The Roaring Fork Valley – Basalt

With lots to explore, the Roaring Fork Valley offers a great home base and Basalt, a lively community. The Roaring Fork Valley beckons many by way of its rivers, mountains, and people. Maybe partly inspired by the lyrics of the late local John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High, or the images of Colorado’s most photographed treasure, the Maroon Bells – Basalt has a draw of its own.

Basalt, the most central community in the Roaring Fork Valley, is a mere 18 miles to Aspen where locals and urbanites flock for world-class skiing and riding. Just 20 miles north is Glenwood Springs, home to the renowned hot springs for soaking and plenty of attractions for a family adventure. Then there are the storied towns of Woody Creek and Carbondale sandwiched in between. But at the core of it all, with its own unique character and lure, is Basalt. The perfect basecamp for exploring various activities, art, cultural experiences, culinary indulgences, and an excellent starting point to down and up-valley treasures.

Day Trip to Basalt

Rustic or Modern Lodging in Downtown Basalt

• Choose a beautiful rustic cabin right on the Frying Pan River. Enjoy the flowing water, the wood-burning stove, and the sleeping loft for the kids. More remote or cabins within walking distance of downtown Basalt are available.
• Traditional downtown lodging options with modern creature comforts like daily breakfast, in-room kitchenettes, and WiFi—plenty of options can be found to suit your family’s needs.

Explore the Roaring Fork Valley

Once you’ve settled into whichever lodging option you choose, Roaring Fork Valley has plenty to explore, no matter the season. Rock Bottom Ranch — part of the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies — (commonly known by locals as “ACES”) is a mere four miles out of town and is the perfect destination by bicycle. If your bikes didn’t make the trip with you, WeCycle is the local hourly bike rental program, and 2017 marks the company’s second year of bike rentals in Basalt. So, hop on a bicycle and pedal the Rio Grande trail to Rock Bottom Ranch (you can drive too, of course). Catch a daily farmyard tour and learn where much of the food you eat in the valley comes from. Collecting warm eggs freshly laid is something at which even the most ardent city-slicker will marvel. Follow that up with a picnic under the beautiful old-growth trees and explore the nature trails on the grounds.

Crown Mountain Park – Summer Fun

A summer event you can pedal to by bike if you time it right is Crown Mountain Park’s Summerfest, held annually in June – a weekend-long event packed with activities perfect for families. And if you’re here when Summerfest is not, enjoy Crown Mountain Park’s open space for some great activity with the kids. From the playground to the 1-mile paved loop track to the dirt paths that meander along the river – it’s a great picnic spot to tie in some family time too, including a dog-friendly benefit for Fido. Aside from Crown Mountain Park, family time can be found at Basalt’s family-friendly outdoor feature films under the stars, or Summer concert series alternating between downtown Lion’s Park or Triangle Park in Willits Town Center.

Fun for the Family in the Roaring Fork Valley

When the sun starts to lower in the sky, jump back on the bikes to Willits Town Center, at the edge of the Willits neighborhood positioned in between downtown Basalt and Rock Bottom Ranch. There are fountains for little ones to do some splishing and splashing in the summer months, Bookbinder’s bookstore with unique treasures for all ages, shopping opportunities for Mom, and an abundance of dining options including K’Gen Asian Cuisine, El Korita for Mexican food and kid-friendly Sure Thing Burger…and new for Summer 2017 – Mezzaluna and Capitol Creek Brewery, all with outdoor dining options. Finish up the day with a top-it-yourself frozen yogurt at Mauka, then pop over to Whole Foods for breakfast supplies. The morning can be spent casting fishing rods and sipping coffee while the sun comes up and warms the day.

River Life in Basalt

Fishing is a way of life in Basalt. The Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Rivers come together right in town and the Gold Medal waters provide ample fishing all year round. Winter has fewer crowds and some of the biggest fish are caught then. Spring, summer, and fall provide different fishing opportunities such as dry fly fishing and summer float trips. For those looking to spend some romantic time with a partner, fishing could be the ticket. While it may not seem like the most romantic activity in the world, the natural surrounding beauty and stillness that you’ll experience will have you thinking differently once you get over the somewhat unattractive rubber waders.

