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A 13-mile jeep rd loop near Marble, that traverses to the Lead King Basin, Crystal City Ghost Town, and the Crystal Mill


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Map Key

12.9

Miles

20.7

KM

86%

Runnable

10,883' 3,317 m

High

8,576' 2,614 m

Low

2,411' 735 m

Up

2,458' 749 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This a challenging loop that can be done as a trail run, long day hike, or mountain bike route. The trail begins close to Marble, and traverses through forests, valleys, open mountain areas, and along streams and rivers, on two unmaintained jeep roads. The trail gains a little over 3k feet.

Description

The route is made up of jeep roads (Road #315 and #314), with a few switchbacks and portions of the road that are made up of very loose rock. In the early summer, you'll most likely come across at least 3-5 large stream/river crossings, and possibly some leftover snow from the winter.

If you start the loop going towards Lead King Basin first, ending with Lizard Lake and the Crystal Mill, the first 2 miles of the loop are steep and move up in elevation fast. The second 2.5 miles are more of a gradual build up to the peak at about 4.5 miles.

The mountain and valley views are fantastic from about 4 miles in until around 7 miles in. This route goes through the Lead King Basin, past the Lead King Mine, then through Crystal City ghost town and the famous Crystal Mill. The portion of the road from Crystal City back to Marble will be more dense with people and 4WD vehicles.

Contacts

Shared By:

Katie Stookesberry

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 10 votes

#1

in Marble

#3325

Overall
  4.0 from 10 votes
5 Star
30%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
10%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Marble

#518

in Colorado

#3,325

Overall
6 Views Last Month
8,936 Since Jun 19, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

10%
0%
60%
10%
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Photos

The Crystal Mill
Dec 6, 2014 near Crested…, CO
Lizard Lake
Dec 6, 2014 near Snowmas…, CO
When traveling clockwise, after topping out, you'll arrive to these views.
Sep 13, 2019 near Snowmas…, CO
Lead King Basin is expansive and beautiful.
Jun 19, 2017 near Snowmas…, CO
Crystal Mill
Jun 7, 2018 near Crested…, CO
Michelle takes in views of Snowmass Mountain during the spectacular descent into the Lead King Basin.
Sep 2, 2014 near Snowmas…, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 9 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 3, 2024
Jeff Hodges
Aug 7, 2022
Bogie Dumitrescu
DON'T DO THIS. Worst thing to do in marble. within 1 mile the dust from the ATVes , 4WD cars and the exhaust from the dirt bikes, left us coughing,…
Jul 7, 2019
Chloe Ward
12.9mi — 3h 30m
Sep 15, 2018
Melissa Galvin
Most beautiful views in September. Steep ascent in the first 5 miles. 16mi — 3h 01m
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