It has been awhile since You, Me and The Dock’s photographer, Brian “Have camera will travel” Hockley has shared an exciting travel adventure with this photo expo.
Brian found time to explore a popular destination that highlights one of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain mining communities and its historical value.
One of Colorado’s most photographed spots is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Crystal – a late 1800’s mining community, is located in the western central Rockies near Gunnison, Colorado.
Crystal is approximately five and a half hours away from Greeley. There is plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy when navigating the mountain roadways.
You will drive through an active mining town named Marble – established in 1899. It holds its namesake dearly by still mining its famous Yule Marble.
The town of Marble has become quite the tourist attraction with its renown marble quarry. The remaining structures authenticate the town which plays into the earlier mining circa. The rustic feel can be experienced when walking around.
The surrounding terrain is a site-seeing extravaganza all on its own. Marble is located in the Crystal valley surrounded by the Elk Mountains. The countryside is some of the most scenic in the western United States.
There are two specific ways to make your way up to Crystal Mill. You can hike four miles or drive on a very narrow dirt road.
If you hike in, take plenty of water and have the proper clothing and shoes. If you drive, make sure you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle and proceed with caution. Either way, the views are simply amazing.
Surrounded by Aspen trees and just outside Marble in the midst of the Rocky Mountains lies Beaver Lake. This higher altitude lake – approximately 7,900 feet, is a well visited site by fishermen and nature lovers alike.
From the mountainside trails, you can view the wooded areas and the Crystal River that leads to the Mill.
As you walk along the trail, peeking through the tall lodge pole pines is the mill. The excitement grows as the rustic structure comes into view.
Crystal Mills, a.k.a. Sheep Mountain Power House – was built in 1893. It was as a power source that supplied compressed air for constructing the Sheep Mountain Tunnel and silver miners.
The Mill was put out of commission in 1917 when the Sheep Mountain Mine closed down. The site was put on the National Registery of Historic Places in July of 1985.
Crystal, Colorado was a robust community at one time. Since then the town has become almost non-existent with most of its buildings abandoned. Its remaining residents only visit during the summer months.
There are plenty of fresh mountain streams that feed into the surrounding water sheds that are filled with Colorado’s signature trout. When you visit the Gunnison area with all its history and fabulous scenery, Brian “Have camera will travel” suggests that you always have your camera ready. You just never know what might be coming around the corner.
Author: Brian Hockley
Photography: Brian Hockley
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Article Layout: Anthony Scopel
Technical Mastering & Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: YMATD
The staff at “You, Me and The Dock” congratulates Brian and his new bride Pauline on their recent marriage!
