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Local Area Map
Aspen & Crystal River Valley Area Map

Aspen & Crystal River Valley Area Map, Colorado Vacation Directory

Aspen and Crystal River Valley Map, Colorado
Not all towns appear on map. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for accuracy or completeness of maps. This information was compiled as accurately as possible.

These towns, connected by the Fryingpan and Crystal rivers, and nestled among the White River National Forest, are full of beautiful scenery, rich history, interesting people, and endless things to do. Like many areas in Colorado in the late 1800s, this region mined silver. Tied to this region are many legends. Basalt, named for the black rock found in the area, was originally named Fryingpan Junction in honor of a local legend. According to the legend, prospectors were attacked by Ute Indians and one man was badly wounded. His companions hid him in a cave and marked the spot with a frying pan.

Via Hagerman Pass, from 1883 to 1918, Midland Railroad brought people to the area. These times of travel were hard from rock slides, derailments, snowdrifts and coal shortages. Many of these settlers became ranchers, and although many of the old ranches have been transformed into more modern-day amenities, there is still evidence of the ranching history. Snowmass holds rodeos Wednesdays and Saturdays in late June through August, reminding people of the old cowboy lifestyle.

The hard times of mining and early settlers are gone now, and the romance of ranching has faded, but new attractions have emerged. Skiing has transformed this region. Ski legends like Andre Roch, Frield Pfeifer, Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke, and Stein Erickson helped to establish Aspen's foundation for the future. This spawned other ski resorts in the area, such as Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Sunlight Mountain.

There is much more to this region than just skiing, however. It is filled with music festivals, restaurants, shops, and other outdoor activities like golf, kayaking, cave exploring, fishing, horseback riding, biking and relaxing in the Glenwood Springs world renowned outdoor hot springs pool.

Legendary jazz musician Freddie Fisher brought a tradition of jazz to the area. Some attractions include the Snowmass free Thursday night concerts, Glenwood's Summer of Jazz festival, and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day festival. Adding to the culture, Carbondale is home to several art galleries and holds the Carbondale Mountain Fair. While browsing the galleries and attending the concerts, don't forget to dine in the diverse restaurants. From Italian to Sushi to vegetarian to Cajun, there is something for everyone. The diversity in this area makes it truly unique.