Crystal Mill

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Well, made it to Crystal Mill, finally...!

(Don't know what Crystal Mill is? See it's Wiki)

Wiggled through Marble, CO and made my way towards Beaver Lake. I drove passed the infamous mailboxes and parking lot at the bottom of "the hill' prior to the trail-head. Many stop here and hike up the hill. I was concerned aboiut daylight hours as the surrounding mountains were close and quite tall, so I chose to takle "the hill."

I drove up to the top of the hill and parked at the split in the road just prior to Lizard Lake. I was driving a 2015 Ford Explorer with AWD. I had absolutely zero problem getting up the hill. At the top of this hill there is a split in the road and a single parking spot. I wouldn't drive any further without 4x4 or at least good ground clearance.

Roadsign on top of "The Hill"

Parking on "The Hill"

Hiking the trail wasn't too bad. Just prior to Lizard Lake there are three or four more parking spots. I would avoid using them unless you have 4x4, at least this time of year (January).

Just past Lizard Lake, the snow depth had increased to a few inches. As we got closer to the Mill, the snow gradually got deeper. It was around 6-8" for most of the hike.

Lizard Lake Sign

We intended to take snowshoes in, but enough people had hiked in before us, packing down the snow, that we gambled and didn't think we'd need them. For the most part, that was true. More on that in a bit...  Can't imagine having to have to use them and having to hike the ~4.5 miles in and then out again. It'd be tough. One thing is for sure, the crampons were a must at a minimum...!

Trail Along Crystal River

Large Puddle On Trail

We left the trailhead at 1230 thinking we'd have plenty of time. After about an hour of hiking, I was ~99% convinced that we would run out of daylight as the mountains around us were blocking the sun already. Every now and then, we'd take a turn and the sun would shine through which was somewhat encouraging.

Crystal River

Looking up ahead, about a mile, we could tell that the canyon split. Surely this was where the old Mill was. Where we were currently positioned had completely lost daylight. Up where the canyon appeared to split, it looked as if there was some daylight. Question was, would we make it in time!?

Trail Cut Through The Snow

Luckily, the hike really isn't that bad. On a snow-less day, it wouldn't be much more than a nice walk. Also, luckily, my new Camera Gear/Hiking backpack was sitting nicely! I was worried about this as it is new and untested. I managed to cram enough gear to provide water-filtration, food and shelter should I end up needing it as well as all of my camera gear. Ya never know when a day-hike turns into an overnighter due to an unforeseen injury. I was quite impressed with the bag.

Luckily, we got to the Mill and had just enough light to snap a few photos before losing what little light there was, and by a few, I mean a few! I started with an overall shot of the Mill from above along the trail.

Crystal Mill In The Setting Sun

I took a few shots from the water's edge. The snow down in this area was up to my knees. I didn't care, tho those snowshoes would have been nice. After a drive of almost 5 hours and blazing through what was over a 4-mile hike, in the snow, in 1.5 hours, I was getting the shot! I wouldn't have cared if the snow was up to my armpits.

My first shot from the water's edge was a quick time-lapse shooting upwards toward the Mill. I really needed a Neutral Density filter here, but I do not own any. I attempted to bracket the exposure and create a composite in an effort to compensate for the lack of equipment.

Crystal Mill Above A Flowing Crystal River

My second image, from the water's edge, was a shot with a large river rock in the foreground and the Crystal Mill sitting tall above. Then, the light was gone...

Crystal Mill Above A Flowing Crystal River

I did attempt to get a shot from near the trail of Crystal Mill sitting in the shadows of the sun which had now dipped below the mountains. from the time we arrived to the time the sunshice was gone was about 30 minutes. Hated to rush the shots, but I didn't have much choice. Next time, I will leave much sooner than 1230.

Crystal Mill Sitting In The Shadows

The hike back to the trail-head was much more enjoyable as I didn't feel I was running down the trail chasing daylight. About half way back to the vehicle I stopped and put on the crampons. Wow, what a difference!

Frost On A Trailside Branch

I thought I was checking this place off my bucket list. Little did I know, I was merely adding it right back on as I simply must have shots from the other three seasons! Not to mention, after seeing the results of this trip, I have a few ideas for better snow pics. It seems I will be going back for more snow pics too!

Looking forward to going back as I'd like to get similar shots during all four seasons and frame them together, not to mention, I'd love a nice star trail in a winter setting. With that being said, our Spring season is the "snowiest." Guess that means I will be going back twice in the Spring.

Here's a composite video of the hike: https://youtu.be/ykhgX2GROWs

Enjoy!

Faz

My Gear Affiliate Links:
Nikon D5600
Lens
L-Bracket
Tripod
Level
Backpack
Snowshoes
Snowshoe Bag
Crampons