Crystal City Road #314

The Crystal City Road #314 Trail may offer some beautiful scenery, but you will need to remember that it is still a road and that there will likely be passing off-road vehicles. Keep an eye out and allow enough room for vehicles and bikers to safely pass, especially if you are travelling with children or dogs. Additionally, you will want to wear proper hiking boots, as this is still a rugged adventure that features a moderate amount of elevation gain.

Although this route utilizes a road for its entirety, the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests as you pass through the valley are truly exceptional. When combined with the chance to visit the historic Old Crystal Mill that dates back to 1892, this route has all the makings of a great adventure in the Elk Mountains of Colorado.

Setting out from the parking area, you will follow the CR3 to the southeast for a short distance, before it bends in a northeastern direction around Hat Mountain. Here, the road will come to a fork and you will need to take the route on the right in order to cross over The Lost Trail Creek at the cascading waters of Anu Falls.

Following the road to the southeast, you will quickly pass by Lizard Lake and meet up with the banks of the Crystal River, which you will hike parallel to for the remainder of the journey. Here, you will enjoy some beautifully scenic views of the surrounding mountains, with Sheep mountain on your left flank and the White Horse and Little Bear Mountains across the valley to the south.

Keep an eye out for off-road vehicles and mountain bikes along this portion of the walk, as they are likely to pass by. Eventually, you will reach the end point of the hike at the Crystal Mill, an old wooden powerhouse from 1892 that is situated precariously above the river. If you so wish, you can pay a $10 fee to get a better vantage point of the structure from the water’s edge, although it is also visible from the road. After taking in the views, simply head back down the road along the same route in order to return to the trailhead for the Crystal City Road #314 Hike.

Trail Highlights

Crystal Mill

Located along the Crystal River, the Crystal Mill, or Old Mill as it is sometimes called, is an old powerhouse dating back to 1892. The mill utilized a waterwheel to power an air compressor, which in turn powered various machinery related to the mining industry. IOt is now a popular tourist destination, thanks largely to its precarious position above the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive to Crystal Mill?

The best methods of reaching Crystal Mill are to hike, mountain bike, or ATV; however, you can reach the site if you have a proper 4×4 vehicle with high clearance.

Is Crystal Mill open?

The road leading up to Crystal Mill is impassable during the winter months, and access depends entirely on when the snow falls/melts each year.