The historic towns of Redstone and Marble are stunning destinations for a perfect summer day trip. Located in the White River National Forest and the Elk Mountain Range, the two towns are approximately 10 miles from each other, less than a twenty-minute drive. On this beautiful spring day, we traveled from Summit County to view some waterfalls and explore these towns we hadn't been to in a while. 

Redstone Park Bridge Across the Crystal River, Redstone Historic District

Our day began on I-70 West, heading toward Glenwood Springs. We then exited and drove 45 minutes south on Highway 82 to Carbondale. If you are staying in the Roaring Fork Valley, you would head north on the same highway. Carbondale is the junction where you want to head toward Redstone, taking Highway 133. As you drive through the beautiful valley along the Crystal River, the road is lined with ranches, offering the most incredible views of Mount Sopris. This gorgeous twin-peaked mountain towers above at an elevation of 12,965 feet and can’t be missed.

View From Highway 133 of Mount Sopris, Full Image

Redstone, Colorado is the first town you reach when traveling south along Highway 133. Be sure to check out the historic district. The tree-lined street is filled with a combination of family homes, places to eat, shop, and a few motels and inns. There's also the town park with a bridge that crosses the Crystal River, perfect for kids and dogs to play.

Several years ago we were on a winter trip to Aspen and detoured to Redstone for a night, and stayed at the Redstone Inn. We loved the historic charm and being that it was the holiday season and the decorations were beautiful. If it wasn’t summer and we weren’t camping, or on a day trip, this would be our top hotel choice, but check out our list at the end of the blog for some other places we’d love to visit now that we’ve seen more of the town in spring and summer. 

The Historic Redstone Inn

Leaving Redstone on Highway 133 South, you will pass one of Mike’s favorite waterfalls, Hays Creek Falls. There are plenty of areas to pull off to the side to get a good view. This is the notorious location where I was filming him as he was doing a YouTube video on the area. Meanwhile, in the background, his tripod started to slip and proceeded to fall, breaking his camera, but the lens survived! This location will always hold that crazy memory. 

Hayes Creek Falls, Redstone, CO

The second waterfall we passed is just slightly down the road, but it’s seasonal, running at its highest in spring. There is also a lot of room to pull off to get a good view. 

As you continue to drive along Highway 133 you’ll turn slightly left onto County Road 3 toward Marble. You’ll pass one of our favorite campgrounds, Bogan Flats, and soon after you’ll see the Darien Ranch Lodge. Once you enter the town there will be huge chunks of stone and unique shops, giving the town an added sense of history. The stone here has been used at the Lincoln Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and many schools and places all around the country. 

Downtown Marble, CO - Slow Groovin BBQ

On this trip, I wanted to have lunch at Marble’s only restaurant, the Slow Groovin BBQ, and wow this did not disappoint. Located at 101 West 1st Street you can’t miss it, plus the BBQ aroma permeates the town. If you're looking for a cup of coffee around the corner from Slow Groovin is the original town bank now called The Marble Hub, and has an excellent variety of teas and coffees, gifts, and visitor information. 

Downtown Marble, CO - Slow Groovin BBQ - MENU

There are plenty of hikes in the area, as well as Jeep tours and parks to explore. During this trip, we took our dog for a walk around Beaver Lake Reservoir, which was filled with families, plenty of dogs, and some fishing for trout. 

Beaver Lake Reservoir in Marble, Colorado

Past Beaver Lake is Schofield Pass, which leads to the iconic Crystal Mill. The mill is located 6 miles up the road on the way to Crested Butte. Unfortunately, the property owner has closed access to the mill due to vandalism and disrespect for the historic building. However, it is visible from the road. The road can be hiked or biked, but if you plan to drive, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is necessary as it is a very rough, single-lane road. There are several tour companies in Redstone and Marble that can take you there as well. We recommend checking travel advisories for the area before your visit to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

If you continue your journey in this part of Colorado, continue south on Highway 133 and drive over McClure Pass. This paved, curve-filled road reaches a summit of 8,755 feet and is lined with aspens and pine, offering views of high peaks. It’s a place we like to drive in the spring when higher elevations haven’t quite started to turn green yet, and we also enjoy going in the fall when the aspen trees are golden. It’s worth driving to the summit and back if this is the extent of your day trip, but if you are going farther, you would take this to Paonia and meet up with Kebler Pass to head to Crested Butte.

Spring on McClure Pass

Hotel Accommodations: The Redstone Inn, Crystal River Villas, Avalanche Ranch Cabins and Hot Springs, Cliffs Lodge, and Crystal Dreams Bed & Breakfast & Spa

Campgrounds: Redstone (private sites, access to walk to the Crystal River, showers, canyon views) Bogan Flats (right on the river!), Marble Creek (in town, showers, RV's up to 30') 

Resources: Welcome to Redstone, 2024 Redstone Event Calendar, Hiking in Redstone, History of Marble, Marble Hub, Marble Hikes, Huntsman Ridge Trail (McClure Pass), Summiting Mt. Sopris, 

Driving Directions: Redstone, Marble, Carbondale, Crested Butte