Crystal River Jeep Tours
Crystal River Jeep Tours
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About
Get to the iconic Crystal Mill in style and comfort. Three main tours to choose from. The 3-hour Crystal Tour, 5-hour Lead King Basin Loop or the 7-hour Smittys Special. See our web site for more information and other tour options, such as guided hikes and trailhead drop-off/pick-up. Photographer friendly.We are a small family-owned business that has been in operation since 1950, among the oldest adventure tour operations in Colorado. We do not do on-line reservations, you have to actually call us to make a reservation. Remember, we do it topless... so dress accordingly.
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Crystal River Jeep Tours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
93 reviews
Excellent
82
Very good
5
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Fadno T
Devon, England58 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Our whole experience with Sam & Dustin was perfect from start to finish.
Their communications were professional, prompt, and thoughtful.
Their tour was individualised, very personal, and met our very varied party’s needs brilliantly.
Dustin was a very careful driver, yet has a tremendous sense of humour. He was patient, kind, adventurous, and hilarious. We loved our time with him, and the kids have named it their favourite day of our trip. He was very generous with his time, and took lots of photos for us, too. He has a great sense of adventure & really ensures his group has fun. We loved his jokes& how he approached each member of our group differently.
Sam was highly organised & conscientious. She was resolute in ensuring our Neurodiverse group, and our wide variety of ages (7-72) were very well provided for. She was an absolute joy to meet and befriend.
Sam also sells some incredible freeze-dried sweets that are highly recommended, and both she and Dustin are talented woodworkers, with many wonderful pieces of wood art for sale.
Online it says you can do this drive yourself. But we chose not to, and are very glad we didn’t. Not having to worry about the rocky road, the vehicle, oncomers, is worth the tour price alone. But more than that, Dustin and Sam really add to it.
Sam is passionate about her home town & treats the environment with the respect it deserves.
It’s stunningly beautiful. Sam and Dustin are brilliant. We cannot recommend this tour highly enough.
Ps don’t forget some extra cash for the sweets and a souvenir of a very memorable trip!
Their communications were professional, prompt, and thoughtful.
Their tour was individualised, very personal, and met our very varied party’s needs brilliantly.
Dustin was a very careful driver, yet has a tremendous sense of humour. He was patient, kind, adventurous, and hilarious. We loved our time with him, and the kids have named it their favourite day of our trip. He was very generous with his time, and took lots of photos for us, too. He has a great sense of adventure & really ensures his group has fun. We loved his jokes& how he approached each member of our group differently.
Sam was highly organised & conscientious. She was resolute in ensuring our Neurodiverse group, and our wide variety of ages (7-72) were very well provided for. She was an absolute joy to meet and befriend.
Sam also sells some incredible freeze-dried sweets that are highly recommended, and both she and Dustin are talented woodworkers, with many wonderful pieces of wood art for sale.
Online it says you can do this drive yourself. But we chose not to, and are very glad we didn’t. Not having to worry about the rocky road, the vehicle, oncomers, is worth the tour price alone. But more than that, Dustin and Sam really add to it.
Sam is passionate about her home town & treats the environment with the respect it deserves.
It’s stunningly beautiful. Sam and Dustin are brilliant. We cannot recommend this tour highly enough.
Ps don’t forget some extra cash for the sweets and a souvenir of a very memorable trip!
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
allen
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Couples
My wife and I absolutely LOVED our recent Jeep tour with Samantha! On the morning of our arrival we were warmly greeted by her and treated like friends. Leading up to booking our tour, Samantha did every that she could to squeeze us in as it was the busy season at the end of September and perfect for the Aspen foliage. We were delighted to learn that Samantha would be our guide.
Her awesome, outgoing and friendly personality- combined with her extensive knowledge of geology, local fauna and history of the area- made our tour absolutely fantastic!
