Redstone, CO

Tucked into the Crystal River Valley beneath towering red cliffs, Redstone is a quiet mountain village with an unusual backstory. Industrialist John Cleveland Osgood built the town in the late 1800s as a model coal community, outfitting it with picturesque Swiss-style cottages, a grand inn, and a 42-room castle. Mining wrapped up long ago, but that turn-of-the-century architecture remains remarkably intact, giving the town a distinct character surrounded by the White River National Forest.

ATTRJesse Varner from Boulder, Colorado, USA. Cropped and color-corected prior to upload by Daniel Case / CC BY-SA 2.0

Today, daily life in Redstone centers around the river and a small, tight-knit community. The Crystal River winds right past the historic core, offering easy fly-fishing, hiking, and peaceful walks along the water. A handful of local shops, art studios, and cozy eateries line the main street, while Carbondale and the broader Roaring Fork Valley are an easy drive up Highway 133. It is an ideal spot for anyone drawn to rugged alpine scenery, rich heritage, and an unhurried mountain lifestyle.