Crystal River Valley - Northwest Colorado

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Thirty miles from Aspen and 12 miles from Glenwood Springs, The Crystal River Valley, surrounded by the White River National Forest, offers unique charm and secluded, untouched beauty of Colorado's unspoiled past. Carbondale is the gateway to Highway 133 just off Highway 82. One of Colorado's secret geothermal springs is hidden here -- Penny Hot Springs; named after it's original owner Dan Penny. Dan's hotel and bathhouse are long gone, but those "in the know" still find the pools of warm water waiting for them along the Crystal River. This Free soaking area is easy to find from Highway 133, near Carbondale, as it follows Crystal River. Just north of milepost marker 55 there is a parking area on the west side of the highway. You know you are in the right spot if you smell sulfur as you're gathering your towels and picnic.

Visit the Iconic Crystal River Mill

Relax and Play in the Penny Hot Springs Soaking Pool

National Geographic Adventure Magazine offered this insight about Carbondale and the Crystal River Valley: "There is plenty to do including biking, kayaking, and world-class fly-fishing and winter offers excellent cross-country skiing at Spring Gulch."

There are several great snowmobile trails in the area with access off of Country Roads 344, 117 and C106 with endless backcountry to explore in ever direction you wish for a longer winter vacation. For a retreat even further off the beaten path, try the Redstone-Marble area with its mining past, ghost towns and dramatic mountain scenery. Redstone was founded by John Cleveland Osgood at the turn of the century as a model community to house employees of his coal mines. Although the workers and their families lived in simple cabins, Osgood built the luxurious Cleveholm Castle for himself, furnished with Tiffany chandeliers and Italian paintings. Marble was best known for its quarries, which produced a pure marble that rivaled Italy's Carrerra marble. If you have visited our Nation's Capital Washington DC, you might have visited the Lincoln Memorial Monument and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; both of these markers of American Pride and History have white marble from Colorado, it was mined here then slowly transported by river and train to Washington DC. The difficulties of mountain transportation closed down the quarries, but you can now take a tour.

Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements.

Crystal River Valley is near: Aspen & Snowmass Village, Glenwood Springs & Grand Mesa Area

Featured Crystal River Valley Businesses

Avalanche Ranch: Cabins and Hot Springs Along the Crystal River    
Near Redstone, between Aspen and Glenwood, along the Crystal River. 3 hot springs pools! Avalanche Vacation Home. Log Ranch Cabins. Shepherd Wagons. Pet welcome! Winter Skiing! Stocked trout pond.

   

Beaver Lake Lodge and Cabins  
On Beaver Lake - use our canoes. Historic Lodge and Cabins surrounded by mountain peaks in Marble. WALK TO: trails, river beach, jeep tours, horseback rides, rentals ATV, snowmobile. Evening campfires.

  

Chair Mountain Ranch Cabins - Peaceful Mountain Retreat   
Relax at our peaceful mountain retreat near historic Marble, 5 miles from Redstone. Ranch cabins are equipped for your family. Dogs and Horses Welcome! Reunion Suites. Fish Crystal River or our pond.

     

Crystal River Jeep Tours  
Experienced guides take you into the Upper Crystal River Valley and White River National Forest. FAMILY FUN, where pavement ends! Sightseeing tours in classic Jeeps: historic Crystal Mill, Lead King Basin.

 

Gateway RV Park - Carbondale Recreation  
A perfect recreation gateway along the Roaring Fork River in Carbondale. RV sites, group tent camping sites, FREE WiFi, hot showers, fire rings, picnic table. Boat ramp for float fishermen. PET FRIENDLY!

    

For more travel information contact:

Crystal River Valley Activities & Maps

Scenic Byways:
West Elk Loop Scenic Byway

Rafting & Kayaking:
Roaring Fork River Rafting & Kayaking

Hot Springs:
Aspen & Crystal River Valley Hot Springs

Ski Areas & Resorts:
Aspen Highlands Ski Resort
Aspen Mountain Ski Resort
Buttermilk Ski Resort
Snowmass Ski Resort
Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort

Snowmobiling:
Carbondale Snowmobile Trails

Local Area Maps:
Aspen & Crystal River Valley Area Map