Ghost Towns Guest Book
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
Click here to see the town of Crystal
Rocky Mountain Profiles Colorado Ghost Towns and Colorado Photos – Niwot Colorado