Loading...Connects: Highway 133 (West Elk Loop Scenic Byway), Lily Lake Trail
The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness sign on the Placita Trail
Redstone, CO – Hard – 3 Miles – Hike, Horseback Ride, Dog Friendly – Dirt
Placita Trail #1966 is a difficult trail you can hike and horseback ride that is dog friendly. This is a 3 mile dirt trail in the Maroon Bell-Snowmass Wilderness near Redstone, CO.
More information about the Placita Trail can be found at:
White River National Forest – Placita Trail #1966 (Hiking)
Prospectors, miners, and farmers were attracted to the Crystal River valley for its wealth of mineral treasures. The town of Placita, Spanish for “Little Place,” was established to support nearby coal mines, such as the abandoned one across the river. The development of the Crystal River valley continued as settlers followed the river from the headwaters, high in the Elk Mountain range, downstream to Carbondale.
Marble by the Wagon Load
In November of 1895, the first wagon load of marble was transported from the Colorado Yule Marble Quarry through Placita.
Placita was the southernmost coal loading point and the turn around for the Crystal River Railroad until 1906. The Crystal River & San Juan Railroad then extended a line to haul marble from the Yule Quarry, seven miles beyond the town of Marble.
During World War II, the rails were removed from the railroad right of way seen below you.”
