Basalt

What You'll Love About Basalt

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  History & Culture

  The town of Basalt was named after the basaltic rock formation on Basalt Mountain and began as a railroad town. Incorporated in 1901, this charming enclave has grown to approximately 4,400 full-time residents. Basalt is located in both Eagle and Pitkin Counties. Basalt is 180 miles from Denver. Just 18 miles from Aspen, and 23 miles from Glenwood Springs and I-70.
  
  Basalt has developed as a spirited art community with many galleries and public art displays. The most prominent displays can be found in Basalt's bustling downtown area. Here you will find locally owned retail shops, galleries, sports outfitters, and world-class restaurants. The restaurants feature everything from four-course dinners to grab and go burritos, many with seasonal outdoor dining, and farm-to-table ingredients. The median age of residents is 36, and the median household income is $73,490.
  
  There are several options for schools, public, charter and private schools are all present in town. The public schools are in the Roaring Fork RE-1 School District.

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  Recreation

  Situated at the confluence of the Roaring fork and Frying Pan Rivers, Basalt highlights gold medal waters for fishing. The Frying Pan River meanders right through downtown Basalt. Just up the Frying Pan is Ruedi Reservoir, a perfect spot for fishing, boating and a multitude of other water activities.
  
  The nearby White River National Forest offers 2.3 million acres of trails, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and hunting. There are many other options for a quick day hike in and around Basalt for varying fitness levels. While Basalt doesn't have it's own ski resort, Aspen's four mountains are a 30-minute drive away, and Sunlight Mountain Ski Area is about a 45minute drive away.

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  Weather

  In Basalt, the summers are warm, dry, and mostly clear and the winters are freezing, snowy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 11°F to 81°F and is rarely below -3°F or above 87°F. The growing season in Basalt typically lasts for 116 days, from around May 30 to around September 23.