The town of Crystal is an old mining town and is now somewhat of a ghost town. The Dead horse Mill, or Crystal Mill, a historical landmark, stands next to the Crystal River west of town as a reminder of the mining economy that brought settlers to the region. The mill stands on private property and is not open to the public.

The Crystal River Jeep Trail (FDR #314) parallels the Crystal River from Beaver Lake to Crystal City. Although most of the road is not too difficult, there are several narrow, rocky and steep sections where it may be necessary for the downhill driver to back up when encountering another vehicle. This is not a road for passenger automobiles or inexperienced drivers.

Directions from Carbondale: From Carbondale travel south on Colorado Highway 133 about 22 miles to the Marble turnoff. Go east on the Marble road, through Marble, and past Beaver Lake. The four wheel-drive portion begins just past the Gold Pan Gallery. The road begins to head uphill and passes over shale rock. About one mile outside of Marble there is a fork in the road; take the right fork (FDR #314). The road immediately heads downhill.