There are other ways to get out on the river, too. In addition to the many options of whitewater rafting outfitters in the valley, Basalt’s newest opportunity to catch some adventure on the river comes with the installation of a Whitewater Park just down from its fire station on Two Rivers Road. Kayakers and paddleboarders can enjoy two thrilling features 150 feet apart for a flawlessly steady current in one easy-to-get-to location!

Basalt’s Cusine

Once you’ve swapped paddles, fishing waders, and polarized sunglasses for dinner casual attire, head down to the heart of Basalt for multiple dining options. Tempranillo Restaurant features over 100 hand-selected wines; chef Javier Gonzalez-Bringas, a native of Madrid, will create the perfect plate to complement your chosen wine. Perfect meals to fill your hunger after a day on the river. Once the sun goes down, the dual fireplaces will have you warm and cozy while you indulge in fresh pasta and carefully prepared meats. If you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, nobody serves up warm comfort food like Heather’s Savory Pies. With multiple pot pies to choose from and live music most nights too, Heather’s will warm you up from the inside out and outside in. To top it off, you also have the pleasure of experiencing Basalt’s newest downtown additions – Free Range Kitchen & Wine Bar for locally farmed dishes and Hacienda Jalisco, where you’ll find authentic Mexican fare!

The Roaring Fork Valley Farmers’ Market

The next morning, put a boost in your leisurely stroll downtown, where the weekly Basalt Farmer’s Market livens up the town on Sundays from June 18th through October 1st. Kids’ activities, including face painting and crafts, will be on hand to keep the kids from wandering while you listen to the live music and shop for lunch and dinner makings. Fresh, local produce (maybe even say hi to some of the farmers you met at Rock Bottom Ranch), fresh eggs, local meats and cheeses, freshly baked bread, and more will inspire you in the kitchen.

Alternative Adventure

If you need some adventures to work up your appetite, take some time meandering through Basalt and stop at its various historical markers. If you’re in Basalt in early June, the annual Motors on Midland historic car show is an annual Summer kick-off with street vendors and plenty of community convening. No matter what time of year, Basalt offers beautiful scenery and a chance to re-imagine the town as it was over 100 years ago. Originally inhabited by the Ute tribe, Basalt slowly gave way to homesteaders with mining claims. The Roaring Fork Valley also became the area’s train depot. Settled in the 1800s and officially incorporated in 1901, Basalt (named for the basaltic rock formation of Black Mountain, now known as Basalt Mountain) has plenty to keep even the most curious history buff intrigued. The 18 stops on the Basalt Historical Walking Tour — 12 of which have signs with photos and explanations — will leave you with a closer feeling of the unique town and a few more trivia facts to store away for the car ride. Maps are at the Basalt Chamber of Commerce at 208 Midland Ave.

While you wander for historical purposes, don’t let today’s highlights of Basalt go unnoticed. Basalt plays host to many art galleries and shops. One of Basalt’s premiere art establishments for over 20 years, The Art Base aims to provide a base of operations for local artists, exhibitions, education, and events. Weekly classes for kids and adults can be found throughout the year; no experience is needed!

Ruedi Reservoir in the Roaring Fork Valley

If you’re looking for more adventurous activities, no visit to the Roaring Fork Valley would be complete without a trip to Ruedi Reservoir. The drive is 15 miles from town, and the scenery is stunning and worth it. In the fall, the yellows, oranges, and reds of the surrounding Aspen trees will ensure you cruise with the windows down to snap photos. Rent an inflatable stand-up paddle board in the warmer months (or buy one) and explore the 102,000-acre feet of water. On the reservoir, you’ll see other water sports enthusiasts, including water skiers, kayakers, boaters, and fishermen. Check out camping at the Mollie B White River Campground. For the adventurous and exercise-inclined, the Ruedi Trail, starting just north of the reservoir, travels on an eight-mile round trip and reaches the top of Red Table Mountain. It gains just over 3,000 feet of vertical but the picnic views looking over the reservoir are outstanding.

