Basalt is located approximately twenty miles from Aspen at the confluence of the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Rivers. Basalt is true to its heritage. From 1883 to 1918, the Midland Railroad brought passengers and freight to the Roaring Fork Valley through Basalt via Hagerman Pass. A challenging trip through a rocky and rugged pass, filled with rockslides, snow drifts, derailments and coal shortages. The historic downtown district is a colorful town with restaurants, retail stores and local businesses.
Basalt serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular outdoor pursuits in the valley such as gold medal fly-fishing along the renowned Frying Pan River and hiking, biking and cross-country skiing in the serene Fryingpan Valley. Ruedi Reservoir is also a popular regional destination for sailing and other water sports. Basalt is about fifteen miles from the nearest ski lifts.
