Crystal City

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4.5/5 (44 reviews)
Marble, Colorado (Gunnison County)
Last Updated: 06/12/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

The Crystal City Trail is a popular connector road which takes you to some of Colorado's most spectacular alpine heights, wilderness views, and of course, Crystal City . Incorporated in 1880, Crystal City was a thriving mining community at the time with hundreds of residents and amenities of the day. Now, most are long gone, and Crystal was, in fact, a ghost town for several decades. Today, several families maintain their properties in Crystal City as summer residences. One structure remains as the most prominent icon for the city's past--the Crystal Mill.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.5/5 (44)
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2800
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 09/22/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I have to disagree with some folks here. This is by no means an easy trail. The shelf roads are some of the scariest we have ever done (and we just finished a week in Lake City/Ouray). I would be hesitant to do this one again. It is either scary or very bumpy. The mill is pretty cool and the Slow Groovin BBQ restaurant in town is very good. But the drive itself is not that fun (there are not serious obstacles however). I doubt I will be back. I would recommend having 4 low for the steepness and avoid weekends as there is not room to pass on the shelf roads.
Trail Review: Crystal City - Scott
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6150
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 08/04/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Not sure I agree with the rating on this. “Maybe” one obstacle just before the Schofield Pass section, but otherwise it’s a dirt road. It has some shelf sections but there’s ample passing. Very busy with SxS and other tourists.
Trail Review: Crystal City - Ben Jimbo
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3200
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/29/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Crystal is a well-preserved ghost town. It appeared that many of the homes get regular use in the summer but other buildings are completely abandoned. Seems like the 3 rating is pretty accurate. Recommend at least a high clearance 4x4.
Trail Review: Crystal City - Dave H
Open
Visited: 05/27/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Trail was open and had no snow on it. Overall it was easy. Saw a stock forester and several full sized trucks on it, but I wouldn't recommend it.
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117100
Seasonal Closure
Visited: 11/24/2022

Closed for the season! See you next year!

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