HIKE AND DINE: CRYSTAL MILL AND CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP: MARBLE, CO/
Details
Hi Everyone,
HAPPY 150TH BIRTHDAY COLORADO!!!
Folks, We haven't been to the Crystal since 2017. I have read there have been changes made where vehicle travel has been scraped making this a hike. However this will be one of the best scrapbook of memories you will ever have. It’s better if you could point out the people you were with who made it one of the best trips you have ever been on.
This will be a moderate, 6.5 round trip, with minimal elevation gain hike to the Crystal Mill and to the town site of Crystal which is a running ghost town called The Crystal Town Site.
For those who would like to either caravan or carpool to Lizard Lake where we’ll begin our hike at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 please meet us at the overflow parking area at Bogus Flats Campground at around 10:00 AM. We’ll be leaving Bogus Campground’s overflow at around 10:15 AM.
If you won't be meeting us at the campground here are the directions to Lizard Lake and the trailhead.
I've know people to take a fishing pole and walk the banks of the Crystal and fish...you do need a license.
From Marble take Rd 3 to Lizard Lake, that's it!
Not only is the picturesque Crystal Mill is one of the most photographed sites in Colorado it is also the third leading photograph of a wooden structure in the country. The first being the Mormon Settlement in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and the second being a small mission in San Antonio, Texas known as the ALAMO.
Its precarious perch on an outcropping of rock just above the Crystal River, framed by beautiful aspens and a backdrop of stunning mountains, gives it an undeniable visual appeal.
Though some misinformed people have dubbed it the “Dead Horse Mill”, that name is erroneous and was never historically used. Historically speaking, the Mill was known as the Sheep Mountain Power House, and was located on the Lost Horse Millsite. Today it is known as “The Crystal Mill” .
After the hike we'll head back towards Bogan Flats Overflow Parking and stop at the SLOW GROOVIN
BBQ. Good stuff Maynerd!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTktSVOxKF4
Check out the video of an aerial view of what we’ll be seeing on the trail. I became spaced out listening to the music. If you can turn on other music that would be a good idea.
I’ll see you soon
Take of yourselves,
Don