Welcome to Basalt
An up-and-coming town with plenty of history and an appreciation for country living
The town of Basalt is well known due to the Frying Pan River, where people travel from all over the country to take part in some of the best trout fishing Colorado has to offer. Get out of the Frying Pan River and into the Ruedi Reservoir - a favorite destination for boating and other popular regional watersports. Adventurers and lovers of the outdoors will find Basalt thrilling, especially if they take advantage of the area's famous mountain biking in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Basalt planted its roots as a railroad town known as Aspen Junction in 1895. The name Basalt borrows from the gorgeous rock formations of then-named Black Mountain, now known as Basalt Mountain. Basalt Mountain is just north of the town, creating an absolutely stunning backdrop as residents go about their daily lives.
Basalt lives up to its historical roots by embodying the vibes of the old west, with all the luxurious mountain architecture and amenities of modern times.
What to Love
- Great choices for foodies
- Tight-knit community with cool people
- Bustling suburban mountain town
- Famous trout fishing
Local Lifestyle
Residents of Basalt feel alive and buzzing in a dense suburban setting, perfect for many young professional up-and-comers. The locals stake claim in their town as the adventurers and pioneers who founded the town before they did – with pride in the community. For example, Coffee with the Council is a casual way to spend time with local government officials and neighbors in an open forum to discuss thoughts, concerns, ideas, and more.
Basalt may be a bustling suburb, but it feels miles away from the rest of the world. It is surrounded by the soothing lull of the wilderness that would put any restless heart at ease. The lifestyles of Basalt’s residents are centered around the outdoors. Residents love to take advantage of their location – in the White River National Forest, sitting at the gate of the Fryingpan Valley and along the confluence of the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers – at every chance they get.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Basalt is an excellent choice for the foodies looking for a place to call home. From Heather's locally famous savory pies and tapas to Mezzaluna Willits extensive cocktail list, there is a vibe for every personality to enjoy. Heather's offers comfort and warmth, delicious and handmade hot pies, and of course, a cozy atmosphere to enjoy it all in. It’s the perfect escape from the biting wind on a particularly cold winter’s day. Mezzaluna, on the other hand, is a meticulous, hand-crafted dining experience for your not-so-average pizza lover. Their motto of ‘house-made whenever possible’ means just that - slow-roasted and smoked vegetables for house sauces, doughs, and deserts and soup and sauce stocks that simmer for a minimum of 48 hours to tie in all the delicate and delectable flavors that upscale, yet approachable, Italian food has to offer.
For the foodie on the go, you may be surprised to hear that the Basalt Whole Foods has an incredible hot bar and groceries that match the quality of the surrounding area: flawless.
Things to Do
Visit Woody Creek Distillers, the smokey and complex home to wild trout, gonzo journalism, and masterful cocktails of the same variety. Woody Creek’s distilled spirits surprise and please the palate. What better way is there to get to know your neighbor than to pull up a chair and clink your glasses, filled with tasteful vodka, gin, bourbon, or rye of your choosing? Arguably, none.
After a couple of cocktails, head over to the Basalt River Park for an unforgettable sunset. This riverfront location, and excitingly new neighborhood, is shaping the future of the historic downtown Basalt. The area is home to many community-minded development projects along the Roaring Fork river and features beautiful trailheads (like Arbaney Kittle) and farm-to-table restaurants overlooking the river.
Set on a riverfront location, Basalt River Park is an exciting new neighborhood taking shape in historic downtown Basalt, Colorado. This community-minded development on the Roaring Fork River will consist of residential, commercial, and nonprofit components, including 24 residences of varying sizes and a farm-to-table restaurant overlooking the park and the river.
Schools
The public schools in Basalt are above average, with top educational opportunities including:
