Quintessential Carbondale
With so much to do in and around Carbondale, we had to put together the Local's Picks. Consider these quintessential Carbondale experiences you must do in your time here.
Wild West Rodeo
Enjoy a full-scale rodeo every Thursday evening during the summer months. Bull riding, calf roping, team roping, mutton bustin’, dally ribbon roping, calf scramble for kids, and much more. Check out the event calendar to see if you're lucky enough to catch a truly one-of-a-kind rodeo experience.
Summer Concerts in the Park
Bring the family, and don't forget the picnic and blanket for good music in the park every Friday evening in the summer. Relax and let the kids dance in front of the stage.
All concerts take place in Sopris Park, except for June 17 which will take place on the 4th Street Plaza, and the music starts at 7 p.m. Check out the complete music schedule.
Rio Grande Bike Trail
If you are a biking enthusiast, pedaling from Aspen to Glenwood Springs is one of the best things to do while visiting Carbondale. The 44 miles of continuous multi-use trail feature many access points – so you can pick the ride that’s right for you and your family. The trail is on the old Rio Grande rail road and is an easy grade up and down the valley. You can take a casual family bike ride, or dust off that carbon fiber race machine. Who knows, you might even see up-valley local Lance Armstrong on the trail.
Gold Medal fly fishing
The Roaring Fork Valley offers some of the finest fly fishing in Colorado and Carbondale lies in the heart of it. Grab your pole, because the conditions are prime for amazing days on the water. Stop into the local fly shops for the hottest flies, and maybe if you're lucky you just might get the inside word on where the fish are really jumping.
West Elk Loop Scenic Byway
Once described as “the closest you can come to a wilderness experience in a passenger car,” this route has a unique combination of geological, historical, recreational, and scenic features. Carbondale is the gateway for this stunning route that traverses 205 miles of spectacular vistas.
Spectacular Golf Courses
Situated at the foot of the majestic Mt. Sopris, River Valley Ranch is a 520-acre residential Aspen golf and resort community nestled in Colorado's spectacular Crystal River Valley. The rolling valley floor and banks of the Crystal River unite to create a prime landscape from which to craft a magnificent mountain golf course. With the natural palette of the valley's riparian corridors, wetlands, grasses and rolling topography, River Valley Ranch has been heralded as "the new jewel of the Rockies" by Golf Magazine, which named River Valley Ranch to its prestigious "Top 10 You Can Play" listing. In addition, Golfer Magazine featured this well known Aspen golf club in its recent "Best of America's New Courses" list.
Award-winning Dining
From rustic mountain eateries to the town’s everexpanding list of fine dining establishments, Carbondale boasts a refreshing atmosphere that enhances your dining experience. You’ll take your taste buds on a journey when you explore downtown’s restaurant row. You may notice that the cows in the fields look nervous, that's because many restaurants serve our very own local beef, Crystal River Beef.
Epic Hikes and Bike Trails
Whether you are interested in pavement or dirt, wheels or feet, your adventure can take you to Red Hill and Mushroom Rock, The Crown Trails, Thompson Creek, The Lead King Basin Loop – to name just a few. Stop into one of the local bike shops or for the skinny on the latest trail conditions. Don't foget to spend the day up valley too. Aspen and Snowmass is only a quick drive up valley to some of the best mountain biking in the state. Not to mention the not-to-miss road bike to the Maroon Bells pictured left.
Explore Historic downtown
New shops, galleries, businesses, and restaurants reside where 100 years ago you would find newspaper offices, a blacksmith, hotels, a post office, and a trail depot. Stroll past historic brick buildings and wooden structures that have served our bustling community since 1881. On the first Friday of every month, be sure to check out First Friday!
Hot Springs
No trip to the mountains is complete without a visit to the hot springs. A few miles south of Carbondale are the geothermal pools at Avalanche Ranch. Just down the road from Avalanche Ranch are the Penny Hot Springs that sit on the Crystal River. The historic Glenwood Hot Springs are located right off I-70 in Glenwood. Conclude a weekend of epic adventures by soaking away those sore muscles.
