Crystal River Valley - Northwest Colorado
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Experience Crystal River Valley - Northwest Colorado


Thirty miles from Aspen and twelve miles from Glenwood Springs, The Crystal River Valley is surrounded by the White River National Forest and offers unique charm and secluded vacation destinations with the untouched beauty of Colorado's twin-summit Mount Sopris. The West Elk Loop Scenic Byway starts in Carbondale, the gateway to Highway 133 just off Highway 82, and takes you over Mount McClure summiting at 8,763 feet; along the way look for the following trail heads: Avalanche Creek Trail, Thomas Lake Trail and Drift Creek Trail. Whether you hike, mountain bike or horseback ride there is a trail waiting for you.
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 mine was closed during WWII as a non-essential industry, and the train tracks and large equipment was carted away and melted down to support the U.S. war effort. Today you can hike the historic Marble Quarry Trail.


Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements. Carbondale is 25 miles northwest on CO Highway 82 and Marble is an additional 28 miles south on CO Highway 133 from the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.
Cabondale, Redstone and Marble, Colorado Driving Directions and Location
The Crystal River Valley is in Noethwestern about 130-155 miles East of the Colorado-Utah Border off I-70 in Glenwood Springs take exit 227 onto CO Highway 82 to Carbondale; and, from Denver head west 170-195 miles on I-70 in Glenwood Springs take exit 227 onto CO Highway 82 to Carbondale.
Crystal River Valley is near: Aspen & Snowmass Village, Glenwood Springs & Grand Mesa Area
Featured Crystal River Valley Businesses



Redstone CO, Ruby of the Rockies! Avalanche Outfitters is a western horseback riding destination: back country trail rides, overnight pack trips, winter sleigh rides. New 2022 horse-drawn carriage dinner rides.


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.

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.


Near historic Marble, 5 miles from Redstone. Relax at our peaceful mountain retreat in a log Cabin or reunion Barnhouse. Fish Crystal River or our private pond. The Ranch is family, dog and horse friendly!

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.

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

Along the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway, Marble CO is the gateway to Beaver Lake State Wildlife Area. On the Western slope of the Rocky Mountain between Carbondale and Paonia State Park off Highway 133.
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