Crystal River (Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crystal River |
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Crystal River at Redstone, with Chair Mountain in distance
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Map of Roaring Fork drainage basin, including the Crystal River
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of North Fork Crystal River and South Fork Crystal River 39°03′32″N 107°06′15″W / 39.05889°N 107.10417°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Roaring Fork River 6,060 ft (1,850 m) 39°25′07″N 107°14′10″W / 39.41861°N 107.23611°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Roaring Fork—Colorado |
The Crystal River is a beautiful river in western Colorado, United States. It flows for about 40 miles (64 kilometers). This river is a tributary of the Roaring Fork River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river.
The Crystal River starts high up in the Elk Mountains. It begins in northern Gunnison County, near Schofield Pass. The river then flows north through a valley that was shaped by glaciers long ago. This area is known as the Coal Basin.
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Journey of the Crystal River
The Crystal River's journey takes it through some interesting places. It passes by the historic ghost town of Crystal City. Even though it's mostly a ghost town, a few people still live there during the summer.
Towns Along the River
After Crystal City, the river flows past Marble. This town is famous for its beautiful marble stone. The river then enters Pitkin County. It continues its path past Redstone.
The Crystal River finally joins the Roaring Fork River. This meeting point is located just below the town of Carbondale. If you want to see much of the river, you can follow State Highway 133. This highway runs alongside the river for a good part of its route north of Marble.
Exploring Crystal River Canyon
Between Crystal City and Marble, the river flows through a narrow area called the Crystal River Canyon. This canyon is known for its stunning natural beauty. It has many rock formations and areas where snow slides can happen in winter.
Adventure and Scenery
The Crystal River Canyon is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy fishing and hiking here. The road through the canyon, called Gunnison County Road 3, is not paved. It can be a bit rough, especially for regular cars.
However, this makes it a great place for adventure! People often use ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) or off-road motorcycles to explore the canyon. During the summer, you can even take a special four-wheel-drive Jeep tour. These tours start from Marble and offer an exciting way to see the canyon's amazing scenery.