There was never a dull moment and the scenery was absolutely fantastic. The Company’s focus on safety is obvious, and despite some crazy rugged terrain, Samantha always had our safety and comfort in mind. Because of her, we are actually planning to return next summer for a longer tour and we will definitely request her services. She is the best!
Thank you again Sam for an amazing morning. You made our vacation and tour special!
Allen and Anjelica
Her awesome, outgoing and friendly personality- combined with her extensive knowledge of geology, local fauna and history of the area- made our tour absolutely fantastic!
There was never a dull moment and the scenery was absolutely fantastic. The Company’s focus on safety is obvious, and despite some crazy rugged terrain, Samantha always had our safety and comfort in mind. Because of her, we are actually planning to return next summer for a longer tour and we will definitely request her services. She is the best!
Thank you again Sam for an amazing morning. You made our vacation and tour special!
Allen and Anjelica
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
J Travel
Tennessee276 contributions
Aug 2020
First off, our guide Smitty was the nicest most knowledgeable guy in the area. We booked the transportation shuttle to the Geneva lake trailhead. He dropped us off at 2:20 after one of the most picturesque atv rides of my life. From there we hiked up to the lake which in my opinion nothing can beat these views. Every turn was a moment to be blown away by all the surrounding peaks. We got to the lake, which has massive trout, relaxed and had lunch then hiked back down to get picked up at 5:30. If you are in the area looking for places to explore, this is it!
Thanks again Smitty, pleasure talking to you!
Thanks again Smitty, pleasure talking to you!
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for the review. Hope to see you again.
Written September 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer G
Colorado5 contributions
Jul 2021
My husband, daughter, and I did the Crystal Mill tour with Sam last weekend. It was a blast! Sam is super fun and knowledgeable. The tour is a great way to see the Mill and Crystal City if you don't want to hike in or if you don't have a vehicle suitable for the trail. We will definitely be back to do one of the other tours. The whole area is truly breathtaking!
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brooke N
70 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We had a great experience with the jeep tour out of Marble. Our guide Sam was very knowledgeable and fun . We had beautiful weather and got to see the iconic Crystal Mill. For others considering driving this route I do think it is possible with the right equipment, but with saying that I would plan for problems. Bring water, wear appropriate shoes, have spare tires etc. On our way down we ran into about 4 different group of people with issues like flat tires, cars overheating with a/c on, etc. It was nice to sit back and not worry about tearing up our car. We also learned a lot history of the area. Highly recommend
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
deb n
Colorado141 contributions
Aug 2020
A must do while in the Redstone, Marble, Carbondale, or Glenwood area. The Crystal mill was every bit as impressive in person as it is in photographs. It is STUNNING. Sam at Crystal River Jeep Tours was great to deal with in the booking process and our group had a fantastic time with driver/guide Chad (the Aussie). Loved this tour!
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for the review. Chadd appreciates your comments also.
Written August 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cassie S
1 contribution
Sep 2020
Went in early September with Chad and Sam and had an absolute blast. Chad was super knowledgeable about the area and surrounding wildlife. Marble is a really beautiful area and I'd definitely recommend booking with them, if you're in town. Word to the wise: get gas before coming (nearest gas station is ~60 miles away).
& most importantly: don't forget to pinch it!!
& most importantly: don't forget to pinch it!!
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for the review. We hope to see you again.
Written October 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Footprints472376
4 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We had the Crystal Mill Jeep tour booked but were unable to go. We were staying in Vail when the Glenwood Springs fires broke out, making it almost impossible to get to Marble due to I70 and then Independence pass being shut down. We were so bummed to miss this! But the two times we spoke on the phone, booking then cancelling, I was so impressed with the friendliness of the company. When we had to cancel they gave us a full refund, even though it was last minute, due to the extenuating circumstances. I really hope we get to come back and experience this sometime. We will definitely be booking with the Smith family!
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are happy you are safe and look forward to your future visit.
