Basalt Colorado

Located at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers, Basalt, Colorado offers quaint mountain town amenities and excellent outdoor adventures. Originally established as Frying Pan Junction in 1887, the town of Basalt received its current name in 1901 when immigrants from Switzerland and Northern Italy flocked to the area to work for the Colorado Midland Railroad mines and coal smelters. As the railroad became obsolete and the mines were closed, many Basalt residents turned to ranching. Today, Basalt serves as a destination hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts who want to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby Aspen and Glenwood Springs.

The Sopris and Basalt Mountains that surround the town of Basalt provide a variety of activities year-round. The summer and spring yield wonderful biking, hiking, and fly fishing. Don't forget your swimsuit, because the Ruedi Reservoir provides exciting sailing, water skiing, and windsurfing. In the winter, you can enjoy a peaceful cross-country ski tour, or travel 20 minutes outside of Basalt to Aspen for world-class downhill skiing and snowboarding.

In addition to outdoor activities, you'll find that culture and sophistication abound in Basalt. You can walk through historic downtown Basalt with its beautiful Victorian buildings, or browse through one of the many boutiques or art galleries. Basalt also boasts some of the best restaurants in the the entire Roaring Fork Valley. Near the end of the summer, Basalt hosts a fun-filled family and community event each year called River Days, where you can enjoy food, music, crafts, contests, and more.