Looking for a unique ‘Wild West’ attraction to add to your summer bucket list? Crystal Mill might be it.

The Crystal Mill is perched on an outcropping of rock above the Crystal River, framed with a backdrop of stunning mountains. The hidden gem is buried deep in the Elk Mountains and offers some intriguing history and scenic views.

The Mill is located six miles east of Marble, before the ghost town of Crystal. It offers an interesting look into Colorado’s mining past and is supposedly one of the most photographed spots in the state. The Mill is only reachable in the summer and fall by a rough, one-lane, four-wheel-drive road. You can also reach the Mill by foot, mountain bike, or guided jeep tour. Several guided tours are available from Marble, which is off Highway 133 on County Road 3.

Historically, the Crystal Mill was known as the Sheep Mountain Power House, and located on the Lost Horse Millsite. According to the Marble Tourism Association, the Mill was constructed in 1892. It harnessed the river adjacent to the mill to power the air compressor housed inside. The compressor ran drills in the Sheep Mountain and Bear Mountain mines. Those drills were used to bore holes in mine walls for dynamite placement.

The Mill was closed in 1917, but the Gunnison and Aspen Historical Societies, residents of Crystal and Marble, and other interested individuals have made efforts to preserve the mill.

The Crystal Mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. With its mysterious, eerie beauty and serene surroundings, it’s no surprise that the Crystal Mill is still a major attraction in Colorado.

If you opt to visit this remote destination, be sure to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Follow all posted signage related to where you’re allowed to view the mill from.

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