On May 9, 2023, The Crystola Bridge was officially dedicated as a historic landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
Local historian Steve Plutt expressed his thoughts about the project, "The Crystola Bridge, when restored, is the perfect way for us to connect future generations to specific times, places, and events of the past that are historically significant to Woodland Park and Teller County. " The bridge sits on a dusty, dirt road which was originally named the Pikes Peak Ocean to Ocean Highway, serving as the first transcontinental highway westward. The roadway and bridge were a pathway to exploration, expansion, and commerce. It is presumed that the Crystola Bridge was built by Teller County, which still owns the bridge today, sometime around 1920. When US-highway 24 was built in 1936, the dirt road saw fewer travelers and as a result, became lesser known to future generations. Preserving the past offers insight into the future. "Preservation shows travelers that we care about our past, and also enhances real estate values and nurtures local businesses, keeping historic main streets and downtowns economically viable," says Plutt, who spearheaded the project. By having the bridge recognized as an official Historic Landmark, Teller County now qualifies for grants to aid in restoring the structure for generations to come.
The community extends its gratitude to Steve Plutt, the Ute Pass Historical Society, Teller County commissioners and administration, and all those who contributed their time and expertise to the dedication of the Crystola Bridge.
