Your Colorado vacation doesn’t get any better than with a stay at the Redstone Cliffs Lodge in historic Redstone, about 3 1/2 hours drive from Denver. Imagine settling into your Colorado mountain cabin with the Crystal River bubbling behind your room, surrounded by the White River National Forest. You can’t help but relax and wind down, and with only one small area of this town with cell phone service, you can unplug and soak in the beauty of a true Colorado Rockies getaway.
Arrival in Redstone
Even during the Colorado summer, snow-capped Mount Sopris and Chair Mountain frame the Crystal River valley, and the scenic drive soothes the most intense traveler. With Denver’s August temps heating up to the 100s, the 7,000 feet elevation and the shade from the surrounding forest was a welcome relief. Redstone is set on the banks of a sparkling river and surrounded by towering red cliffs.
From Denver, your drive will pass through Glenwood Springs (30 miles) via I-70 or over Independence Pass to Aspen/Snowmass (45 miles) via Highway 82. By the time you turn onto Highway 133 at Carbondale, you’ve stopped looking at your phone because the spectacular Colorado Rockies will have your attention. And then just like that you’ve arrived at Redstone Cliffs Lodge in Redstone.
Our “innkeeper” and owner Jonathan is a friendly chap from England. Cabins extend from west to east, with a long graveled driveway passing in front of the cabins. At the end and to the east of the property, guests check in at the A-frame office, which is also Jonathan’ s home. The office is small, and check-in is quick and simple.
Accommodations
With just 12 cabins, advance reservations especially during the summer are a must. Two cabins are pet friendly. Amenities included are private bathrooms, coffee machine, mini-fridge, microwave and free WiFi. Room types available are Kings, Queens, Suites and Apartments. My hubby and I always stay in a King Bed room, which are simple but clean, and perfect for one or two nights.
For longer stays or if you have more family members, consider the Suites or apartments, which include a king or quen beed and a separate living area with a sofa or futon and a kitchenette.
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The banks of the Crystal River are behind the cabins, and a perfect place to wind down.
Things to do in Redstone
Another reason we visit Redstone is the Crystal Club Cafe, which is next door to the Redstone Cliffs Lodge on the east side. Serving lunch and dinner, this restaurant also features live music, and the owners are friendly and the food is excellent. The menu item range from burgers to steak, finger-licking baby back ribs, and homemade dessert — Pistachio or German Chocolate Cake.
A local coffee shop west of the lodge is perfect stop for a quick breakfast. Located at the west entrance of town in an earlyy 20th-century Tudor-style building, the Redstone Inn, serves a full breakfast.
Redstone is an outdoor enthusiasts perfect getaway. Hiking, biking, fly fishing, shopping, and kicking back are steps away from your hotel.
Summary
This was our second overnight at Redstone Cliffs Lodge, and I hesitated to even write about this B&B/lodge/inn — for selfish reasons as few people have even heard of this historic town. I love the quietness of this town, the laid back attitude, and yes, even the no cell phone coverage. Although the cabins at Redstone Cliffs Lodge are not fancy by any means, they are clean, quaint, and the perfect crown to any weekend at Redstone.
Photos courtesy of Diana Rowe and Redstone Cliffs Lodge.
