Basalt Attractions

By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Rockies.com

Basalt, Colorado is a small Rockies’ town between Aspen and Glenwood Springs that is a great place to vacation for those of you that love to ski, hike, cross-country ski or fly-fish.

Lodging in Basalt is available in the form of cozy bed and breakfasts and mountain lodges. Nearby, there are slope side condos at Snowmass Village and the town of Aspen.

Read here for a few ideas of things to do while you’re in Basalt:

Skiing Near Basalt
When visiting the area, you’ll be within about 15 miles of the famous Aspen Ski Resort. Known for their great snow, long trails and expert terrain. Plus, if you get a lift ticket you can ski all four mountains owned by the company- Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk.

Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing near Basalt
There are an enormous amount of trails in the area if you’re looking to do some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Trail System connects Basalt to Snowmass and Aspen. The system offers over more trails than you’ll be able to ski in one vacation- over 90 kilometers- all for free!

Fishing in Basalt
The Roaring Fork and the Frying Pan rivers converge here in Basalt, providing a plethora of fishing opportunities. The Frying Pan River begins above 13,000 feet on Deer Mountain along the Continental Divide. Come to these gold medal waters and catch a huge rainbow, brown, or brook trout and feel you’ve conquered the outdoors. The area is a Mecca for fishermen in the summer, but is much less crowded in the other three seasons. And fishing continues in the winter!

Whitewater Rafting
The Roaring Fork River just sounds thrilling doesn’t it? It does, in fact roar, especially as it leaves the Sawatch Mountain Range east of Aspen. It slows down as it reaches Basalt, but the rapids are still fast and intense between Aspen and Basalt, especially in the summer when snowmelt is high.

Other Water Sports
Canoeing, river tubing, and kayaking are other popular ways to get to know the surrounding rivers fed by ice melt from the mighty Colorado Rockies. More low-key waters can be found on the lower part of the Roaring Fork. Float twelve beautiful miles down from Basalt to Carbondale for a fun and relaxing trip.

Golfing near Basalt
There is plenty of golf courses to choose from in the area- whether you’re in Basalt, Carbondale, Aspen, Snowmass or Eagle. Aspen Golf Course is public, as well as the Glenwood Springs Golf Club. Snowmass Village even has an entire resort with a golf course inside.