The
towns of Redstone and Marble are about an hours drive downvalley
(west) from Snowmass/Aspen. It's a pretty drive on Hiway 133 along
the Crystal River. Redstone was founded in 1892 as a coal mining
town. The
historic brick coke ovens are still visible along the highway leading
to Redstone. The town itself is a National Historic Landmark with
92 permanent resident families. It is home to wonderful artists
and craftsmen and has several interesting stores and galleries along
main street.
Just down the road from Redstone is the town of Marble, named for
its famous marble quarry.
Marble from this quarry was used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Tours of the quarry are only offered once/year but you can hike
up to the mouth of the quarry along a trail. We hiked part way to
the base where slabs of marble lie all over the hillside.
Just
beyond Marble, Hiway 133 goes over McClure Pass towards Montrose
and Delta. The Elk Loop is a 200 mile scenic drive off that goes
to Crested Butte along a partly dirt county road. Then down through
Gunnison and along portions of the Black Canyon. It is a spectacular
drive in the fall when the Aspen leaves have turned to gold.
On the way back to Snowmass on Hiway 133 in Carbondale is a beautiful
golf course - River Valley Ranch. It is open to the public and has
great views of Mt. Sopris.
To view more photos from this area click here:
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