Carbondale

 

Carbondale is 30 miles down valley from Aspen, 12 miles from Glenwood Springs, 171 miles from Denver.  The obvious landmark in the area, Mt. Sopris, towers south of Carbondale at an elevation of 12,966 ft.  The mountain was named for Richard Sopris who led a party of 14 on a mineral exploration trip to the area in 1860. Carbondale is a community-oriented town that offers a down-to-earth feel. Its milder climate provides a longer spring to fall season that is great for non-skiing activities. Enjoy hiking, biking, golfing and fly-fishing in world-famous Gold Medal waters of the Roaring Fork River, as well as the Crystal River.

 

Carbondale includes the Aspen Glen and River Valley Ranch communities, as well as the Crystal Valley area and towns Redstone and Marble. Known as “The Ruby of the Rockies”, Redstone is a tiny mining town nestled 20 minutes south of Carbondale along Hwy 133. There are a couple of shops, restaurants (including Propaganda Pie), and accommodations in this quiet riverfront village. The main attractions here are the historic coke ovens, Redstone Castle and hot springs.

Marble is and another secluded historic marble quarrying town about 30 minutes south of Carbondale. Main attractions here are Beaver Lake, which offers abundant fishing and paddle boarding, and a four-wheel drive road to the even smaller ghost town Crystal that is famous for the picaresque Crystal Mill and Schoefield Pass. The Slow Groovin BBQ restaurant is a locals and tourist favorite that hosts lives music in the summertime.