Basalt Vacation Guide

Basalt offers pleasant summer days that are warm without being too hot. Average high temperatures during this time of year are in the mid-70s to low 80s. Bring warmer clothes for evenings and nights, when temperatures drop to the mid-30s and 40s.

Water Sports

Surrounded by forested mountains, the sparkling waters of Ruedi Reservoir provide an ideal site to enjoy a wide range of water sports, including boating, sailing, kayaking, tubing, wakeboarding and paddle boarding.

Mountain Biking

The Basalt area offers a number of easy to medium-level mountain bike trails, includng Basalt Mountain Road, Buckthorn Trail and Glassier Trail.

Road Biking

With a 42-mile continuous trail from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, the Rio Grande Trail is a rails-to-trails bikeway completely free of vehicular traffic except at intersections. From downtown Basalt, you can access the trail from the Basalt High School parking lot.

Golf

Roaring Fork Club is a private, 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course situated on 380 stunning acres just minutes from downtown Basalt. The club offers membership packages for property owners in the Roaring Fork Valley as well as summer residents.

Arts and Culture

Basalt serves as the cultural center of Roaring Fork Valley, offering art galleries filled with fine art, photography, 3D art and more. Highlights include The Art Base, which offers community art programs, and The Ann Korologos Gallery.

Summer Concert Series

The Basalt Chamber of Commerce teams up with the town of Basalt and Willets Town Center to sponsor free weekly concerts from June through August. Venues include Lions Park in downtown Basalt and Triangle Park in Willits Town Center.

Basalt Summer Cinema: Movies in the Park

Basalt Summer Cinema shows one family-friendly film per month from June through August in Lions Park on a giant inflatable screen. Refreshments, including popcorn, are available for purchase.

Basalt Sunday Market

Basalt Town Hall is the site of this summer farmers' market where you can find locally grown and organic produce, artisanal foods, children's crafting activities and live music.

Perfect Outdoor Weather

Basalt’s summer weather is ideal for spending time outdoors, whether you prefer being in the water or exploring the mountains and forests.

Whitewater Rafting

The Roaring Fork Valley has plenty of opportunities to experience the exhilation of whitewater rafting, including easy rafting on the Roaring Fork River and intermediate rafting on the Arkansas and Colorado rivers.

Community Events

See local works of art at the ARTB2F Basalt Art Walk on the second Friday of each month and mingle with residents at the Basalt Sunday Market each Sunday during the summer.

The Frying Pan river is a world -renowed Gold Medal fly fishing mecca. Stop into Taylor Creek Fly Shop for the full report, get outfitted for the day and hire some of the best guides in the valley.

Don't be afraid to drive past Ruedi and explore Meridith, Colorado and some gorgeous up country.

Fall temperatures in Basalt range from the upper 60s and low 70s in September to the mid-40s and mid-30s in November and December. Early to mid-fall offers mild weather that’s great for hiking and seeing foliage.

Leaf Peeping

Hike through the Rocky Mountain forests in the Roaring Fork Valley for a spectacular view of fall foliage, including golden Aspen leaves. The ideal time to go is between mid-September to mid-October, with foliage usually peaking around the third week in September.

Hiking

The Basalt area offers several hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Arbaney Kittle offers stunning views at an elevation of 2,000 feet, while Miller Divide Trail passes through elk and deer habitat. You can find more trails at Aspen Trail Finder.

Taste of Basalt

Enjoy local foods, dancing, a silent auction, and more while raising funds to support Basalt Public Schools. The Basalt Education Foundation hosts this annual event in early November each year. Local restaurants provide delicious foods, and a DJ spins dance tunes.

Personal Pumpkins

Enjoy family-friendly fall festivities and pick out a pumpkin at the annual Pumpkin Patch in Crown Mountain Park.

Picturesque Views

Fall foliage on the mountainsides and near Roaring Fork River provides plenty of chances to capture stunning autumn pictures.

