
`SERVICES MENU`	`Crystal River`
`Location and History...` `Contacting Us...` `Return to Homepage`
	`Jeep Tours`

GUIDED TOURS DESCRIPTION AND PRICING

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 repellent, 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 a 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 fore-bearers 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.
Please note that we DO NOT transport pets.

Reservations recommended.
Scroll down for tour options and pricing.

Click Here to Book Your Tour Today

Questions? Call (970) 963-1991

Open from May 24 until November 30. Depending on snow melt and snow build up.

Oct/Nov by reservation only.

Prices do not include taxes.

TOUR OPTIONS

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

All Tours: We DO NOT allow car seats or pets. In response to the Covid19 pandemic our pricing structure has changed.
All Tours: Our pricing now allows for private tours.

Crystal River Tour

$500.00 per tour vehicle
(5 passenger maximum per tour vehicle)
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

$800.00 per tour vehicle
(4 passenger maximum per tour vehicle)
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.

Crystal River Jeep Tours: Silver Creek Trailhead

Smitty's Special Tour

$1200.00 per tour vehicle
(4 passenger maximum per tour vehicle)
Departure Time: Varies
Duration: 7 hours

You get everything the 3-hour and 5-hour tours ofer with the addition of visiting the entrance to the Yule Marble Quarry operation and arriving at the Crystal Mil for sundown "golden hour".
Departure times vary.

Crystal River Jeep Tours: Colorado Columbine

Shuttle Options

Note: 2 Passenger minimum.
Rates are per person.
Departure Time: 7:00 am and 2:00 pm

Location	One Way	Roundtrip
Crystal Mill*	$100	$150
Geneva Lake TH	$100	$200
Top of Daniels Hill	$50	$60
Lost Trail TH	$75	$100
Silver Creek TH	$90	$165
Town of Crystal	$100	$150

*Preferred option for professional, semiprofessional and hobby photographers wanting ot capture "golden hour" at the Crystal Mill generally depart at 2:00 pm, returning after sundown. Approximately 4 hours. Does not include stops along the trail to or from the Crystal Mill.

WHEN TO COME

	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 be melting. 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.
	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.
	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.
	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, because if there are no tour reservations we will shut down for the season.

CRJT VEHICLES

"Silver Fox"
2015 Jeep Wrangler, 4 door: Features custom 3rd row seating. Seats 5 passengers comfortably.

"Rubber Ducky"
2008 Jeep Wrangler, 4 door: Features custom 3rd row seating. Seats 5 passengers comfortably.

"Clifford"
2007 Jeep Wrangler, 4 door: Features custom 3rd row seating. Seats 5 passengers comfortably.

"Ruby"
2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2 door: Seats 3 passengers comfortably.

"White Unicorn"
2020 Kawasaki Mule side-by-side: Seats 4 passengers comfortably.

"Black Unicorn"
2022 Kawasaki Mule side-by-side: Seats 4 passengers comfortably.

CRJT DRIVERS

PUC ORC00214