Hike by Lizard Lake to Crystal Mill

Carbondale, Colorado

5.0/5

based on 6 reviews

Save

View all 9 photos

All 9 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

10 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Mike Fennell

Explore Crystal Mill and the 19th century town of Crystal. You'll take in unbelievably pristine views of Lizard Lake and rolling mountains.

Although the iconic Crystal Mill is the main attraction on this hike, the river that leads you there through the magnificent mountains of the White River National Forest is nothing short of extraordinary.

Getting There

The hike is located in the small town of Marble, about 40 minutes east of Carbondale on Highway 133. Drive through the town and past beautiful Beaver Lake and find a place to park before the road turns into a smaller 4x4 road. It's possible to drive to Crystal Mill with a high clearance 4x4, but hiking there is definitely recommended.

The Trail

The road itself is a loop and is just a few miles extra should you choose to hike the full trail. Take the right fork in the road about a mile uphill from where you parked. You'll come across Lizard Lake less than half a mile from the fork, and from there continue for four more miles to reach the town of Crystal. Take some time to meander around and explore this 19th century town.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Photography

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Food Nearby

Forest

Lake

Picnic Area

River

Scenic

Wildflowers

Hike by Lizard Lake to Crystal Mill Reviews

Leigh Wilson

Hike by Lizard Lake to Crystal Mill

06/03/16

I grew up vacationing at Beaver Lake each summer - we've hiked, driven and ridden horses up to Crystal. I was even lucky enough to rent one of the cabins in Crystal for a few nights and we backpacked in from Marble. Gorgeous area with so much to do! (I think you can drive to Lizard Lake fairly easily - I saw some Subarus parked there - we usually park at the top of the first hill where there's a pullout near a driveway)

5.0

Explorer

Jason Hatfield

Explorer

Hike by Lizard Lake to Crystal Mill

10/26/15

Or so the saying goes, I'm not so sure due to the condition of the road. I've made the trip numerous times in a stock 4runner but I'll probably be hiking from Marble next time, the road just beats you up.

5.0

Explorer

Jennifer Broome

Explorer

Hike by Lizard Lake to Crystal Mill

10/08/15

Haven't done this one yet but it is high on my Explore Colorado list!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Geneva Lake

Backpack the Lead King Basin Trail

We began our hike at the beginning of the afternoon after about two-three hours driving up the 14 mile road. The first mile of the trail was mild, turning into an uphill adventure. Lots of switchbacks, winding paths, and some tree coverage. By mile 2, we were on a steep grade the rest of the way. Following a river stream most of the way up, the density of the forest began to engulf the trail. T...

Hike to Frigid Air Pass

About 15 miles away from the ski resort town of Crested Butte lies the West Maroon Pass trailhead. This trailhead sees thousands of visitors every year as they make their trek over West Maroon Pass down into Aspen. While West Maroon Pass is beautiful, the heavy summer traffic can detract from the untouched beauty of the Colorado Rockies. However, this issue can be easily resolved by heading one...

Climb South Maroon Peak

Starting at the Maroon Lake Trailhead, walk on the trail past the lake and turn onto the trail heading towards Crater Lake. Hike approximately 1.75 miles to reach another signed trail junction, then turn left and continue on the West Maroon Creek trail to Crater Lake. Eventually you will reach a talus field and wind back into the bushes. Continue on for approximately 0.5 miles until you reach a...

Explore Hayes Creek Falls

Right off of Highway 133 about 2 miles south of Redstone, lies a very easy-to-get-to Waterfall. Park your car off to the side of the highway, walk about 100 feet and you will find this glorious waterfall. The fall is best to see in the late Spring to early Summer. From late Spring, to early Summer, is usually when the waterfall is at its peak. The waterfall is fed by snow-melt, which leads to t...

Hike and Swim at Devil's Punchbowl

Drive north of Crested Butte to Schofield Pass until you come to the sticker-covered sign. Unless you have an ATV, park the car and descend along the infamous and deadly Schofield Pass Road. Follow this road past the first waterfall, which is about 500 feet from the initial sign. You will continue descending until you reach a plateau at the bottom of the valley with the swimming hole to your ri...

Hike by Lizard Lake to Crystal Mill

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Hike by Lizard Lake to Crystal Mill Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to Geneva Lake

Backpack the Lead King Basin Trail

Hike to Frigid Air Pass

Climb South Maroon Peak

Explore Hayes Creek Falls

Hike and Swim at Devil's Punchbowl

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps