Overview

Basalt, CO lies at the confluence of two rivers, high in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. This town serves as a hotspot for outdoor recreation, and gives visitors a taste of a truly vibrant mountain community.

Location

Basalt is situated north of Aspen on Colorado Highway 82.

Services/Amenities

You’ll find many tasty treats in Basalt. Baked goods, pizzas, barbeque or just a hamburger and fries; drop into a sports bar, a grill or find some casual dining, the choice is yours.

Lodging in Basalt offers many amenities in a friendly atmosphere. Stay in a small studio, or find a vacation rental. Rent a rustic cabin in the woods, or find a lodge on the edge of the river. There are enough choices that you certainly will locate the right accommodations for you.

Activities

With the Basalt and Sopris Mountains surrounding, you are sure to find your favorite activity or even discover a new favorite.

• Fishing
  Gold medal trout streams run right outside your door in Basalt. The Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Rivers are well known for their excellent trout. Catch some rainbow, brown or brook trout using the methods of spin and fly-fishing.
• Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking
  Serious whitewater rafters are always excited to have some adventures on the Roaring Fork River. Below Basalt you’ll find an area that isn’t as popular as other parts of the river, making it the ideal place to get away from the crowds, but still have plenty of rafting fun.
• Boating
  At the Ruedi Reservoir, you not only will find the water great for boating and sailing, but you can ski and windsurf, too.
• Hiking
  The White River National Forest surrounding Basalt has numerous trails for hiking, and plenty of beautiful wilderness scenery. Take a long hike (one or two days) to the Thomas Lakes or the summit of Mount Sopris. There are also shorter hikes above the Fryingpan River, where you can view the Williams Mountains to the south as you climb through the aspen trees and lodgepole pines.
• Biking
  Basalt is a major spot for some excellent mountain biking. A few of the trails you may want to try are the Basalt Mountain Road, Beaver Creek Trail, Cattle Creek Trail or the Dexter Park Trail. Some are difficult, some moderate and some easy. Take the ones most fitted to your level of skill.
• Winter Sports
  Dozens of world-class cross-country skiing trails await you around Basalt. Within 15 miles from town, you can find exciting downhill skiing with lift access. Snowboarding is a favorite here, and of course, the peaceful white landscapes are popular for all winter snow sport enthusiasts.

Attractions

In addition to outdoor recreation, you’ll find plenty of attractions and events throughout the year.

• Fryingpan Kilns
  This historic landmark was built in the 1880s. The Fryingpan Kilns of Basalt were originally established to help process charcoal. The seven structures are well preserved and offer the opportunity to see these interesting kilns. They are located in Arbaney Park in Basalt.
• Community Events
  There are a number events held in and around Basalt. River Days takes place close to the end of the summer, with lots of crafts, contests, music and delicious food. Railroad Days is another annual event you shouldn’t miss when visiting Basalt.

Getting Here

To get to Aspen from Basalt, just head south on Colorado Highway 82 for 18.5 miles right to Basalt. It only takes about 28 minutes to get to this lovely Rocky Mountain town.