Marble Colorado is certainly off the beaten track.    But, its certainly worth the drive if you’re even close.  There’s fishing, hiking, camping, off-roading and the scenery is beautiful.

Just know, that the marble from this quarry went to build the Lincoln Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  That alone is worth the trip.  Just think about the journey from the quarry to Washington,  DC that all this marble made to be part of history and to be viewed by millions upon millions of people from all over the world.

When you come to Marble, Colorado its hard to imagine that from this out of the way place came memorials of people that dedicated their lives for this country.

Marble Colorado is about a 50 mile drive west from Aspen.  It’s not only an easy drive, its a beautiful drive.  Along the way there’s a lovely waterfall, clearly marked as Hays Falls.  The mountains, Crystal River, the farmland all lend itself to a beautiful drive.

As you enter Marble you’ll notice that it is very small – now.  Back in the day it was a thriving mining community and it is still an active mine. There is still life and beauty in this little Colorado treasure.  Don’t miss the opportunity to take this in.

Back in the day this was Ute Indian country.  In the 1870′s it became gold and silver country.  The gold and silver didn’t amount to much but the discovery of marble around 1882 in this area certainly did.

Over time marble became commercialized and demand grew.  A finishing mill was constructed and jobs were created.  This little community grew to about 1,500 residents in the early 1900′s.  The hills of Marble had the world’s largest marble deposit and as the mill thrived, so did the town.  The demand for marble fell during WWI and the population dwindled to about 50 residents.

This town has gone through times of growth and constriction.  What remains is an active quarry and an eerie, yet magnificent set of ruins.  It’s a glimpse of Colorado history, like non other.  It’s setting is as majestic and anything you’ll ever see in Colorado.

Bring a picnic lunch and a fishing rod.  It’s worth the drive.  It’s worth your time to see this little gem.

Summer events regularly include an art festival, piano recitals, the marble/marble sculpting symposium, as well as the opportunity to visit with artisans and fine artists in their studios, galleries and shops.