BASALT, COLORADO AT A GLANCE:
Population:
3,000 year-round residents
Elevation:
6,610 feet
A Bit About Basalt.
Located about 20 miles downvalley from Aspen, Basalt sits at the confluence of the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Rivers. The charming historic buildings in downtown Basalt offer a hint into its railroad town roots.
From 1883 to 1918, the Midland Railroad brought passengers and freight to the Roaring Fork Valley through Basalt via Hagerman Pass. It’s a rocky and rugged pass, and the train ride was filled with rockslides, snowdrifts, derailments and coal shortages.
Today the dangers of yesteryear have been put to rest, replaced by a modern-day town filled with fine amenities and plenty of locals who call Basalt home. But this former mining town is far more than a bedroom community for Aspen.
In the historic downtown district, fine restaurants and locally owned shops await – perfect for a day trip from Aspen or evening outing. In the growing mid-valley area, Willits Town Center is bringing an urban feel, with upscale shops, excellent restaurants, Whole Foods and the Element Basalt – Aspen Hotel.
Basalt also serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular outdoor pursuits in the valley: gold medal trout fishing along the world-renowned Fryingpan River; hiking and cross-country skiing in the serene Fryingpan Valley. Plus, Basalt is a perfect mid-point for accessing the unparalleled recreational opportunities in both Aspen and Glenwood Springs.
Learn more about Basalt Colorado online at The Aspen Times:
BASALT LINKS:
Basalt Chamber
The Town Of Basalt
Basalt Summers
Ruedi Reservoir
The Aspen Times
Basalt Real Estate
Basalt Calendar of Events
Fly Fishing
Basalt Colorado Restaurants:
Bangkok Happy Bowl
Phone Number : 970.963.THAI
Website: www.aspenthai.net/
Brick Pony Pub
Phone Number : 970.279.5021
Cafe Bernard
Phone Number : 970.927.4292
Capitol Creek Brewery
Phone Number: 970.279.5723
Website: www.capitolcreekbrewery.com
CC Cafe
Phone Number: 970.279.5527
El Korita
Phone Number : 970.277.4500
Free Range Kitchen
Phone Number : 970.279.5199
Hacienda Jalisco
Phone Number: 970.279.5720
Heather’s
Phone Number : 970.927.0151
K Gen Asian Cuisine
Phone Number : 970.510.5956
Mezzaluna Willits
Phone Number : 970.279.5723
New York Pizza
Phone Number : 970.963.6088
The Tipsy Trout
Phone Number : 970.927.9301
Union Kitchen
Phone Number : 970.927.5158
Sure Thing Burger
Phone Number : 970.279.5418
Website: www.surethingburger.com
Tempranillo Restaurant
Phone Number : 970.927.3342
Website: www.tempranillorestaurant.com
Wienerstube
Phone Number : 970.279.5567
Bella Mia
Phone Number : 970.963.2600
Website: www.joysbellamia.com
Breakfast in America
Phone Number : 970.963.2739
Sushi Ya Go-Go
Phone Number : 970.963.0155
Additional Basalt Tid-Bits
Phone Numbers:
Town of Basalt: 970.927.4701
Basalt Chamber of Commerce: 970.927.4031
Basalt Police Department: 911 for emergencies; or 970.927.4316 for non-emergencies.
Local Television Stations:
Plum TV – Channel 16,
Grassroots Community Television – Channel 12
RFTA:
Bus service is available to Aspen from outlying communities such as Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Basalt for a low fare. Several Park & Ride locations offer FREE parking and convenient locations from which to catch your bus. Please note that you must have correct change for fare buses. Pick up a winter RFTA schedule or call 970.925.8484 for route/schedule information.
Downtown Basalt
Nestled between the majestic Sopris and Basalt mountains, cross-country skiing, hiking and mountain biking trails abound through thousands of acres of pristine mountain wilderness. Anglers will dance with the trout along the banks of two gold medal trout streams, the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan Rivers. And Ruedi Reservoir offers the most beautiful setting for windsurfing, sailing and skiing.
The Colorado Midland Railroad, built to carry coal and silver ore between Leadville and Aspen, established the town of Frying Pan Junction in 1887. Incorporated as Basalt in 1901, the mountain town filled with immigrants from Switzerland and Northern Italy to work for the railroad mines and coal smelters. With the closing of the mines the railroad rolled up its tracks and the few remaining folks began ranching.
Signs of the great railroad era still remain today in a town now reborn as a vibrant community catering to both tourists and residents in what is fast becoming the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley.
Basalt of today is known as a vacation mecca for families and sports enthusiasts. Located between Glenwood Springs and Aspen, world class skiing and cultural opportunities are only minutes away. Amidst the myriad of activities, Basalt still preserves it original, quaint charm. Whether strolling through its historic downtown or exploring Willits Town Center, you’ll find small fashion boutiques, galleries and some of the best restaurants in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Things To Do In Basalt
Fishing
Basalt is located at the junction of the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Rivers. Both have world famous fishing. Local guides are available for fly fishing and float trip experiences.
Golf
River Valley Ranch Golf Club, Aspen Golf Course, and the Snowmass Golf Course are all within easy driving distance.
Hiking/Biking
Hiking, biking, riding and camping are available in the White River National Forest, the Snowmass Wilderness Area, the Fryingpan Wilderness Area and in the Elk Mountain range. Aspen and Glenwood Springs are only 20-30 minutes away and public transportation is available.