What started out as a good intention, changed soon after and became an AWESOME adventure! Since we were in the area over the long holiday weekend, I decided we would drive to the Crystal Mill to see this most iconic Colorado site. I've lived in Colorado for over 7 years now and constantly see this image on large framed prints, calendars, postcards, etc.
I read about needing a 4x4 to get there. I have a Subaru Forester which is AWD and figured "how bad can the road be"? Long story short...it was bad. This "2-direction road" was only 8 ft wide in many sections, no guardrails anywhere, steep drop-offs in many parts and very.slow.going. given the rocky terrain of the road (estimate going only 5 MPH for the entire 6 mile distance). About 2 miles in, I came upon a huge puddle covering the entire width of the road. Not having any clue what was underneath the dark water and already being extremely stressed, I decided that I wasn't going any further. I turned around and headed back to Marble.
I had seen a sign for Jeep Tours on the way through town and figured we'd try our luck and see if they had any availability. They did! Sam, the owner, took my daughter and I on a 3-hr tour up to the Crystal Mill and Crystal City ghost town. It was FABULOUS! I didn't have to worry about damaging anything underneath my car, driving off the side of the road, or backing up to let oncoming traffic by. I could actually see all the sites and take all the photos I wanted. I was completely relaxed in the passenger seat of a brand new jeep while Sam did all the driving - after all, she was the expert!
And not only did she drive extremely well, but she was full of wonderful stories and facts about the places we saw, the vegetation, the history of the area, etc.
We had such a great time that my 10-year old daughter has already requested we return next June to celebrate her 11th birthday with the 7-hr tour - but only if Sam drives us! Thank you for an amazing day! read more