Written August 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard R
Westminster, CO921 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
I have visited the Crystal River Mill several times over the years. I have done it on foot, by bicycle, by motorcycle, Subaru Outback, and most recently, by Jeep tour, specifically the Crystal River Jeep Tours company. The Crystal River Jeep Tour was, by far, the most enjoyable of all visits. I was able to enjoy the scenery all the way in and out by leaving the driving to the tour operator. The road to the mill is a Jeep road and whoever is driving must watch the road continuously. If you are the driver, you will see very little of the scenery. If you are not an experienced Jeep road driver, the trip will be nerve racking. If you do not have a four wheel drive vehicle you probably won't see the mill (or your vehicle after the road destroys it!). If you break your vehicle back there it will cost huge amounts of money to get it back out.
My wife and I wanted to do a sunset trip and Smitty said "No problem". And there were no extra costs involved, even though we did not get back to the office until 10:00 PM. The trip was spectacular with afternoon and evening lighting. I got to take pictures with natural light and by flash. And we got to watch the stars come out as the night sky darkened. We even stopped, turned off the lights, shut the engine off and enjoyed the Milky Way.
Regular tours go out a couple of times in the morning and afternoon each day. Our trip cost $75 per person and was worth every penny. The jeeps will hold 4 or 5 customers with room for a little extra in supplies. Bring a coat and rain gear for changing weather. The jeeps have no roofs!! You bring your own snacks and refreshments. I suppose you could arrange to have the tour operator provide a picnic at an extra cost. We did not explore that.
Here's how the tour works. You meet at the office just before you leave. Load up your belongings and party and head off. I think it is about 7 miles back to the mill and it will take about an hour to get there. Hmmmm...math says that is about 7 miles per hour, so you are moving at a very leisurely pace. You get a history lesson on Marble as you go through town.
When you get to the Jeep portion of the trip, the driver will lock in the hubs and go into low gear. At that point the grade jumps to about 20 percent for a short distance and you learn about travel on a Jeep road while in a jeep. You go slow because you bounce around a lot. The driver talks about the area and you just soak up the beautiful scenery. When you reach the top of the hill, you give all the elevation gain back at about the same grade going down. There is more exposure, but that is part of the fun.
The road soon levels out and you begin the slow climb to the mill. You go up, you go down, you go level, and all the time you are bouncing gently along. I think the average pace for the jeep road part is only around 4 mile per hour average. The pace doesn't beat you up and you have plenty of time to enjoy the mountains, the river and the forest. You eventually arrive at the Mill and nearby Crystal City. The driver tells you all about the area so you are very familiar with the history when you get there. The driver will always stop to let you take a picture.
Once at the mill you have free time to walk and explore and take pictures.
When it is time to go, you load up for the return trip, which is just as amazing as the trip in because you get to see everything that was behind you on the way in.
When you get back to the office you have made a once in a lifetime trip to one of the most well known photographed Mills that few people ever get to visit. And you got to enjoy the entire trip because a professional guide was taking care of you.
The Jeep tours go to other areas that are back in the mountains. The scenery is alpine and without equal. The trips are longer and cost more, but, again, they are well worth every penny you invest in the experience.
Fall is a special time of the year to visit because of the changing leaves on all the trees. Book in advance and have a trip that will make everyone who hears your stories and sees your pictures jealous. You cannot go wrong with the Crystal River Jeep Tours company.
My wife and I wanted to do a sunset trip and Smitty said "No problem". And there were no extra costs involved, even though we did not get back to the office until 10:00 PM. The trip was spectacular with afternoon and evening lighting. I got to take pictures with natural light and by flash. And we got to watch the stars come out as the night sky darkened. We even stopped, turned off the lights, shut the engine off and enjoyed the Milky Way.
Regular tours go out a couple of times in the morning and afternoon each day. Our trip cost $75 per person and was worth every penny. The jeeps will hold 4 or 5 customers with room for a little extra in supplies. Bring a coat and rain gear for changing weather. The jeeps have no roofs!! You bring your own snacks and refreshments. I suppose you could arrange to have the tour operator provide a picnic at an extra cost. We did not explore that.
