Tag Archives: Marble

MCCLURE PASS – Marble #Colorado

Image March 15, 2018 Dan Traun 2 Comments

McClure Pass

McClure Pass is located along the boundary between Pitkin and Gunnison counties, in a gap at the western side of the Elk Mountains south of Redstone. It separates the headwaters of the Crystal River with the headwaters of the North Fork Gunnison River. The pass is traversed by State Highway 133 between Carbondale and Paonia. It provides the direct route between the Roaring Fork Valley and the North Fork Valley. The pass is not especially high and is generally open year round. It does close during heavy snowstorms. The approaches are fairly steep on each side, with an 8% grade. The approach is smooth on the south side, as the road overlooks Muddy Creek above Paonia State Park. The approach on the north side has one large switchback overlooking the valley containing the town of Marble, Colorado. ~wikipedia

McClure Pass is just south of Glenwood Springs. Reaching nearly 8800 feet in elevation, it is a small fry in Rocky Mountain terms. It is one of the steepest paved roads in the state, requiring drivers to climb an 8 percent grade. The pass offers magnificent views of Chair Mountain, Ragged Peak and Ragged Mountain.

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Destination, Photography, Travel

CRYSTAL RIVER – REDSTONE #Colorado

Image March 14, 2018 Dan Traun 4 Comments

Crystal River

The Crystal River is a tributary of the Roaring Fork River. It is approximately 40 mi long, in western Colorado in the United States. It drains a glacial valley, called the Coal Basin, south of Carbondale, historically known as a center of coal mining in southwestern Colorado. The river rises in northern Gunnison County in the Elk Mountains, passing through the ghost town of Crystal City, still inhabited by a few summer residents. It then flows north past Marble, then into Pitkin County past Redstone. It joins the Roaring Fork below Carbondale. State Highway 133 follows the river along much of its route north of Marble.

From Crystal City to Marble the river flows through the Crystal River Canyon, a narrow valley with numerous snowslide runs, rockfalls, and other hazardous terrain. It is locally known as a fishing and hiking attraction. The unpaved and largely un-maintained mining road is nearly impassable to vehicles other than ATVs and off-road motorcycles. A four-wheel-drive jeep tour is operated out of Marble. It only operates during the summer when the road is not blocked by snow, mud, or rock slides. ~wikipedia

Colorado State Highway 133 is a beautiful stretch of road. The Crystal River adds to the beauty exponentially. My wife and I especially enjoy the route from Carondale, through Redstone and over McClure Pass. Hwy 3 from 133 to Marble is quite lovely as well. At some point; hopefully in the not too distant future we will be able to make the trip from Marble to Crystal and photograph Crystal Mill. The road condition and off-road vehicle requirement makes this trip all the more interesting.

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Destination, Photography, Travel

HAYS CREEK FALLS – REDSTONE #Colorado

Image March 13, 2018 Dan Traun

Hays Creek Falls

Hays Creek Falls, also know as Hayes, is a waterfall along Hayes Creek that flow into the Crystal River. There is a short dirt path off of Highway 133 near Redstone, CO. The sign for “Hays Creek Falls” faces South bound traffic heading toward Marble on the right.

There are unnamed falls above Hays Creek Falls. We did not venture beyond. I’ve read that the trail is a bit steep and treacherous. I’ve also read about pot holes in the stream above the first falls. In a photo I saw through Google, it appears that there are falls flowing out of each pothole. We may have to check these out on a return trip.