Winter recreation opportunities in the Basalt Area include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and backcountry skiing. The warmer months bring access to white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, backpacking, biking and horseback riding. The Ruedi Reservoir area supports six developed campgrounds and several picnic areas. Also around the lake visitors will find fishing and boating access. The Roaring Fork and Fryingpan Rivers offer world-class fly and cast fishing waters.
The Forest Service administers the area campgrounds which have varying levels of service and facilities. Backcountry and dispersed camping opportunities also exist in the Basalt area. When camping outside of designated campgrounds, be sure to follow the backcountry and dispersed camping regulations, and Leave No Trace principles to ensure the next visitor an equal experience.
The Eagle-Thomasville Road and Hagerman Pass both provide scenic drives. Hagerman Pass is a 4wd road; the Eagle-Thomasville road is passable in 2wd vehicles when dry. Neither road is maintained in the winter months and Hagerman Pass would often be impassable until well into July due to snow.
Popular winter recreation activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The Tenth Mountain Hut System cuts across the eastern end of the area and provides a hut-to-hut trail system for cross-country skiing. Great snowmobiling exists in many of the non-wilderness portions of the area.
Please Select from any of the Recreation Activities listed below.
