The tributaries that feed into the mighty Colorado River, which flows all the way to Mexico, originate in the mountains around Basalt. These tributaries, or headwaters, include the Roaring Fork, Fryingpan, and Crystal Rivers.

Basalt is well known for its Gold Medal trout fishing in the Frying Pan River. Ruedi Reservoir is also a popular regional destination for boating and other watersports. Basalt is a hub for mountain biking in the Roaring Fork valley.

The Roaring Fork Valley beckons many by way of its rivers, mountains, and people. Maybe partly inspired by the lyrics of the late local John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High, or the images of Colorado’s most photographed treasure, the Maroon Bells – Basalt has a draw of its own.

May 17, 2001 · The Roaring Fork River at Basalt, Colorado, is a single-thread, high-gradient, cobble/boulder-bed river that presents a natural hazard to the town, nearby residential structures, several bridges and roadways, and the municipal waste-treatment facility.

The Fryingpan River, which has an elevation of a little over 6,500 feet, begins near Mt. Massive and flows west through the White River National Forest, eventually ending at its mouth in Basalt, where it joins the Roaring Fork River.

The Basalt Watershed comprises two Gold Medal Rivers, which run right through Basalt Colorado. The Fryingpan and Roaring Fork rivers divide and define Basalt, as inescapable as the ocean in a beach town. The rivers, which meet near the center of town, have shaped Basalt’s roads, bridges, pedestrian corridors, and buildings.

The Fryingpan River is a renowned Gold Medal trout fishery whose designation stretches 14 miles from Ruedi Dam to its confluence with the Roaring Fork River in the town of Basalt. This river boasts healthy rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout populations, providing year …

Situated near Old Town Basalt and the new Pan and Fork Park, The River Center provides easy access for both residents and visitors to drop in and learn more about the pivotal role rivers play in the community, the watershed, the state and the American West.

The Roaring Fork River runs 70 miles from Independence Pass through Aspen, Basalt, and Carbondale until it reaches its confluence with the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. During its journey, the water drops over 6,000 feet in elevation, more than the Mississippi River drops in …

Basalt is surrounded by the White River National Forest, which has many campgrounds. Popular ones include Molli B, Ruedi Marina, and Little Maud campgrounds. Read about camping near Basalt, Snowmass and Aspen. Fishing – The Frying Pan River passes through downtown, providing year-round fishing.