Roaring Fork Valley
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Glenwood Springs
Originally inhabited by nomadic Ute Indian tribes, this area of bubbling hot springs has long been a destination for the health seeker. In the early 1880’s, James Landis homesteaded the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Grand Rivers that would become Glenwood Springs. Early settlers Isaac Cooper and Walter Devereux saw the potential for Glenwood Springs to become a highly regarded destination and developed these amenities into a world-class resort. The arrival of the railroads in 1887 brought the first trainloads of tourists to enjoy all that Glenwood had to offer. The addition of the Vapor Caves, Hotel Colorado and Fairy Caves provided a total package for travelers. The local economy was not only fueled by tourism but also by coal mining, farming and ranching, commerce and outdoor recreation. A visit to historic Glenwood Springs will take guests back in time to enjoy all of the amenities that were formerly reserved for the well-to-do.
Aspen
Originally inhabited by the Ute Indians, Aspen became a silver-mining town during the mining boom of the late 1800s. Following the devaluation of silver, Aspen experienced a cultural renaissance in the 1940s with the arrival of Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke. The Paepckes brought a vision for the community that focused on the mind, body and spirit, called “The Aspen Idea.” This idea drives the character of Aspen. Forget what you think you know about our mountain town; come and experience “The Aspen Idea” for yourself.
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers promotes stewardship of our public lands by engaging our community in education, restoration, and conservation projects. We aim to foster a diverse and engaged community of outdoor stewards working collectively for the benefit of our public lands. Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) was founded in 1995 by a group of locals who saw the need for a volunteer organization to work in partnership with the public agencies that manage, preserve and protect our public lands. Our goal was to support these land managers, as well as other conservation-minded organizations, by providing a foundation of expertise and resources to complete high-quality, tangible projects. Built on the successful model of the Appalachian Trail Club and Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, RFOV uses community involvement and a hands-on approach to foster a sense of stewardship for the abundant natural spaces in our area. Our Work Sustainable Recreation RFOV wants to ensure that everyone, now and in the future, can have an enriching experience outdoors. That’s the goal of our sustainable recreation programming: to maintain enjoyable trails and beautiful landscapes. Healthy Landcsapes RFOV believes that healthy landscapes make for healthy people. Together, we can restore degraded rivers, wetlands, lakes, habitats, and ecosystems. Fire Adaptation Rising temperatures, decreasing moisture, and growth of the wildland-urban interface increases the risk of wildfire damage to our community. RFOV aims to both restore burn areas within our service area and also to mitigate the impacts of future wildfires through targeted fuels reduction projects on public lands. Get Involved RFOV has a variety of volunteer opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Read below for more information and choose the program that is best for you! The physicallity required for every project differs based on the worksite location and specific work tasks. Volunteers will be able to self-select into crews based upon the strenuousness of the work to be completed within each crew. All RFOV community projects are delineated into the following 3 difficulty levels: Physically Easy Ex: walking under a mile to worksite, seeding, corridor vegetation management, small container planting, etc. Physically Moderate Ex: walking between 1-2 miles to worksite, trail tread maintenance, barbed-wire removal, large container planting, etc. Physically Strenuous Ex: walking up to 7 miles to worksite, overnight projects, extensive rock work, working on unstable terrain, etc. Community Projects We offer Community Projects from April through October. Come meet new friends while making a tangible impact on the ground. Open to everyone, RFOV community projects range from physically easy to strenuous, and many are accessible by public transit. No experience is needed and advance registration is required. 