Colorado vacations are action-packed for the whole family – locals and visitors alike
Dozens of summer vacation activities packed into a small space
Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, a scenic 50-mile stretch stretching from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, offers a wealth of summer vacation activities.
The valley is cut off from the towering and rugged Elk Range of the central Rocky Mountains, and follows the thundering current of the Roaring Fork River. Virtually the entire valley is covered by conifers and cottonwoods from the White River National Forest, the nation’s most important recreational forest, according to the US Forest Service.
Without a doubt, the most popular destination in the valley for hiking or backpacking is the Maroon Bells area near Snowmass. The Maroon Bells are twin red shale peaks rising to over 14,000 feet. The distinctive topographic character of the area leads to spectacular views. A free bus runs three times an hour throughout the summer to Maroon Lake, where hikers and backpackers will find access to Maroon Peak and Pyramid Peak.
The Maroon Bells Wilderness Area is also very popular with campers. The surrounding countryside of a glacial valley dotted with vast fields of native wildflowers attract millions of visitors each year.
Scenic Backcountry Camp near Carbondale, which sits in the shadow of 13,000-foot Mount Sopris, is also easily accessible.
Carbondale is located along Highway 83 at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Crystal River. In addition to numerous commercial campgrounds and RV parks, the Forest Service runs the wonderful campground at Avalanche Creek, which has only 13 first-come, first-served campsites. There’s a small fee for each night, but the panoramic views from over 7,000 feet, easy access to excellent trout fishing in Avalanche Creek, trails to Maroon Bells, the Snowmass Wilderness area, and Sopris, and relative seclusion to Just ten minutes from the city makes the camp a popular stay for summer vacation activities in the region.
Colorado and the federal government also oversee and maintain dozens of free campgrounds throughout the Roaring Fork Valley; however, the area is dotted with quite a few areas of private land, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for small signs marking private property.
Ruedi Recreation Area, just 15 minutes east of Basalt on the Fryingpan River, is home to Ruedi Reservoir. The reservoir is suitable for boating and other water sports, and the forest surrounding the area is famous for its excellent hunting.
Much of the Roaring Fork River is designated gold medal fishing and there is no shortage of professional fishing guides who know the waters well. Rivers run very high during the spring snowmelt when water pours from the mountains into the stream. In the summer, however, the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, and Crystal rivers can be forded or float fished.
The valley is literally an outdoor mecca for summer vacation activities. And it’s not just about fishing and camping. The rivers are always populated with kayakers and groups of whitewater rafters who brave the rough currents.