The Frying Pan Valley is a rural and scenic area outside of Basalt, showcasing a beautiful river canyon, working ranches, clustered residential developments, expansive open space and outstanding views and vistas. The Frying Pan River is world famous for its Gold Medal trout fishing.

This river is broken into two sections, with the 1,000 acre Reudi Reservoir in the middle. Above the reservoir the valley widens, and the landscape becomes more rolling and timbered in nature. The lower part is where the trophy fish live, and where almost everyone who comes to visit will fish.

The Fryingpan Road that winds from Basalt to Hagerman Pass is unquestionably one of the “scenic jewels” of central Colorado; the drainage below the reservoir is very picturesque, with the centerpiece, the Frying Pan River, flowing through a dramatic canyon offering views of steep slopes, rock outcrops, expansive meadows and forested hills and ridges. Ranch homes, barns, fences and attractive residential enclaves dot the landscape on either side of the winding asphalt road. The area offers sailing, swimming and boating on Reudi Reservoir, gold medal fishing, hiking and biking and accessibility to Basalt and the Roaring Fork Valley.

LocationBasalt is located 16 miles north of Aspen and 22 miles southeast of Glenwood Springs on Highway 82. RecreationThe confluence of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers, two “Gold Medal” designated areas, are the most popular attractions 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.