08/28/2026
This was my photography bucket list shot. A possible once in a lifetime location. I planned an entire vacation around this one historical structure. It's the Crystal Mill located on Shofield Pass outside of Marble, CO. It's a tough 4X4 road that only experts should attempt. So we hired a jeep shuttle service in Marble, tailored to photographers. It's one of the most photographed structures in Colorado.
For you history buffs like me, it was originally called the Sheep Mountain Power House, built in 1893. It was used to harness the power of the river to run drills nearby. It sits adjacent to the ghost town of Crystal. A handful of residents still live in Crystal during the summer months. Its remoteness, severe winters and inaccessibility caused its eventual decline in 1917. Currently the town and the Mill all sit on private property.
So what do you think? Would you attempt to see this beautiful historic location? It was 1000% worth it to me. I'll never forget this place.
*Click on the image to see the full size image in all its glory*
