Aspen & Roaring Fork Valley
Basalt, Colorado
The Roaring Fork's best-kept dinner reservation — fly fishing by day, farm-to-table by night
Basalt sits at the confluence of the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers, about 18 miles downvalley from Aspen. The town has reinvented itself from a railroad stop into one of Colorado's most compelling small-town dining destinations — restaurants here source from the same ranches and farms as Aspen's high-end spots, but charge half the price. The Frying Pan River above town is Gold Medal water, drawing fly fishers from around the world. Basalt has also become the default address for people who work in Aspen but want to own property, giving the town a year-round energy that pure resort towns lack.
Newer hotel with modern rooms, pool, and mountain views. Best lodging option in Basalt proper.
Small B&B catering to fly fishers. Walk to the river from your room.
Spanish tapas and wine bar that would be packed in any city. Basalt's crown jewel.
French bistro run by an actual French chef. Crêpes, coq au vin, and a wine list that punches up.
Farm-to-table brunch and lunch with ingredients sourced within 100 miles.
One of Colorado's premier Gold Medal trout streams. The tailwater below Ruedi Reservoir produces trophy fish year-round.
Moderate 4-mile loop with views of Mount Sopris. One of the best day hikes in the valley.
Mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and a community feel. Basalt's modern downtown.
18 miles, about 25 minutes via Highway 82. RFTA bus service runs regularly.
It's a budget-smart choice. Hotels cost 50–70% less than Aspen, and you're 25 minutes from the slopes. The tradeoff is the commute, but our chauffeurs make it comfortable.
Door-to-door from DIA or anywhere on the Front Range. Flight tracked, no surge pricing.
Get a Quote