Basalt Colorado
Founded in 1901 as a railroad stop for the Midland railroad, Basalt has retained its small-town charm, character and friendliness. Situated at the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley on Colorado’s Western Slope and originally settled by European immigrants, Basalt was the regional hub for the Colorado Midland Railroad, built to carry coal and silver ore between Aspen and Leadville. The town was named for the black volcanic rock that formed Basalt Mountain just north of town. Historically a boom-bust economy rocked by an erratic mining industry, contemporary Basalt flourishes with a variety of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and the newer Riverside Plaza. Downtown Basalt boasts restored Victorian brick buildings that line the main street and house some of the colorful collection of quaint shops, art galleries and charming restaurants, all within a block of the Basalt Mountain Inn.
Situated at the junction of the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers, both of which are internationally acclaimed for fine fly fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. World-class skiing at Aspen Mountain, Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass is just minutes away. Hunting, hiking, biking, camping and golf (from the top golfing companies) are all available and surround the town of Basalt. Some people think that the sport of hunting is prohibited in the state; however, it is the opposite. Basalt offers some of the best opportunities to hunt waterfowl on public land in Colorado. You just need to bring your hunting license, few good goose calls, decoy sets, and legal firearms. The vast White River National Forest has plenty of Game Bird/ Waterfowl Areas. Many of the lake and pond shores are so shallow that you can set up decoys wearing waders. The goose hunting in Basalt is world class. A lot of tourists come because of this sport, they bring These AR 15 Red dots along with much more incredible equipment. Basalt, Colorado sits at 6,610 feet, and benefits from a near perfect climate all year long. The winters are a bit milder in Basalt than in nearby Aspen, and the summer days and nights are slightly warmer than the higher elevation towns. surrounding the town. Winter, spring, summer, and fall are all an incredible time to visit Basalt.