Colorado Ghost Town Books/Maps
Crystal Colorado Ghost Town
This is perhaps one of the most photographed mining buildings in Colorado. It is part of an old power plant below Crystal City. The Power Plant was operated by Sheep Mountain Mill to drive air compressors for the Sheep Mountain Tunnel. The structure is located near the old town of Crystal City. Crystal City was founded on the Crystal River in 1880. Most of the mining done near here was for silver. After the silver panic of 1893 the town's population steadily decreased. The last time this mill was operated was in 1916 when the towns population grew to 75. A change from a high of about 300 to 400 in 1886 and a low of 8 in 1915. Some claim the population was as high as 600 in 1883. Today you can still see old miner's buildings, this mill and other structures. Make sure you use a 4x4, or plan to walk the last four miles to get there.
Picture Credits to Joan Sinnwell 1985
Photos from 1985
Photos from 2002
A viewer writes - Hi mike my father in law and i went to crystal recently and let me tell you it was the most beautiful drive up to it ! The road is defiantly 4x4and you get bumped around quite a bit but by all means well worth the drive.
A viewer writes -Sunday, July 11, 2010 - My son Aaron and I visited Crystal in July 2010 and found this to be one of the most wonderful experiences we have had in our may years of exploring Colorado. The residents of Crystal are the most friendly and thank you Deb for your hospitality and adopting us both. We will see you in the fall... Thanks again...Dave
A viewer writes - Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - In the early 60's I started going to Crystal with the Tidwell family. In those days, of course, no running water, no electricity, outhouses, good and bad ones, and all of the cabins were in disrepair. I was 11 yrs. old, and with all of the joined families, we would take on one cabin a summer, clean them up, and name them to know where to run during an afternoon rainstorm! My memories of the 7 summers I spent up there are wonderful, and I do hope to get up there again soon.
There were 3 families that would populate were the Bassetts, Neals, and of course the whole Tidwell clan. We had one mulepack guide that would take you to Snowmass Lake, and back...what a trip!
Thanks for the memories and great times....Susan (Brunty)Lyon
A viewer writes - Thursday December 23rd 2010 -- Is Crystal City really a ghost town now? When I was there July 18, 1983, I was told there were 12 people who lived there year round. There was a bulldozer parked near the road that a resident said was used to clear the snow at times. Even in July that location had a wall of snow on each side of the road. Just recently I came across some photos of that trip and decided to look Crystal up on the internet. It was one of the most beautiful spots in this country 17 years ago and I imagine it still is. -- Jean
A viewer writes - Sunday, January 16, 2011 -- I found this picture of the Crystal Springs Mill while searching through pics of Ghost towns on the net. The best part, is that I live in a cabin in Alaska, and this picture (the 2nd 1985 pic) came with the cabin when rented. It shows a creek running next to it as well. I stare endlessly at it everyday, and am glad to finally know, where it is & when it was taken. Thanks. From Amy, Tok, AK
Rocky Replies - Too bad I don't have your email address. I was in TOK last year and plan a visit again this year. I would stop and say HI.
Click here to see the town of Crystal
Rocky Mountain Profiles Colorado Ghost Towns and Colorado Photos – Niwot Colorado