Entry No. 51 — the Grand Junction file — filed under: industrial-ruins

Redstone Coke Oven Historic District

In the 1970s, countercultural youth actually moved into the hollow domes — 84 stone beehive coke ovens strung along Highway 133, built in 1899 to turn Crystal River coal into fuel for the Colorado Fuel and Iron steelworks in Pueblo. Most drivers today do exactly what they did back then: glance, maybe slow down, keep going. The Redstone Historical Society is opening a new museum inside one of the original worker homes on the property in 2026, which means the window to see this as a quiet roadside curiosity is closing.

The move: Pull over on Highway 133, walk the row of ovens up close, then drive into Redstone village for a look at the Redstone Castle before doubling back.

📍 Before you go The ovens sit directly alongside Highway 133 with a gravel pullout; no gate or fee to view them from outside. Road to Redstone is paved but narrow through the Crystal River canyon — trailers and wide vehicles should check clearance. New museum (2026) may require appointment or set hours once open.

• 📍 Redstone
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Highway 133, Redstone, CO 81623

Hours: Added 2026-06-21 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-21