First things, first – what is a “coke oven?” It’s not where Coca-Cola comes from.

The coke ovens of Redstone were built in 1899 by Colorado Fuel and Iron to burn impurities out of coal from Colorado’s Coal Basin. This created something called “coking coal,” which would be used in steel mills during the creation of steel, much of which would ultimately be utilized for building railroads.

Upon the completion of the original construction of the coke ovens in the Redstone area, 249 ovens were heated to a sweltering 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit. This became the largest coking operation in the state of Colorado, with the company involved said to account for 10% of the workers in the Centennial State during the turn of the century – about 15,000 people in 1902. The scale of coke production at this plant was huge, producing around 6 million tons of coke annually during peak performance.

Despite the scale of the operation, the coke ovens were shut down after just 10 years of use with the closure of the nearby mine that provided ample amounts of coal.

In 1990, the coke ovens in the Redstone area were recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, 90 of the original 249 coke ovens remain in Redstone. They can be found on a 600-foot stretch along State Highway 133. All you have to do is pull off the road to check them out.

On your way to the Redstone Coke Ovens, keep an eye out for waterfalls along Highway 133 during certain times of the year.

It’s also worth noting that this area is a very popular spot to go horseback riding. You can make reservations to go on a ride that leaves from nearby stables.

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