Roaring Fork Valley Local Trail Systems

When the sun is out in the winter, it’s hard not to brave the colder temperatures and let some physical exertion warm you up. The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System has over 60 miles of interconnected trails between Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt. Basalt’s two zones are rated green circles (easiest), making them perfect for beginners or those trying to slow down while visiting the mountains. The Basalt High School trails are across Highway 82 from downtown Basalt and easily connect with the Roaring Fork Club trails via the Rio Grande Trail. The trails are kept groomed during the heart of the winter – weather-dependent.

Mountain Biking in Basalt

When the trails dry out, mountain biking is also a favorite with locals and visitors alike, and Basalt has a remarkable trail system. Below are favorite mountain biking trails.

• Basalt Mountain Trail
• Arbaney Kittle Trail
• The BLM Road Trails
• Prince Creek Trails

They vary in difficulty, and some are also great for hiking. Trail maps with brief to extensive descriptions are available. Bring plenty of other gear, clothing, and water bottles for your trek. Consulting AspenTrailFinder.com will also help determine what best suits your needs with maps and difficulty levels explained.

With all the fishing, paddleboarding, biking, and hiking, your body will likely need a respite. So, set aside a day to treat it. If a ride to local Hot Springs in Carbondale or Glenwood Springs is not on the Agenda, sign up for a massage right in Basalt or try the infrared saunas and yoga classes.

Visting the Roaring Fork Valley

Any way you choose to enjoy your time in the Roaring Fork Valley – one thing’s for certain: the memories will last a lot longer than the trip back home. So unplug from your every day, dip your toes in the water, put a few miles on the bike, and bring the family together – it’s in the Roaring Fork Valley that the adventures begin, and the memories will never end!

Basalt Itineraries

Family

Stay: Dallenbach Ranch on the frying pan for that authentic family Basalt river getaway.

Do: Aspen Ice Karting at Kodiak Ski Lake in the winter and Aspen Dirt Bike School in the summer. Crown Mountain Park — A mix of sports-oriented park facilities and Family-oriented park amenities with BMX, open fields, and other programs and activities for kids.

See: Swinging Bridge – This cable-suspended bridge over the Frying Pan River offers a great view of trout as well as access to Basalt Elementary and Middle Schools. It’s the site of the original bridge into town and part of the history tour.

Eat: Two Rivers Cafe – Riverside Grill offers burgers and more. Enjoy the brilliant outdoor dining.

Empty Nesters

Stay: Basalt Mountain Inn lets you walk to dining, art galleries, and more.

Do: Basalt outdoor movie series from June through September. Second Friday Art Walks. All year round, art galleries open on the second Friday evening of the month with new exhibits and open-house refreshments.

See: Charcoal Kilns. Before the Midland Railroad created what is now Basalt, the Aspen Silver Company built these kilns to refine charcoal. A halfway house was set up here as well, and the community was called Fryingpan. They were built in the early 1880s and are the first real structures of what is now Basalt. They are also part of the history tour.

Eat: Smoke Modern BBQ – some of the best pulled pork in the valley, be sure to top it with Smoke’s unique smokin’ slaw and start with the warm cornbread muffins and cane syrup butter.

Couples

Stay: Lodge at River’s Edge is a great get-a-way-from-it-all just on the outskirts of town.

Do: Summer Concert Series. Wednesdays, June 19th through August 28th, feature live music from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. Check the calendar for locations. Kayak the Roaring Fork or the Fryingpan River with one of the many outfits in the valley.

See: Fall colors. Leaf Peeping is prime in the fall from mid-September to mid-October and Basalt offers many locations for viewing the bright and changing colors of the Aspen trees.

Eat: Tempranillo is the call for romantic dining in Basalt, but the Brick Pony Pub right downtown offers a great alternative with delicious food and a local atmosphere.

by Nicole Birkhold