Redstone, Colorado is a small town around 16 miles from Carbondale CO situated below high, red sandstone cliffs along the Crystal River. There are approximately 130 full-time residents. John Cleveland Osgood, whose Colorado Fuel and Iron Company used Redstone for high grade coking of the coal from nearby mines, built over 80 cottages and houses for his employees between 1900 and 1902. The coal came by a narrow-gauge railroad from nearby Coalbasin, a town for the coal miners at 9,200 ft. Today you can see some of the cottages, visit the small Redstone Museum and the antiques shops and stores or have a meal. You can also visit the historic coke ovens near the Redstone turnoff on Highway 133.
Next to the museum is the Redstone Park. It has a beautiful setting along the Crystal River.
Osgood’s personal estate, known as the Redstone Castle, once open for daily tours, it has received approval to make it a boutique hotel and a site for weddings and other events. 58 Redstone Blvd.
Over the years, I have been to Redstone four times. I always enjoy walking Redstone Blvd. admiring the small cottages, the artful mailboxes, visiting the Historic Redstone Inn, exploring the local stores and having ice cream at the Redstone General Store from the 1890s.
The Redstone Art Gallery is a nice gallery featuring local artists. 173 Redstone Blvd.
Tiffany of Redstone is antique store featuring vintage furniture and home decor. 225 Redstone Blvd.
Redstone Inn: This historic inn, was completed in 1902 to house bachelor miners by John Osgood. There is a lovely dining room plus a bar and grill overlooking the pool. Local friends love dining there.
Redstone General Store: A fun store selling candy, coffee drinks, baked goods and good ice cream. 292 Redstone Blvd. The General Store reopened in January, 2021 under new ownership with an emphasis on local products! 292 Redstone Blvd.
At 467 Redstone Ave., Propaganda Pie is known for its Detroit-style pizza.
I recently met the owner of Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs. It is located 4 miles north of town on Hwy. 133. They offer a number of cabins with great Western decor and antiques. The sizes range from studios to three bedrooms. There are five wooden overed wagons that can be rented as rooms for a unique experience. They also have The Store which features, western decor, mountain home furnishings, antiques, works by local artisans and other gift items. The site has three natural hot spring pools that guests, and a limited number of visitors can use. There are many summer activities from hiking, fishing and biking as well as winter activities from sledding, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. I was very impressed with the property and the experience that if offers its guests.
