by Michele Kadison

Claimed as one of the top adventure towns in the United States by National Geographic Adventure magazine, and as one of the 50 best places to live in the United States by Men’s Journal, Carbondale, Colorado is one of the best places in the Colorado Rockies to enjoy a full range of vacation activities.

Summer Activities

Colorado Golf in Carbondale, Colorado
With its spectacular mountain vistas, Carbondale, Colorado invites the golfer to perfect his or her game in one of the most splendid locations in the Colorado Rockies. Most courses are available between April and October, allowing golfers to enjoy the ever-present sunshine, low humidity, and comfort of its temperate spring, summer, and early autumn weather.

Colorado Fly Fishing in Carbondale, Colorado
One need go no further than the Roaring Fork Valley to find the best fly fishing in Colorado. Carbondale is an ideal base camp for anglers who wish to experience the majestic scenery and ample fishing at the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers as well as the Colorado and Frying Pan Rivers, only a fifteen minute drive away.

As one of the best rivers for trout fishing, the Roaring Fork River winds down 70 miles from the 12,095 foot high Independence Pass to the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. Along this journey, the Roaring Fork River offers a range of water types as well as some of the most beautiful vistas in the Colorado Rockies.

The stretch of water from Carbondale to Basalt, or the middle Roaring Fork, runs slower than the upper areas, offering large runs and pools with plenty of mountain whitefish and brown trout. Float fisherman are found here early in the season, but by late July the water becomes too low for float fishing. The Colorado Wildlife Commission has recently declared this 13 mile stretch as “Gold Medal Water,” expanding the area to 42 miles that now are known as the longest continuous portion of Gold Medal Water in Colorado.

The stretch of water between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, known as the lower Roaring Fork, flows into the Colorado River where the largest fish in the area live.

The Crystal River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the west, flows for more than 30 miles from the tiny town of Marble to just below Carbondale. This river boasts an abundance of mountain whitefish, rainbows, and browns. With its excellent pocket water and some good deep runs and holes, fishing here is ideal all year round and is open to the general public.

Horseback Riding in Carbondale, Colorado
Carbondale, Colorado offers several horseback riding operations where guests can experience the true Wild West experience of riding across mountain ranges and trails. Whether it’s a carriage ride or a back-country riding excursion, here you will find activities for riders of all abilities. What could be more exhilarating than riding your horse through trails that wind through wildflower meadows while gasping at towering mountains that grace the skyline.

Most stables, ranches, and guides offer services from May through September, depending on trail conditions. One can take a breakfast ride, a sunset ride, or even an overnight pack trip. With pony rides tailored for children, the entire family can enjoy the feeling of mounting up and taking off in one of the most historical regions in the Colorado Rockies.

Colorado Rock Climbing in Carbondale, Colorado
The Roaring Fork Valley is a haven for rock climbers due to its famed riverside boulders near Redstone, just a few minutes south of Carbondale. Here you can climb, fish, and swim. Bring the family, as some of the climbing is safe enough for children. Beginner climbers find this area perfect for honing skills without equipment. For intermediate and more advanced climbing, try the limestone cliffs in Box Canyon located in Rifle Mountain Park, as well as the magnificent crags found in Independence Pass. There is no better base camp for rock climbers than Carbondale, making the area a great rock climbing alternative to Aspen or Glenwood Springs.

Colorado Kayaking in Carbondale, Colorado
There is no need to look further in the Colorado Rockies than Carbondale when it comes to kayaking in Colorado. Come in the spring when the mountain snows begin melting, swelling the rivers to their maximum. Thrill to some of the most adventurous rides that keep even the most experienced kayakers on their proverbial toes. Find the huge waves of Superstition, The Wall, and Tombstone in Shoshone, one of the most popular runs in the Carbondale area. Here the rapids challenge the adventurer, preparing boaters for the largest rapid to come, called the Maneater. Not for the timid!

In summer the water levels drop and the river becomes more docile, making it perfect for beginners. Come in mid-July and August to get your toes wet in this exciting sport. Not in the mood to take the extreme? Relax on the cooling water during a warm summer afternoon as you drift by the stunning vistas that comprise the Roaring Fork Valley. Pass the cliffs in Glenwood Canyon as you navigate towards the majesty of the Upper Roaring Fork River, absorbing scenery that you would never see from the roadside.

Colorado Whitewater Rafting in Carbondale, Colorado
As a great whitewater rafting alternative to Aspen or any of the other Colorado Rocky towns, Carbondale, Colorado offers some of the most varied waters in the region. From extreme rafting to family fun, the rivers in Carbondale offer something for everyone. Try the Crystal River for its rushing waters, the Roaring Fork for its wild “Cemetery Rapids”, or the Colorado River for the deep, rolling swells. Ride the Shoshone Rapids to experience Baptism, Tuttle’s Tumble, The Wall, Tombstone, and the Maneater. With two miles of continuous white water activity, the experience makes for a heart-thumping adventure. With expert outfitters, some of whom have been in operation for more than 30 years, you can easily acquire all that you need for several hours of whitewater rafting thrills. Commercial rafting is available from May through the end of September. No matter what level you are, be it beginner or advanced, whitewater rafting in Carbondale, Colorado is an experience not to be missed.