Fall Camping

Early fall has weather that’s still warm enough for camping at one of the area’s many campgrounds. Pack up the tents, sleeping bags, and marshmallows for a night of s'mores under the stars.

Some of the best (and least crowded) leaf peeping is to be had above Ruedi Reservior. Pack a picnic lunch from Whole Foods just down the street and take the entire day to explore.

Fly fishing and hiking are at their best in the fall. While the days are still warm and long, make the most of the swing season by hitting the trails.

Average high temperatures in Basalt normally reach the mid-30s from December to February. There’s generally plenty of snow for skiing at nearby slopes all winter long.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Basalt’s location makes it easy to get to nearby slopes in Aspen and Snowmass. Stop by Basalt Bike & Ski to rent or purchase skis and other equipment first.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Beautifully groomed trails and magnificent views greet Nordic skiers on more than 60 miles of free cross-country ski and snowshoe trails that link the towns of Basalt, Aspen and Snowmass.

Sample Mediterranean Cuisine

Choose from an astonishing array of tapas at Tempranillo, an acclaimed Spanish and Italian restaurant located in the heart of downtown Basalt. Dual fireplaces create a warm atmosphere for enjoying their extensive offering of Spanish wines.

Emma Schoolhouse Christmas Bazaar

This annual event takes place in mid- to late November, giving you a chance to start holiday shopping early. The bazaar features a wide range of handmade items for sale in the historic Emma Schoolhouse, located two miles west of Basalt.

Holiday Lighting

Basalt features three annual lighting ceremonies for the holidays, all of which take place in early to mid-December. These include Christmas tree lightings in Willits Triangle Park and Lions Park in downtown and a menorah lighting in Lions Park.

Community Charm

Basalt got its start as a railroad town in the late 1800s. Today its historic downtown area is home to some of the best restaurants, galleries, and boutiques in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Calm, Quiet Atmosphere

Just 16 miles from Aspen, Basalt is close to the action during prime ski season, but offers a peaceful oasis at the end of the day.

Winter Wonderland

The surrounding mountains turn the area into an impressive winter wonderland of snow and ice.

Hop on the Rio Grand trail for quiet nordic ski adventure. The trails are groomed from Basalt to Aspen all winter long.

Hydrate! With cool winter temperatures and lots of exertion, many visitors do not realize how easily they get dehydrated! Make sure to drink lots of extra water, even if you may not feel thirsty!

Average high temperatures in Basalt during spring range from the mid-40s in March to the mid-60s in May and mid-70s in June. Early spring offers good conditions for skiing, while late spring provides ideal weather for fishing and hiking.

Fly Fishing

The Fryingpan River and the Roaring Fork River offer excellent fly fishing opportunities. Fish for brown, rainbow, and brook trout on your own or under the guidance of local fly fishing experts at Frying Pan Anglers or Taylor Creek Fly Shops.

Mountain Biking

Late spring offers comfortable temperatures that make mountain biking an invigorating experience. Basalt Mountain Road Bike Trail, Beaver Creek Trail, and Dexter Park Trail all provide easy trails to explore.

Roaring Fork Charity Classic

Held in early May, this annual golf tournament raises funds for nonprofit organizations in Basalt. It takes place at the scenic Roaring Fork Club.

Road Biking

Milder temperatures in May and early June offer great weather for exploring Basalt and the Roaring Fork Valley from the seat of a touring bike.

Skiing in Spring

The nearby slopes in Aspen and Snowmass give you one last chance to enjoy skiing for the season.

Fewer Crowds and More Powder

Springtime isn’t as busy as summer or winter, making Basalt spring skiing vacations a better option for avoiding larger crowds.

With spring runoff making the rivers roar, spring is a great time to stroll up and down Midland Avenue for some lovely shopping, dining, art experiences and museums.

With snow clearing in some areas, Basalt has lots of walking paths where visitors can frequently get a peek at American Bald Eagles soaring and hunting for food to help their babies get strong for summer.