Carbondale Activities

Carbondale sits in an ideal location for recreation, at the confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork rivers.

Fly Fishing

The fly fishing in the Roaring Fork Valley is some of the best you can find anywhere. With several rivers to choose from, you’ll never run out of options. From slow spring creeks, to fast riffles to big open water, it’s all within reach. The town sits at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Crystal Rivers, offering great water just a stone’s throw from town. From the big rainbows on the Fork to the beautiful browns of the Crystal. Late June and early July are known as the best time to be on the river, as the fish go crazy for the Green Drake bugs that hatch during that time.

Mountain Biking

From the steep rocky singletrack of Red Hill, to the fast downhill trails along Prince Creek, mountain bikers love calling Carbondale home. Several rides are easily accessed right from town, so you don’t even need to drive anywhere! Once you’ve checked out the local spots, there’s excellent riding in Glenwood and Aspen that’s never more than 30 minutes away.

Rock Climbing

There are many great spots to climb close to Carbondale. Just south of town, you can find the Narrows, a shady crag with over 40 routes. Further south are the Redstone Boulders and the Coal Creek Boulders. In the other direction, Glenwood Canyon has several good spots, and Independence Pass above Aspen offers a good respite from the heat of the summer.

Hiking

Mount Sopris looms over the town, and stands just shy of 13,000 feet tall. It’s a popular hike in the summer, with a fun option to camp overnight at the Thomas Lakes. Avalanche Creek is a mellow trail that follows a meandering stream for 10 miles to its source at Avalanche lake. This makes for a great multi day trip and puts you in the heart of the Elk Range. Some good day hike options are Red Hill, Thompson Creek, and Marion Gulch. There are so many possibilities, you should just grab a map and go exploring!