Located at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers, Basalt is 16 miles north of Aspen and 22 miles southeast of Glenwood Springs. The town takes its name from 10,800-foot Basalt Mountain just to the north of town. The name comes from the black igneous rock in the area.
Located at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers, Basalt is 16 miles north of Aspen and 22 miles southeast of Glenwood Springs. The town takes its name from 10,800-foot Basalt Mountain just to the north of town. The name comes from the black igneous rock in the area.
The Colorado Midland Railroad, built to carry coal and silver ore between Leadville and Aspen, established the town of Frying Pan Junction in 1887. Incorporated as Basalt in 1901, the mountain town filled with immigrants from Switzerland and Northern Italy to work for the railroad mines and coal smelters. With the closing of the mines, the railroad rolled up its tracks and the few remaining folks began ranching. Signs of the great railroad era still remain today in a town now reborn as a vibrant community catering to both tourists and residents.
Basalt, with its close proximity to Aspen, is a gateway to all the valley’s recreational activities. Enjoy a quaint town that has become a favorite treasured destination all its own.
6,122 people live in Basalt, where the median age is 46 and the average individual income is $55,726. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around Basalt, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Basalt has 2,357 households, with an average household size of 2.6. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Basalt do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 6,122 people call Basalt home. The population density is 23.66 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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