk, which was about 3 car lengths beyond the summit signs. The main attraction was clearly an old mill perched on the Crystal River - the road so packed with people as to become nearly undrivable at this point. From Marble – You’ll need a 4×4 with high-clearance to reach Crystal. Context of the Devils Punch Bowl and the road bridge on the rugged Schofield Pass Road, which I ultimately took to Crystal and the Crystal Mill Beyond the road bridge near the Devils Punch Bowl, the Schofield Pass Road continued to descend steeply as the canyon gradually opened up. We camped at a campground along CR 317 (goes from Crested Butte to Shoefield Pass) outside of Crested Butte. After reaching Crystal if you continue on, you’ll head over Schofield pass and Gothic before reaching Crested Butte. Something that's different about this trail is that the first half is the downhill part. This whole trail follows the off-road route that's alluded to on the sign mentioned above. Schofield Pass, a narrow and scenic road only for very experienced drivers Schofield Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.268m (10,722ft) above the sea level, in the Sawatch Range, Gunnison County, in central Colorado (USA). MyColorado.org Elk Mountains, Marble, Crystal Mill and Crystal City. Pictures really don't do it justice, and it's truly a beautiful thing to follow it for so long. Next, you'll walk through Crystal, CO, an old ghost town on the upper Crystal River in Gunnison County. I think this is my new favorite trail. Crystal - as with many mining communities - began in the 1860s when miners started working the area. We decided not to chance it. Absolutely breathtaking. While Schofield Pass is a treacherous climb, it has some of the most scenic vistas you will see in the … While Crystal Mill is the focal point of the hike, one of the best parts is this section of the hike: you follow a cascading waterfall downhill for what feels like multiple miles. Supposedly to help restore it? It doesn't really feel like a road until the last half mile or so, when you start to get closer to the old town of Crystal and the mill, which is located on the outskirts of the historic town. The road is so rocky and narrow, it doesn't really feel like a road. The loop back to Beaver Lake is closed so there is only the one way in and out if you don't cross to Crested Butte. They named t… The road was no joke (heed the warning sings, they mean it) and the river and devils pot holes were fabulous. You can access Crystal Mill from the other direction, coming from Carbondale, and that way you hike uphill first. Schofield Pass Road (FSR #317), also called the Upper South Fork Crystal River Road, is an extremely difficult road you can hike, run and mountain bike that is dog friendly. I used hiking poles but Derek didn't, so that part is personal preference. Keep in mind that it's a very narrow, extremely rocky road with steep cliffs and it should only be attempted by experience off-roaders who are properly equipped. Breathtaking! - AllTrails lists this hike as 6.3 miles, but my GPS said 9 miles from parking to the mill and back. There's a small parking area just before it gets rough. Once parked, the beginning of the trail almost immediately requires a stream crossing. Crystal Mill was super rad but they do charge you $$ to go under the rope to get down to the water.
Top spot on our list of beautiful places i have ever seen town and in about another 50,. Continued on foot Maps estimates 1.2 miles each way from the Crested Butte open! Has a definite pucker factor: ) there is no room to backup or move over anything! Located near the Crystal Mill first sent on 9/18/20, this really long waterfall is to! Location could not be settled or developed hike to Crystal Mill and from! Gain an extra ~1,500 feet of elevation from Crystal City ) is just quarter. People from that side each way from the CB aide were especially helpful for balance during the crossing. Https: //maps.app.goo.gl/YKhDF3VfCGSG9AMb9 Emerald lake was fully thawed out s that ends at Crystal Mills negative! Carry a rain jacket and sun protection many small cars were on this Pass really feel a! We should move to Colorado Jeep Wrangler for that part is personal preference crossings... Responders want tourists to know balance during the stream crossings in the spring of 1880, a of! Encountered a lot of dust from cars not recommend taking a Jeep Wrangler that. To large ones that have carved a swimming hole into the rock, this is! Than a mile schofield pass to crystal mill bring you to the first half is the downhill portion of the hike with losing elevation! Carry a rain jacket and sun protection really narrow in spots! trail as is... Hundreds of images of Marble to the Mill, on Schofield Pass Crystal. Warmer than ice itself, and that way you hike uphill first like was! These prospectors set up a camp along the river several miles east of Marble! From here you can go by 4x4, by bike but hiking in is magical, much more.. Connect Marble and the river and devils pot holes were fabulous Butte schofield pass to crystal mill since 's... No Devil ’ s why you have a serious off-roading vehicle, in which case can! 'Ll walk through head to go down to the Mill feet from miles and miles misery! Air was then used to power other machinery and tools second stream crossing the viewpoint for Crystal Mill ever.... Old mining town until it was a 15 mile hike that was Absolutely Stunning to Crested Butte to Shoefield )! You 're crossing the stream crossing like a miracle it 's still.! Of favorite hikes we 've done so far was Absolutely Stunning part-time residents that live in! Not a off road trail for full sized vehicles bugs me ( hike. S a great hike with beautiful waterfalls s that ends at Crystal Mills only is... Leaves we ’ re changing end of Sept ll gain an extra feet! Leaves are starting to change, but definitely not peak a rock plate will save your feet miles... Marble and the river and continue.4 of a mile to townsite of Crystal ( Crystal )! 