2025 Events Calendar Group Projects Custom stewardship projects are designed to maximize your impact on the outdoors while also building connections among your team. RFOV provides everything you need for the day – leadership, tools, training, education, & logistical support – you supply the volunteers! Each RFOV Group Project is between 4 to 6 hours and can accommodate 6 to 30 people. Type of volunteer work and financial commitment depends upon the desired project. Adopt-A-Trail Want to increase your impact? Commit to adopting a trail or open space by making a larger financial donation or putting in 40-60 hours of volunteer work each year. In recognition of your group’s stewardship service and/or financial donation, we’ll place an “Adopt-A-Trail” sign at the trailhead and organize projects to complete work on your trail. To schedule a Group or Adopt-A-Trail Volunteer Event, contact cocwoodward@rfov.org. Youth Programs To empower the next generation of public land stewards, RFOV connects students of every age with the outdoors through hands-on service-learning programs. Throughout the year, the RFOV offers a variety of youth programs serving students 4-18 years old. Learn more, here. Trainings Each year RFOV offers a variety of trainings for volunteers and partner staff alike. These can include but are not limited to crew leader training, trail maintenance, restoration, fire mitigation, leadership on and off the trail, and many more. View 2025 Trainings Community Service Do you need community service hours? RFOV offers a variety of pathways for your community service hours to be completed. Click here for more information. Frequently Asked Questions Support Your donation to RFOV supports over 120 volunteer work days a season, our Young Stewards Programs which reaches thousands of youth annually, and all the fun events and outings that celebrate your efforts. Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible and our Tax ID Number is 84-1302819. Donate Here Membership Benefits Member-exclusive pre-registration in the spring for season events and programs. Discounted admission to any of our fee-based programs, including skills training, summer youth programs, adult educational programs, and special events. Participation in RFOV's event selection process in the fall, weighing in on your preferred projects and locations for the coming year. Recognition in our end-of-year impact report mailed to 1000+ area households and shared more broadly via digital marketing. Membership Levels $35 | Member Your donation buys work gloves for two volunteers. $100 | Sustaining Donor Feeds 10 volunteers after a hard day of work. $250 | Benefactor Sponsor a local youth group project. $500 | Patron Supply native seeds to restore one acre of burned area. $1,250 | Outdoor Steward Support maintenance of 1 mile of trail in a year. $2,500 | Explorer Support the maintenance of 2 miles of trail in a year. $5,000 | Trail Blazer Help us save for a new van!
Hanging Lake
Hanging Lake is a protected and fragile ecosystem, requiring careful preservation. To ensure its beauty for future generations, a permit system is in place for all visitors. Hanging Lake is a National Natural Landmark in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. It was formed by a geological fault, leaving a travertine deposition that resulted in a stunning turquoise lake suspended in the canyon. The lake is fed by Bridal Veil Falls, which deposits minerals that give the water its vibrant color. The 1.2 mile (1.9 km) trail is steep, rigorous and rocky but rewarding. This National Natural Landmark features awe-inspiring scenery and gentle waterfalls! The Hanging Lake trail is a backcountry hike. While you don’t need to be an expert hiker, please be advised that if you have physical limitations, you will find the hike challenging. At the beginning and end of the hiking trail it is steep, rugged and rocky. In just over a mile, the trail gains elevation of 1200 feet (366 m). Small children and the elderly have found this hike especially difficult. Spouting Rock is a spectacular waterfall located 200 feet above Hanging Lake, where water gushes directly through the rockface of the cliff. Visitors can walk behind the falls for a unique perspective. Restroom Facilities: There are NO restrooms or drinking fountains along the trail or at the lake. Please use the restrooms available at the Hanging Lake trailhead prior to embarking on your hike. It is advisable to pack plenty of water and light snacks for your hike but remember to pack out your trash. Trail Difficulty: The Hanging Lake trail hike is considered moderate to strenuous due to its 1,200 feet of elevation gain over 1.2 miles (one way). The trail features rocky steps, switchbacks, and seven bridges crossing Deadhorse Creek. Hiking Timing: The average round-trip hike takes about 3 hours—approximately 2 hours up and 1 hour down. Elevation of Hanging Lake: The lake is at 7,323 ft (2,232 m). Visitors from lower elevations may have trouble breathing and/or experience nausea due to lower oxygen levels. Winter Hiking: Hiking permits are available (and required) in winter; however winter conditions can be challenging. Microspikes for traction on ice, Trekking poles for stability, and warm, waterproof clothing are highly recommended. Learn more about visiting Hanging Lake on the Glenwood Springs website
