Crystal Mill & Lead King Basin

This is a pretty mild trip and can be done in stock vehicles. See the iconic Crystal Mill, "ghost" town of Crystal, waterfalls, river, Lizard Lake, wild flowers, mountain views, etc.

We will meet at Beaver Lake, just east of the town of Marble off Silver Street. There are no gas stations or convenience stores in Marble so make sure you get everything you need before leaving Carbondale. After the run, join us at Slow Groovin BBQ. Believe me, it's delicious.

Crystal Mill Trail (1-2) is an easy drive suitable for high-clearance crossover SUVs and 2WD vehicles in summer conditions. The road from Marble to Crystal City is dirt and loose stone with an occasional 6" shelf or ledge created from erosion. The steepest incline is just east of Beaver Lake where the road transitions from improved surface to dirt. Most segments are wide enough to allow opposite traffic to pass, but there are a few instances where this is not the case.

Lead King Basin (2-3) is relatively smooth with few rocky sections and occasional ruts and intermittent water from snowmelt/runoff. From the trailhead, the road climbs gradually and then evens-out as it traverses the ridge approaching the basin. Toward the eastern end, there are numerous switchbacks that descend into the basin and onward to the road’s end at an intersection with Schofield Pass Road.