This cozy inn blends modern amenities with rustic mountain charm, providing visitors from across the United States and the world with comfortable accommodations, delicious dining options, and easy access to a plethora of outdoor adventures.
In This Article
From its wooded setting along the Fryingpan River to its proximity to world-class skiing and hiking, Basalt Mountain Inn makes an ideal home base for experiencing the very best of Colorado’s natural beauty. Yet it also lies minutes from the dining, arts, and culture of downtown Basalt and neighboring Aspen.
TL;DR
- Basalt Mountain Inn provides a one-of-a-kind lodging experience with comfortable rooms, excellent dining, and outdoor adventures just steps away.
- Visitors can explore local attractions like the historic downtown district, sample Basalt's eclectic cuisine, and partake in seasonal mountain activities from skiing to fly fishing.
- With its unbeatable location and trademark hospitality, Basalt Mountain Inn lets travelers immerse themselves in authentic Colorado mountain culture.
Destination Overview
Basalt Mountain Inn offers much more than just comfortable accommodations. This family-owned mountain retreat gives visitors a gateway to experience Colorado mountain life firsthand, from exploring quaint downtown Basalt to hiking through wildflower-strewn meadows.
Its location places guests right in the heart of what makes this region so special. Basalt provides a quieter, more local-oriented alternative to its glitzy neighbor, Aspen, while still retaining a vibrant dining and arts scene. The surrounding Elk Mountains offer limitless outdoor recreation, from skiing powdery slopes in winter to paddling the Fryingpan River in summer.
Yet Basalt Mountain Inn also pampers guests with rooms appointed with plush linens, a wet bar, and granite finishes. Friendly staff go out of their way to make each visitor feel at home.
Local Experiences and Culture
Beyond the inn’s amenities lies a wealth of quintessential Colorado experiences. From community pancake breakfasts to concerts in the city center, Basalt offers no shortage of opportunities to mingle with locals and immerse oneself in Rocky Mountain culture.
Visitors can browse the galleries, boutiques, and eateries of Midland Avenue, attend the weekly farmers’ market to sample regional produce, or sign up for a class in glassblowing or plein-air painting. The summer calendar brims with cultural festivals spotlighting food, wine, music, and art.
In interacting with Basalt residents, guests often find a strong sense of community and connection to the surrounding landscape. The people who call this valley home exude a certain pioneer spirit, ever eager to share their enthusiasm for the natural playground they inhabit.
Dining and Cuisine
Exceptional dining possibilities help fuel Basalt’s appeal, both at Basalt Mountain Inn’s partner Tempranillo Restaurant and throughout the mid-valley area. Chefs source many ingredients from local purveyors like Emma Farms, noted for its pasture-raised meats.
Menus feature contemporary takes on regional cuisine, from Colorado rack of lamb to Rocky Mountain trout. Local eateries like El Korita, Heather’s Savory Pies, Cafe Bernard, and Hominy Southern Kitchen (in the nearby town of El Jebel) also garner acclaim for their distinct flavors. With its proximity to Aspen’s renowned food scene, Basalt punches above its weight class for dining options.
Outdoor Adventures
Of course, one cannot visit Basalt without venturing into the great outdoors. The Elk Mountains encompassing Basalt offer limitless opportunities for adventure. Hiking trails lace these peaks, many accessible right from downtown. Anglers can cast a line for trout on the gold-medal waters of the Fryingpan River. Adrenaline junkies can test their nerves on Class V rapids or soaring via paraglider from lofty launch points.
Come winter, powder hounds flock to Aspen Snowmass’ four world-class ski mountains, all located within 20 minutes of the inn. Snowmass’ 3,300 skiable acres cater to all abilities, while Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain offer steep thrills. Families appreciate Buttermilk’s beginner-friendly terrain and renowned ski school. Off-slope diversions include snowshoeing, ice skating, and dogsledding adventures.
As Colorado’s original ski town, Aspen provides exceptional après options when guests finish playing on the slopes. Basalt Mountain Inn makes enjoying these mountain pursuits easy, with ski shuttles, equipment storage, and expert trip-planning advice.
Accommodations and Hospitality
In choosing lodging, Basalt Mountain Inn’s unrivaled setting places it in a class of its own. The inn snuggles along the Frying Pan River at the foot of the Ruedi Reservoir, enveloped by the vast White River National Forest.
Nearby Aspenalt Lodge offers a more budget-friendly alternative. This family-owned hotel offers easy access to the Rio Grande biking trail. While more modest in some respects, the lodge focuses on welcoming hospitality and family-friendly amenities.
Cultural Landmarks and Attractions
Beyond natural splendors, Basalt’s historic spaces spotlight the valley’s cultural roots. The Colorado Midland Railway Depot now houses a railway museum, while the nearby Brick Pony Pub occupies the town’s original livery stable. The Arts Campus at Willits celebrates local creativity with galleries, public art displays, concerts, and events.
These landmarks tie the present-day vitality of Basalt to the community spirit of its past residents. They embody cultural traditions that resonate through the generations, from ranching and railroading to arts and education.
Planning Your Visit
While Basalt Mountain Inn shines as a year-round getaway, its location lets visitors enjoy distinct seasonal adventures. Summertime brings warm weather pursuits like hiking, biking, paddling, and exploring the town on foot. From September through October, golden aspens and mild temps beckon leaf peepers. Winter transforms the high country into a veritable ski and snowboard wonderland.
In planning vacations to Basalt, the inn’s knowledgeable staff helps customize itineraries based on guests’ interests, budgets, and ages. Visitors can fill their days with arts, dining, and sightseeing or focus purely on adrenaline-pumping exploits in the Elks.
Proximity to Aspen Pitkin County Airport makes arriving seamless. Once settled in, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority’s buses connect Basalt with Aspen and neighboring towns, making a rental car optional. Basalt Mountain Inn’s combination of hospitality, amenities, and location guarantees memorable adventures beyond the ordinary.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Basalt Mountain Inn?
While beautiful year-round, peak seasons run from June through September for summer activities and December through March for skiing and snowboarding. Fall and spring offer fewer crowds and lovely weather.
What outdoor activities can you do near Basalt Mountain Inn?
Right from the inn, guests can hike and bike along the Fryingpan River, cast for trout in gold-medal fishing waters, launch rafts and kayaks for paddling adventures, and explore hundreds of miles of trails through the White River National Forest.
Does Basalt Mountain Inn provide ski shuttles?
The inn itself does not run ski shuttles. However, it is within walking distance of other shuttles to the mountains around Aspen Snowmass Village and other ski destinations.
What amenities and services make Basalt Mountain Inn stand out from other area hotels?
Signature amenities include the award-winning Tempranillo Restaurant, free parking, and an incredibly hospitable staff focused solely on guest satisfaction. Families will also appreciate the option to book a room with a sofa bed.
How do Basalt Mountain Inn’s room rates compare to nearby Aspen?
Like many Basalt hotels, room rates average 30-50% less than equivalent hotels in Aspen, providing visitors tremendous value. Off-season deals can reduce rates even further, making vacations here more affordable.
