Omayra Acevedo, Redstone. Just outside Redstone, Colorado, over 16 miles past Carbondale, Colorado, and near the stunning Crystal River, is the Redstone Coke Oven Historic District. Coke (not to be confused with the drink) is a grey, hard, and porous fuel with a high carbon content and very little impurities. It is a destructive distillation process, made by heating coal or oil in the absence of air. It is an industrial product, used mainly to extract metal from iron, but also as a fuel in stoves and furnaces when air pollution is a concern. 

That’s enough technicalities for one day. Let’s get to the other side of fun. Redstone is also known as the Ruby of the Rockies. It was founded in 1898 (also the year of the Spanish-American War.) It is home to the Crystal River, Capitol Peak (the most infamous fourteener in the state), Penny Hot Springs, Avalanche Hot Springs, Redstone Castle and so much more. 

Redstone was built as a company town of coal and steel for the sixth wealthiest man, John Osgood, in 1900. By 1990, 90 out of the 249 original coke ovens in Redstone were recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Here’s the thing, I can go on and on about the historical value of these coke ovens, but seeing them in person leaves you in awe. On top of which, you add the stunning views of the area that surrounds them – forget about it! You’re left starving for more information. 

To add the sprinkles and cherry on top, are the Spring waterfalls streaming down the mountains on your way to the Redstone Coke Ovens. If you go, please don’t forget your camera. Redstone is over three hours away from Gilpin County. So, if you’re planning on only spending one day there, get an early start. You can always spend the night and add a horseback riding adventure to your agenda. Trust me, it would be worth your time and money. 

Another reason, should you need one, to make the trip to the Redstone Coke Oven Historic District, is that there are very few coke ovens of their type remaining in the West. If you enjoy history as much as I do, you should add this to your bucket list. You could also visit the ghost town of Crystal, the Crystal Mill, the Crystal River, Aspen, Snowmass, Glenwood Springs and drive through Independence Pass (in the summertime). 

For more information on Redstone and Coke Ovens visit https://www.redstonecolorado.org/welcome/.

(Originally published in the May 13, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)