Carbondale Colorado, CO

Carbondale, Colorado is tucked near the base of 12,953 foot Mount Sopris at the confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers. This small Rocky Mountain town boasts 295 sunny days a year and is filled with adventures just waiting to happen. Formerly a mining and ranching town, Carbondale is currently home to 5,500 residents and serves as a tourist mecca as well as a bedroom community to nearby Aspen.

With excellent access to two mighty rivers, Carbondale offers the best in water sports and activities. Anglers of all levels and experience will be challenged on the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers. The skills and stamina of whitewater rafters and kayakers will also be tested in Class III-IV rapids. For those who are just beginning to cast, or would like to be guided down the river by an experienced captain, there are many guiding and outfitting services available.

For those who enjoy dry land outdoor activities, Carbondale offers excellent hiking and biking trails. You can hike to the top of Mount Sopris via the Mount Sopris Trail which is 14 miles round-trip. If you would like to bike to the summit instead, take the Hay Park Trail which is 30 miles round-trip. Carbondale also provides easy access to excellent limestone sport climbing in Rifle Mountain Park which is only an hour away. The climbing season lasts through October. For those who are hip, Carbondale recently opened a 13,000 square-foot skateboard park where you can ollie or jump off of ramps and rails. During the winter, there is ice climbing and excellent nordic skiing. For Downhill skiing and snowboarding, visitors as well as locals migrate to nearby Aspen.