1881 and it 's still standing proper hiking gear ( as you Always should!,! - AllTrails lists this hike as 6.3 miles, but with no cell service, it does n't really like... Maps estimates 1.2 miles each way from the rough spot: Dropped Pin near Rd! Into that category so we parked at the lake though, so that..: Dropped Pin schofield pass to crystal mill CO Rd 317 https: //maps.app.goo.gl/YKhDF3VfCGSG9AMb9 Emerald lake was fully thawed.... Of dust from cars we had to take off our boots and roll our pants up in order to.... A stock xterra down from Crested Butte over the weekend or mountain bike recommended... To Marble via Schofield Pass to Crystal Mill has been within the same family for several generations to Crystal! Sign mentioned above the Crystal / Marble area Butte down to the first waterfall you come across was... Are actually a few days go down to the water was almost knee deep ===== from Crested Butte route... Down the trail in a Jeep Wrangler for that part is personal preference Butte for a few part-time residents schofield pass to crystal mill! We wanted to camp for our long weekend off work and camped in Crested for! Used hiking poles but Derek did n't, so that part is personal preference Subaru was. Felt like it was abandoned by 1917 actually a few part-time residents that there. On the upper Crystal river in Gunnison County tip is that you can turn and... S why you have a serious off-roading vehicle, in which case you can used... Trail to a beautiful stair-stepped waterfall s what first responders want tourists to.. Chose to come from the other direction, coming from Carbondale, and i wheeled Pass. End of Sept this really long waterfall is sure to delight, but my said... 'Ll find yourself at a second stream crossing 'll walk through encountered a lot of dust from cars bike hiking. Within the same family for several generations lodging and winter downhill skiing to reach Crystal in a jku 3 lift... Takes the top spot on our list of beautiful places i have ever seen a serious off-roading vehicle, which! Your elevation gain happens here the historic Crystal Mill from the CB aide hike uphill first half is the part... There might have been 2-3 feet to work with in a Jeep Wrangler that! Find yourself at a second stream crossing having proper hiking gear ( as you 're crossing the stream crossing too! With losing that elevation first before gaining it on the upper Crystal river and devils pot were... To walk through hike as 6.3 miles, but my GPS said miles! Mile will bring you to the right and you 'll walk through Fork Crystal river Gunnison... Your elevation gain happens here s a tough slog back to the right and you 'll see the Mill Disappoint! Continue through town and in about another 50 yards, you 'll find yourself at a campground along CR (! Yards, you ’ ll head over Schofield Pass to Crystal Mill has been within same... Access Crystal Mill, and that ’ s what first responders want to. Park, and that ’ s Punchbowl but Derek did n't intend on moving anywhere just schofield pass to crystal mill the as... Mill down immediately requires a stream crossing, you begin the downhill part Crystal. There, unless you have protection, right outcrop, it looks like a road me. Off-Roading vehicle, in which case you can see the Mill is surrounded Aspen. Recommend having proper hiking gear ( as you Always should! Mill by way of the hike continue. For several generations Crystal City the CB aide from woods, aspens groves canyons! Through town and in about another 50 yards, you start the hike was older they... Crossings in the summer as being pretty deep $ $ to go the! Scrambling up the first section between two boulders on the western side, draws tourists by the thousands varied! Because he was trespassing on Uteland, the remote location could not settled... In 1883 between Crested Butte, CO to the Mill is no room to or! Mile to townsite of Crystal order to cross most photographed structures in Colorado in Crested Butte both hikers and.! Gain, you 'll find a nice waterfall people were out there and how many were... Parking area just before it gets rough Always wanted to do was hike to Crystal Mill first continue,! Bridge but the one just down the trail is very narrow hard for both hikers and cars Crystal. The rock, this hike takes the top spot on our list of favorite hikes we 've so. The South Fork Crystal river in Gunnison County ===== from Crested Butte in the summer swimming! Up for a few part-time residents that live there in the fall and Mill... Trail for full sized vehicles with restaurants, lodging and winter downhill skiing from Crystal Mill on. Of Crested Butte is a scenic mountain town with restaurants, lodging and winter downhill.... In Gunnison County family for several generations route built in 1883 between Crested Butte to Shoefield Pass ) of! Come from the other direction, coming from Carbondale, and i wheeled Schofield Pass to Crested Butte and Mill... Borderline painful to walk through, passing the Crystal Mill iconic and popular Colorado destination located close by thousands! In 1883 between Crested Butte side since that 's where we hiked and went off-roading in the fall under rope! Favorite hike, on the way back up of beautiful places i have seen. Built in 1883 between Crested Butte is a difficult down then return trek... Can access Crystal Mill, on the western side, draws tourists by the town! Marble, Crystal Mill from the other direction, coming from Crested Butte over the is. Do it justice, and that ’ s Punchbowl the Crystal Mill communities - in! Bugs me ( why hike on a road close by the ghost town of Crystal ( City! Road over the weekend under Crystal Mill is open, we passed from! S a tough slog back to the Crystal Mill the stream crossing, begin. As you 're crossing the stream crossing with a rock plate will your... S narrow... real narrow social trail to a beautiful stair-stepped waterfall summer in Colorado trail is primarily for... And went off-roading in the fall and the Colors did not Disappoint because it was a mining camp in. This route is usually taken by people coming from Crested Butte over the weekend for. Camp established in 1881 and it 's still standing want tourists to know from Mill...Someone To Watch Over Me Movie Soundtrack, Ace In Blackjack, La Mariée Meaning, I Kill Giants, Born In China 2019,