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Crystal River Jeep Tours on the road.

Jeep Tours

GUIDED TOURS DESCRIPTION AND PRICING


Crystal River Jeep Tours:  Crystal Mill
For an adventure off the beaten path, come to the Marble area with its mining past, historic towns and dramatic mountain scenery.  We operate well maintained, heavy duty Jeeps and our tour guides are all experienced off-road drivers with a broad knowledge of the history and geography of the area, and trained annually in CPR and first aid procedures.  We recommend you bring a coat or wind breaker, hat, water, tennis shoes or hiking boots, insect repellant, sun block, and that you dress in layers.  Don't forget your brown bag lunch if the tour requires it.  Don't forget your wallet for the Crystal Store and Crystal Tale Books.  Our vehicles are open Jeeps equipped with first aid kit, fire extinguisher, ponchos and a tarp for safety and protection.  Weather at high altitudes is unpredictable -- mountain storms form with little notice (our tours range from 8000 to 11000 feet elevation).  Storage is limited - small 12-pack sized coolers and day packs only please (each Jeep is also equipped with one small cooler (24 pack) and ice packs if you do not have your own).  Be prepared for a rocking, dusty ride over the same trail our forebearers blazed when they settled the area.  Above all, do not forget your camera and binoculars. All tours depart from Marble. We recommend you arrive 15 minutes early to make payment, sign waivers and get loaded in your Jeep. Note that we DO NOT transport pets, however we may have a pet sitter available.
Scroll down for tour options and pricing.

Reservations recommended.   Walk-ins are welcome.

For reservations call (970) 963-1991


for the 2011 season:

Open from May 27 until November 30. 

Meet the CRJT drivers.


TOUR OPTIONS

(Tour Map)  (Tour Photos)  (Rules, Regulations and Policies)

All Tours: Children under 5 free, age 5-9 half-price, age 10 and over full fare. We DO NOT allow car seats or pets.
All Tours: If you want a private tour, let us know.  Otherwise, we will fill the Jeep with strangers. It's part of the adventure..


Crystal Tour
Crystal River Jeep Tours:  Crystal Mill $80.00 per person (1 passenger)
$60.00 per person (2 passengers)
$40.00 per person (3 or more passengers)
Departure Time: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
  • This tour takes you to the historic Crystal Mill and Crystal City, 20 minute stops at each site.
  • Your Jeep will traverse the mountain road blazed by settlers in the late 1800's, which is still in about the same condition. 
  • See Lizard Lake, overlook the Crystal River from the shelf roads, see natural spring water falls, wildlife, the Sheep Mountain cliffs towering 2000 feet above and the unmatched beauty of the Upper Crystal River Valley.

Lead King Basin Loop Tour
Lead King Basin $100.00 per person (1 passenger)
$80.00 per person (2 passengers)
$60.00 per person (3 or more passengers)
Departure Time: 10:00 am
Duration: 5 hours
  • This 18 mile, 10,500 foot summit, loop tour includes incredible wildflower covered alpine meadows, panoramic views of the valley and peaks, 20 minute stops at Silver Creek, Coors Falls (lunch stop), Crystal City, and the historic Crystal Mill.
  • The road borders the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness area in the White River National Forest. 
  • Brown bag lunch recommended.

Smitty's Special Tour
Crystal River Jeep Tours:  Silver Creek Trailhead
$155.00 per person (1-2 passengers)
$125.00 per person (3-4 passengers)
Departure Time: 10:00 am
Duration: 7 hours
  • The Lead King Loop tour on steroids, also called the 'antique tour with the antique driver'.
  • Ride with Smitty in one of our antique Willys Jeeps, or any other Jeep in our fleet.
  • Numerous photo stops, plus experience a side trip to the Devils Punchbowl and a short hike to a secret place.
  • Brown bag lunch recommended.

Treasure Mountain Tour
Crystal River Jeep Tours: Treasure Mountain $120.00 per person (1 passenger)
$100.00 per person (2 passengers)
$80.00 per person (3 or more passengers)
Departure Time: 10:00 am
Duration: 5 hours
Note that the Treasure Mountain tour is not available yet.
We are still discussing access with the US Forest Service.
Contact Ranger Brent Allred to request approval.
  • Treasure Mountain is a 12,000 foot+ ridge between the Crystal River valley and the Yule Marble quarry road. 
  • From the summit we will take you on moderate hikes to overlook the Marble Quarry, Crystal City and a panoramic view of the Crystal River Valley.
  • Brown bag lunch recommended.

Sheep Mountain Tour
Crystal River Jeep Tours:  Crystal City from Inspiration Point
$120.00 per person (1 passenger)
$100.00 per person (2 passengers)
$80.00 per person (3 or more passengers)
Departure Time: 10:00 am
Duration: 5 hours
Note that the Sheep Mountain tour is not available yet.
We are still discussing access with the US Forest Service.
Contact Ranger Brent Allred to request approval.
  • Sheep Mountain is a ridge that extends 4 miles up the valley, peaking at 11,500 feet. 
  • From the summit we will take you on moderate hikes to Inspiration Point (overlooking Crystal City, the Old Mill, and Lead King Basin), and the narrow west ridge overlooking the Lower Crystal River Valley at Marble, and the numerous peaks surrounding the valley. 
  • A panoramic view of the Crystal River Valley.
  • Brown bag lunch recommended.