Here's how the tour works. You meet at the office just before you leave. Load up your belongings and party and head off. I think it is about 7 miles back to the mill and it will take about an hour to get there. Hmmmm...math says that is about 7 miles per hour, so you are moving at a very leisurely pace. You get a history lesson on Marble as you go through town.
When you get to the Jeep portion of the trip, the driver will lock in the hubs and go into low gear. At that point the grade jumps to about 20 percent for a short distance and you learn about travel on a Jeep road while in a jeep. You go slow because you bounce around a lot. The driver talks about the area and you just soak up the beautiful scenery. When you reach the top of the hill, you give all the elevation gain back at about the same grade going down. There is more exposure, but that is part of the fun.
The road soon levels out and you begin the slow climb to the mill. You go up, you go down, you go level, and all the time you are bouncing gently along. I think the average pace for the jeep road part is only around 4 mile per hour average. The pace doesn't beat you up and you have plenty of time to enjoy the mountains, the river and the forest. You eventually arrive at the Mill and nearby Crystal City. The driver tells you all about the area so you are very familiar with the history when you get there. The driver will always stop to let you take a picture.
Once at the mill you have free time to walk and explore and take pictures.
When it is time to go, you load up for the return trip, which is just as amazing as the trip in because you get to see everything that was behind you on the way in.
When you get back to the office you have made a once in a lifetime trip to one of the most well known photographed Mills that few people ever get to visit. And you got to enjoy the entire trip because a professional guide was taking care of you.
The Jeep tours go to other areas that are back in the mountains. The scenery is alpine and without equal. The trips are longer and cost more, but, again, they are well worth every penny you invest in the experience.
Fall is a special time of the year to visit because of the changing leaves on all the trees. Book in advance and have a trip that will make everyone who hears your stories and sees your pictures jealous. You cannot go wrong with the Crystal River Jeep Tours company.
Written August 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We do it topless... thank you for the great review.
Written March 12, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Terence A
Castle Rock, CO66 contributions
Sep 2014 • Family
Smitty was the best. Gave us the history of the area, pointed out many geographic items, and had the coolest Jeep ever. He is quite the gentleman and he made the scenic ride even more enjoyable. We rode in a 1954 Jeep Willy that he calls the Nelly Bell. Our girls loved the openness. He was a safe driver and took us to his favorite location for our lunch break, which happens to be at the base of some beautiful series of water falls.
Written September 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are pleased you and your family enjoyed the trip. Thank you for the review.
Written September 24, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What are the minimum ages and or height and maximum weight?
Smitty49
Colorado3 contributions
Sorry about the delayed response. We did not see your query until now.
We do not have a minimum or maximum age, nor is there any height or weight restriction.
backwoodsboy
IL.95 contributions
My wife and I are riding our motorcycle from Illinois to your area in early July. How early should we call and book a tour ? Can I call with in the next day or two ?
Smitty49
Colorado3 contributions
At least two weeks in advance.
Is this tour ok for someone who has a bad back?
StonebridgeDapper
Saint Paul, MN10 contributions
I agree that it quite a bumpy ride and you do get bounced around a bit. You could arrange to get a front seat and that may help. If you hert easily, I would pass on this ride.
catalan_on_tour
barcelona,catalonia1 contribution
So it was $60 pp, not $125, right?
Smitty49
Colorado3 contributions
I'm at a loss what you are referring to.
oldladyontheroad31
Kansas City, MO302 contributions
How do you contact anyone for this tour. Website listed is no longer available.
Thanks
Smitty49
Colorado3 contributions
We're old fashioned that way. You obviously called us at 970-963-1991.
Todd B
Brigham City, UT35 contributions
When is the best time to see the fall foliage?
Smitty49
Colorado3 contributions
Fall colors and when that event occurs is a very difficult thing to predict. Although we are seeing some evidence of an early fall season. In general, mid-September would be a good bet. That is about the best one can do.