The Colorado Midland Railroad, built to carry coal and silver ore between Leadville and Aspen, established the Town of Frying Pan Junction in 1887. Old charcoal kilns on the south side of the Frying Pan River, which are still visible today, were used to support Aspen’s ore smelters. Basalt was incorporated in 1901.
Basalt is located in the Roaring Fork Valley between Aspen and Glenwood Springs and is the gateway to some of the most beautiful country in the Rocky Mountains. Basalt lies within thirty minutes of seven golf courses, five ski areas, a commercial airport and world-class cultural events. It is surrounded by National Forest, Gold Medal waters and miles of recreational trails.
Nestled between majestic Mount Sopris and Basalt Mountain, Basalt offers cross-country skiing, hiking and biking trails…thousands of acres of pristine mountain wilderness. You will also find the most beautiful setting for wind surfing, sailing and skiing. Anglers will dance with the trout along the banks of the Gold Medal trout streams…the Roaring Fork River and the Frying Pan River.
Location Basalt is located 16 miles north of Aspen and 22 miles southeast of Glenwood Springs on Highway 82.
Climate At an altitude of 6,610 feet, Basalt enjoys an alpine climate with practically no humidity in the summer.
Population The population of Basalt is 3,011. The population of the immediate area, including El Jebel, Old Snowmass and the Frying Pan Valley is approximately 5,000.
Education Basalt is in the Roaring Fork School District. There are several day care centers and pre-schools in the area. School buses also transport students from Basalt to two private schools in Aspen – The Aspen Country Day School and Aspen Community School.
Medical Services Medical facilities nearby include Aspen Valley Hospital – Mid-Valley Clinic, the Basalt Clinic and the newly completed Mid Valley Medical Center just outside of Basalt.
Recreation Basalt is located at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers, two “Gold Medal” designated areas for fly fisherman. It is also adjacent to the White River National Forest with all of its outdoor recreational opportunities. Downhill skiing is minutes away at Aspen, Snowmass and Glenwood Springs. Nearby Ruedi Reservoir attracts boaters, sailors and wind-surfers throughout the summer seasons.