Crystal & Lead King Basin

[IntrepidXJ]

Saturday, June 2, 2012

The Original Trip Report on ADVENTR.CO

Today I decided to take a day trip up to the Elk Mountains near Crystal and Lead King Basin. I had heard that most of the back-roads up there were opening up (earlier than usual) and I hadn't been up that way in a few years, so I thought it would be nice to get back up there again.

As I was driving up to McClure Pass, I noticed the nice light on this large section of green aspen trees.


Spring Aspens by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I ended up visiting the 'Crystal Mill' twice during the day hoping to get some good photos, but the sky never really cooperated with me on this trip. Here are the best photos I was able to get. I'll have to return another time to try again.


Crystal Power House by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Crystal River & Mill by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Driving up into Lead King Basin.


Springtime Road by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I stopped a few times along Silver Creek to take some photos of the flowing water.


Silver Creek Falls by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Falling Water by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

My Jeep in Lead King Basin.


Lead King Basin by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I had planned to hike up to Geneva Lake, but once I got about a half mile up the trail some dark clouds rolled in with thunder and lightning, so I turned around and got back in my Jeep. I guess I will have to return in the future and try again.


Geneva Lake Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

On my way back to Marble I stopped at Lizard Lake to get a few photos of the reflection of Sheep Mountain.


Lizard Lake Reflection by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Sheep Mountain Reflection by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

When I made it back to the highway I decided to head home through Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. I stopped in Carbondale for some dinner before finishing the drive home. It was a nice day getting back up into the Elk Mountains.

>> Crystal & Lead King Basin Photo Gallery

 

[pixie1339]

Awesome report! One of the many places I want to visit in Colorado. Thanks for sharing with us!

 

[moose droppings]

whoa, where's all the snow?

my vote goes to the two B&W photos: Crystal Power House and Falling Water.

thanks for sharing the backcountry stoke.

 

[DAA]

Gorgeous! May not have been any snow, but at least it looks lush and green. I spent the weekend on Boulder Mtn. and was pretty bummed at how brown and dry it is already. Although I did get snowed on for a few minutes while fishing on Saturday...

- DAA

 

[Nick]

I'm not sure what's more shocking, no snow in June or Randy heading to the mountains instead of hunting down rock art in the desert! Great stuff, Randy.

 

[lostlandscapes]

Excellent shots and report! "Spring Aspens" is my favorite. Love all of the detail you managed to pull out of the forest there

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Excellent shots and report! "Spring Aspens" is my favorite. Love all of the detail you managed to pull out of the forest there

Thanks! That's one of my favorites, too

 

[Yvonne]

Excellent shots and report. I really love the Aspen shot, so beautiful.
Crystal Mill is on my list for quite a while, I would love to see it one day.