Basalt is known as a vacation mecca for families and sports enthusiasts. Basalt is a fishing paradise which sits at the confluence of two Gold Medal rivers, the Frying Pan River and the Roaring Fork River. There is serious whitewater rafting and kayaking from west of Aspen to Basalt, while leisurely float trips drift down the 12-mile lower part of the Roaring Fork, from Basalt to Carbondale. Ruedi Reservoir offers the most beautiful setting for windsurfing, camping, sailing and waterskiing. Nearby White River National Forest, which blankets Basalt on both sides, is also ideal for fishing or hiking. Amid the myriad of activities, Basalt continues to preserve it original, quaint charm.

Basalt was first named Ute Junction, after the Junction it served known at that time as Ute City that served present day Aspen Colorado. Colorado was a territory serving Aspen to Leadville Mining towns, and a well-known Railroad Junction going West and South to Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. The town was named for the basaltic rock formation on Basalt Mountain, was incorporated in 1901 and is 6,611 feet in elevation.

Other communities in Basalt include:

The Willits Town Center located west of downtown Basalt which is a traditional community with a rich mix of houses and townhouses; parks and playgrounds; shops and businesses and retail with lofts and condominiums upstairs, a performing arts center, and a hotel.

The Basalt Business Center is situated on the south side of Highway 82 and Basalt Avenue, is a healthy mixture of a residential neighborhood consisting of single family homes, some duplexes, two parks, a mixed-use element, Basalt High School and businesses.

Orchard Plaza was annexed into Basalt in 1994 and offering residents a variety of shopping and services, located off Highway 82 and Willits Lane. The Plaza includes grocery stores, liquor and pet stores, dining establishments, and movie theater.

There is also a variety of hospitable lodging right in historic downtown within walking distance to great shopping and dining. More than 20 restaurants and countless boutiques and specialty stores complete the serene scene.