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Crystal Climbing

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Elevation:	10,000 ft
GPS:	39.05822, -107.09076 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	1,511 total · 13/month
Shared By:	Eric Klammer on Jan 30, 2015
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

A small, seasonally populated town located along the Crystal River between Crested Butte and Marble, Crystal is accessible only to those willing to hike a bit or brave a difficult and possibly dangerous drive.

Known more for the oft-photographed Crystal "mill" and the cliff jumping opportunities of the Devil's Punchbowl, Crystal also holds a small potential for climbing on some on the sheer walls of Mineral Point and its lone, imposing tower. Mostly loose and fractured, the vast majority of the rock is unsuitable for climbing. However, exceptions are present, and some climbing has been done on cleaner faces offering a metamorphic mashup of marble, quartzite, slate, limestone, and more. Adventurous climbing awaits those willing to explore.

Getting There

From Crested Butte:

Take Gothic Road/317 NW out of town. Continue on to and over Schofield Pass (10,722'). The road will gradually worsen from here. After driving down an open valley, you will reach the start of the 4x4 trail marked with a large warning sign. If in a high clearance 4x4 and comfortable driving on a narrow and exposed shelf road, keep driving. If not, start walking. Mineral Point and the Crystal Tower will be visible on your right shortly before reaching the town of Crystal.

From Marble:

Take Silver Street East out of town. Follow signage/3 to Crystal. The wall and tower will be on your left shortly after passing through the town site.