GETAWAY
Marvelous Marble
Experience small-town natural beauty Step back in time as you drive into the tiny hamlet of Marble — an unpaved, unpretentious mountain town known for its mining history, delicious barbecue, and spectacular fall colors. Located at the headwaters of the Crystal River in the Elk Mountains, Marble is 40 miles south of Glenwood Springs, just off the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. Weather permitting, October is a wonderful time to visit this hidden gem.
A SOURCE OF PRIDE The area is known for its exquisitely pure marble, hence the town’s name. Stone from nearby Yule Marble Quarry was used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. This photo shows Yule marble blocks at the historic work area in Marble, with the stony peak of Treasure Mountain in the background. The quarry itself is farther up in the mountains. This site, now a city park, is a popular tourist destination.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Marble has no gas station or cellphone reception. Carbondale and Paonia are your last stops for fuel and cell service, so plan accordingly.
22 October 2025
Colorado Country Life
Photo by bluerabbit/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
By Becky Jensen