Basalt is located just down-valley from Aspen. It began as a railroad town and was known as Aspen Junction until 1895 when the name was changed to Basalt. The name was taken from the basaltic rock formation of Black Mountain, which is now known as Basalt Mountain.
The sleepy town of Basalt has a quaint main street filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts have so many options to quench their thirst for the outdoors. From the gold medal trout waters of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers for fly-fishing to Ruedi Reservoir for boating, sailing, and paddle-boarding, the anglers and water devotees will not go wanting. Lake Catherine, in the hills above town, is filled with trout for easy kid-fishing, and nearby there is a range for the aspiring marksman. There are endless trails for hiking and biking as well as plenty of camping sites. And, not to be overlooked, the elegant Roaring Fork Club offers championship golf, incredible dining, and an unparalleled fishing program.
The Basalt community is family-oriented with school booster clubs and a plethora of events to bring together family and neighbors. There’s a weekly summer farmer’s market on Sunday, a summer concert series on Wednesday nights, and movies in the park during the summer, with many other events sprinkled in throughout the year.
There are many communities and neighborhoods from which to choose, including those that line the banks of the Frying Pan River, the flanks of Mountain Sopris, the high mesa of Missouri Heights, and the walkable enclaves surrounding downtown.
