You have seen more pictures of it than you can count and may have even had the pleasure of visiting it for yourself, but what do you know about the iconic Crystal Mill in Colorado? Despite it being one of the most photographed mills in the country, few know the history of this fascinating Colorado attraction:

Tucked away outside of Carbondale, the Crystal Mill is one of the best-preserved and most easy-to-recognize places in the Centennial State. 
John Fowler/Wikimedia Commons
Also known as the Old Mill, the Crystal Mill is a circa 1892 wooden powerhouse that was constructed by the promoters of the nearby Sheep Mountain Tunnel and Mining Company.
Unknown author/Wikimedia Commons
Serving as a power plant for the nearby Tunnel and Mining Company, Crystal Mill was initially built with a horizontal waterwheel that would generate compressed air for the Sheep Mountain miners, which was used until 1917.
JahnyBravo/Wikimedia Commons

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After the closure of both the Sheep Mountain Tunnel and Mining Company and Crystal Mill, the wooden power plant has sat abandoned but manages to be more beautiful than ever, and was even placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
AllTrails/Jean-Michel Molina
When you visit today, you will find this popular spot towering proudly over the Crystal River, making for a stunning photo no matter the time of year!
AllTrails/Lindsey Reynolds
Access to the Crystal Mill can be found via a 9-mile out-and-back trail that is located 6 miles east of Marble.
AllTrails/Jason Kissell
Please note: While the trail is accessible by foot, bike, ATV, or 4-wheel-drive vehicle, it is unpaved and therefore tricky to navigate, so it is recommended that guests only visit during the summer and early fall months.
AllTrails/Lindsey Reynolds

Do you have a photo of Crystal Mill that you would like to share? We would love to see it in the comments! For even more picture-perfect places around the Centennial State, check out these 15 Images People From Colorado Will Immediately Recognize.

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Featured Addresses
Crystal Mill, 11520 Co Rd 3, Carbondale, CO 81623, USA