Mountain Biking in Carbondale, Colorado
Whether you are looking for an extreme or leisurely ride through the Roaring Fork Valley, Carbondale offers some of the best bike trails in the Colorado Rockies. Ride the Red Hill Recreation Area, also known as “Mushroom Rock” where some of the most competitive mountain biking trails are located. Appropriate for all levels, this magnificent trail area is only a mile from downtown and includes a parking lot where Country Road 107 and Highways 82 and 133 meet. Prince Creek Road is another highlight for mountain bikers, with its level stretches and easy climbs. Once the pavement ends after one mile, you will be climbing up to 1300 feet over the last three miles it takes to get to the top. The Carbondale-El Jebel Loop is ideal for novice riders, with its flat, paved terrain. Pass cattle ranches along the way as you take in the mountain ranges and flower filled valleys. Another trail is the Glenwood Canyon bicycle path, covering 16 miles of paved trail. Begin at the Vapor Caves and go east towards Dotsero. Perfect for the family, this trail ride makes an ideal day outing.

Skateboarding in Carbondale, Colorado
Come to the Carbondale skate park for one of the best skateboard experiences in the United States. Located on Meadowood Drive in the North Face sporting complex, this skate park, measuring 13,300 square feet, was made with over 700 cubic feet of concrete and lies just under the 12,953 foot Mt. Sopris. With a plethora of bowls flowing together to create endless lines, corners, hips, and waterfalls, this skateboard park is top of the line, with the park’s encapsulated full-pipe operating as one of the highlights. Home to the 2004 Thrasher Carbondale Run, the park is great for watching some of the superstars of skateboarding. Here you will see Wrex Cook and Ryan Shecker do their stuff, challenging up and coming skaters to set new records. Designed by Gridline and surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the Colorado Rockies, Carbondale’s skate park is always filled with photographers eager to get some of the best photo ops for their skateboarding magazines.

Winter Activities

Colorado Skiing in Carbondale, Colorado
With literally hundreds of Colorado ski trails, Carbondale, Colorado is ideal for experiencing a wide range of Nordic and downhill trails. For Nordic skiing, head out to the Spring Gulch Nordic Trail where there are twelve miles of trails maintained and operated by the Mt. Sopris Nordic Council, a non-profit community-based organization. The tracks are for cross-country skiers only (no dogs allowed) and are ideal for the novice as well as advanced skiers. There is no fee for skiing here, but membership in the Mt. Sopris Nordic Council is encouraged.

For back-country trails, skiers can go to Avalanche Creek where trails follow the creek up a magnificent walled valley into the Wilderness Area just past the campground. From here you will have to break your own trail. Try McClure Pass where you will climb up through the forest, following Ragged Mountain Road from the top of the pass. Be aware that this last portion of the track can involve deep snow.

For downhill skiing, four ski mountains are at your beck and call. Try Aspen Mountain in downtown Aspen if you are an intermediate to advanced skier. Aspen Highlands, home of the famous Highland Bowls, also has ideal terrain for the advanced skier. Buttermilk is perfect for beginning skiers, with its wide trails. Advanced skiers and snowboarders can also enjoy Buttermilk, with its black diamond runs as well as challenging park terrain. Snowmass, rated one of the best family resorts in the United States, has something for all levels, with its steeps, terrain parks, half-pipes, and cruisers. Sunlight Mountain Resort, located twelve miles south of Glenwood Springs, has a wide variety of terrain perfect for beginners to expert skiers. Here there are also trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, making the resort a highlight for family vacationing in the Colorado Rockies.

Ice Climbing in Carbondale, Colorado
Ice climbing is plentiful and exciting in the Carbondale area. The Crystal River Valley, near Marble and Redstone, is home to over a dozen superb ice flows that comprise all levels of difficulty, including Marble Falls, the Redstone Pillar and Avocado Gully. Rifle Mountain Park, just north of Rifle and less than an hour from Carbondale, provides some of the best ice-climbing areas on the Western Slope. Hays Creek Falls, near Redstone, offers short and easy roadside ice climbing, and is a favorite early season practice area for locals.

Hot Springs in Carbondale, Colorado
What better way to relax after a rigorous day of skiing, ice climbing, or any other outdoor activity, be it winter, summer, spring, or fall! Enjoy one of Carbondale, Colorado’s hot springs and discover the pleasure of deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy the therapy of the continually flowing, hot, steaming water as you lie near snow-covered peaks, sprawling canyons, and streaming rivers. Breathe in the fresh, clean mountain air and let your body and soul rejoice in the beauty of this sublime setting.

Wildlife in Carbondale, Colorado
One of the most spectacular settings for viewing wildlife is in Carbondale, Colorado. With over more than 400 bird species in Colorado itself, as well as a plethora of black bears, eagles, deer, elk, and other creatures, Carbondale offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy all within a natural, pristine habitat. Take a day to explore the Roaring Fork Conservancy, a field trip with the Audubon Society for a bird watching tour, or simply keep your eyes open as you drive on the West Elk Scenic and Historic Byway where you will see the rare sight of birds and beasts in the wild.

The Scenic Route in Carbondale, Colorado
The West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway is known as one of the most magnificent drives in the United States. Take in the Crystal River Valley where Native American and pioneer settlers made their homes long ago. See the vast mountain ranges and the wide stretches of alpine wildflower fields. Drive past the farms and cattle ranches and view the amazing variety of wildlife that abound in every curve and pass of the road. Stop along the way to enjoy a hike, practice your photography, rock climb, or take a bicycle ride. You will never feel closer to having a perfect relationship with big nature than on this spectacular Colorado Rocky adventure that originates in Carbondale, Colorado.

For the Kids
Carbondale, Colorado offers a wide number of special events, field trips, and seasonal sports programs for children as well as adults. The well established Recreation Department allows you to bring the entire family to Carbondale where everyone can enjoy the activities offered all year round. Check the Mountain Parent magazine, a publication designed for residents and visitors of the Roaring Fork Valley. Here you will find an extensive listing of activities in Carbondale and its environs. And don’t forget to check the Summer Camp Guide, published each spring.

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