Marble City Tour
Crystal River Jeep Tours:  Marble City State Bank $60.00 per person (1 passenger)
$40.00 per person (2 passengers)
$20.00 per person (3 or more passengers)
Departure Time: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
  • Tour the historic sites in the City of Marble. 
  • Includes a guided walking tour of the Marble Mill Site Park, and overlooks of the city from the Old Ski Area Road and from the Quarry Road.


Drop-off and Pick-up

Crystal River Jeep Tours: Colorado Columbine
Crystal City: $80.00 (2 passenger minimum)
Trailhead:
Lost Trail: $60.00 (2 passenger minimum)
Silver Creek: $70.00 (2 passenger minimum)
Geneva Lake: $80.00 (2 passenger minimum)
        Camping: Call
  • Transportation for photography, camping, hiking, bicycling, and outdoorsmen. 
  • Call for confirmation and rates.
  • Bring your gear, we will get you there and back.


Other Services
Crystal River Jeep Tours: Fall Colors

Additional time:  $25.00 per hour per person.


Custom Tours:   Call

Groups:  Call
  • Groups:  10% discount for groups of 10 or more.  Maximum 18 at one time


WHEN TO COME

Crystal River Jeep Tours:  Crystal Mill Spring
--
June to
July
Early June the road to Crystal will have only recently opened.  The Lead King loop may or may not be open early.  The river, creeks and falls will be running high and fast, shedding the runoff from the previous winters snow fall.  You will see alpine wild flowers beginning to bloom, including Columbine, the state flower.  The mountain peaks will still have heavy snow fields on their summits.

Late June through July the alpine flowers will be in full bloom, carpeting the hillside on the Lead King Basin loop as we skirt the wilderness area.  The river will be running clear as crystal, back to a normal flow.  The road to Sheep Mountain will have opened allowing unprecedented views of the upper valley.  Much of the high mountain snow will have melted.

Throughout the spring season the climate will be cool mornings and evenings, and temperate days with daily rain showers.  Note that opening day depends on the snow melt.
Crystal River Jeep Tours: 1959 Willys CJ5 at the Crystal Mill Summer
--
 July to September
July through early August the flora and fauna of the area will be in full swing reproducing and reestablishing itself in hopes of surviving the winter soon to follow. 
In August the fall perenial flowers will still be blooming.
In September you may experience snow flurries in the high country and the trees may be turning colors preparing for autumn which generally begins mid-September.
Prime fishing begins as the waters recede. 
Rains are generally short showers.
Crystal River Jeep Tours:  Fall Colors Autumn
--
September to October
Mid-September to early October see the autumn colors in the Rockies. 
The Crystal River valley is among the top areas in the state for fall colors.
Gold and red-tinged aspen groves, russet oak, orange mountain ash, green pines and more. 
Rain, mixed with sleet or snow, could occur anytime.   Dress warmly in layers.
Crystal River Jeep Tours:  Crystal Mill
Winter
--
October to November
Tours during this period are dependent on snowfall and road conditions to Crystal City.
We chain up all four tires and the road is actually smoother because the snow packs down over the rocks.
We will not put tops on the Jeeps, dress accordingly.
We highly recommend you call ahead during this period.


CRJT VEHICLES

Nellie Bell
1954 Willys Jeep CJ3B (Nellie Bell)
5 passengers.
Nellie Bell became a CRJT tour Jeep in 2010.  Restored by Smitty, she has a stock drive train and a custom rear seat extension.  She even has built-in drink holders.  And don't forget the cow bell on the front.
Tinker Bell
1959 Willys Jeep CJ5 (Tinker Bell)
4 passengers.
Tinker Bell has been a CRJT tour Jeep since 2007.  Restored by Smitty, Tinker has a stock drive train and a custom built rear seat.  She is painted with bed liner giving her a very tough appearance.  And of course, the cow bell on the front.
(Picture
Soon)
1984 AMC Jeep Scrambler CJ8 (Maui)
5 passengers.
Maui is scheduled to join the CRJT fleet in 2011. 
Green Hornet
1997 Jeep Wrangler (Green Hornet)
4 passengers.
Green has been a CRJT tour Jeep since 2003.  Other than the 2" lift, oversize tires and custom rear seat Green is a stock Jeep.
Big Red
2007 Jeep Wrangler (Big Red)
6 passengers.
Big Red has been a CRJT tour Jeep since 2007.  Red has oversize tires for clearance and a custom third seat for additional passengers.  Red is our smoothest, most comfortable Jeep.
(Coming Soon) 1964 Willys Jeep CJ6
 

CRJT DRIVERS



Copyright © 2006 Crystal River Jeep Tours.
Update: January 2011.
Prices subject to seasonal change.

PUC 3790S

"This business operates on the White River National Forest and is under a Special Use Permit with the Forest Service, U.S.D.A."

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