Carbondale, Colorado

"Gateway to the Crystal River Valley"

Families starting cattle and sheep ranches originally settled Carbondale in 1881. These ranchers supplied the many miners who flocked to the upper Roaring Fork Valley upon the discovery of gold and silver. In 1888 the town was incorporated and named after Carbondale, Pennsylvania, where many of the first settlers were from.

Since that time Carbondale has been an ever-changing community as over the years a myriad of new people moved into the valley bringing new businesses and talents. Carbondale is now a diverse community resulting from its economic and cultural evolution. The economic stability of the community can be credited to the fact that it does not depend on any one industry to sustain its economic life.

Located at the crossroads of Highways 82 and 133, it is the gateway to the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. Scenic is what Carbondale is, nestled in a valley along the Roaring Fork River with awe-inspiring Mt. Sopris as its backdrop.

For more information on Carbondale click on the following web address: