Basalt Neighborhood

Basalt is located on the convergence the Gold Medal waters of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers. Approximately 25 minutes down valley from Aspen, Basalt is surrounded by distinctive red bluffs and the White River National Forest at an elevation of 6,610 feet. The historic downtown is filled with restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, and nightlife. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy camping, boating, fishing, hiking, golfing, biking, snow shoeing and cross-country and downhill skiing, all within a 15 mile radius. The fishing is world-renowned, with the blue ribbon waters of the Frying Pan River a stone's throw away and the paved Rio Grande bike trail offers an enjoyable ride to Aspen or Carbondale. Basalt residents can easily enjoy rafting on the Roaring Fork River, and come winter, enjoy cross country skiing or hit the slopes at one of Aspen's four ski areas. The elementary and middle school are located in walking distance from downtown, and the high school is a short half mile away. Basalt is a wonderful community for active families.

View Listings About the Area

History

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 3,857. 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 – Basalt After Hours 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.