Maroon Bells
Located 10 miles from Aspen up Maroon Creek Road, the Maroon Bells are not to be missed during a visit to Aspen and are sure to be a highlight of your trip. The most popular viewpoint is from the shores of Maroon Lake, a pristine alpine lake enveloped by fields of wildflowers. There are several ways to enjoy beyond this scenic area. Reservations are required for shuttle and car access May - October. From meadows of vibrant wildflowers to airy groves of Aspen trees to summit-based alpine tundra, the Maroon Bells promise a variety of natural habitats and a diverse, vivid representation of the wild Elk Mountain Range. With six scenic hiking trails, various camping sites, and biking paths, visitors can enjoy multiple ways to access Aspen’s natural marvels and endless mountain adventure any time of year. Be sure to review these tips on trail etiquette. Travel by shuttle bus, car, or bike to the Maroon Bells with ease using these tips. The county typically closes the road on November 15th. Once the road is closed, visitors can walk, bike, cross-country ski, and snowmobile from T Lazy 7 Ranch. Maroon Lake is approximately 7 miles from T Lazy 7 Ranch. To protect the resource and ensure a quality experience, reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. The area is accessible via Maroon Creek Road from May 15th to early November. Trailhead Parking Reservations Limited spaces are available at the Maroon Lake Trailhead. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is closed to inbound private vehicles from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM between May 23rd and October 19th. During this time, visitors with parking reservations must arrive either before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM. However, you can still depart the area during this time. Trailhead Parking Reservations are ideal for those who need to start their adventure early before the shuttle bus begins at 7:00 AM, or those who wish to visit in the evening after 5:00 PM. Starting October 20th, you may arrive at anytime during your parking reservation, there is no requirement to arrive before 8:00 AM. Very limited spaces available. Dates: May 15th – October 31st Per Vehicle: $10 Shuttle Reservations Shuttle Reservations are the most common and convenient way to visit Maroon Bells. The shuttle bus departs from the Maroon Bells Welcome Center, located at Aspen Highlands Ski Area. If you have a shuttle reservation, you do not need a Trailhead Parking Reservation. There is a paid parking garage at the Maroon Bells Welcome Center, where you can park to access the shuttle. No reservation is needed for this parking garage, you will pay to park on arrival. Maroon Bells Welcome Center at Aspen Highlands Ski Area 75 Boomerang Rd, Aspen, CO 81601 Dates: May 23rd – October 19th Adult: $16 Children: $10 (12 & Younger) Seniors: $10 (65+) Backpacking Approved bear food storage containers are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Advance reservation overnight permits are required if you plan to stay overnight in the the busiest areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness including: Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake, and the Four Pass Loop (including Snowmass Lake and Geneva Lake). Permits must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov. For more information, see here. Overnight Permits for the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area are available on Recreation.gov.
The Distillery Inn
The Distillery Inn is truly one-of-a-kind. The first Inn in the world housed within a working distillery offers five luxury hotel suites available for nightly rental. Here guests can “Sleep with the Stills” in a relaxed, state-of-the-art room with refined amenities. Colorado is known for its rugged terrain, but these rooms are far from roughing it. Each room, including one ADA accessible room, is outfitted with hand-selected sustainable materials, sophisticated finishes and the most comfortable beds this side of the Rockies. Cocktails may be ordered and delivered to your room should you decide not to join us in the Tasting Room. Our team is available via text or phone in order to maintain our famous Distillery Inn hospitality. We are happy to supply china, silver and glassware for you to enjoy a beautiful meal on your private balcony or patio, should you decided to dine in with fare from our great local restaurants. Suite Amenities Fireplace Private balcony or patio King-sized beds with Fil D'Oro Italian linens Sleeper sofas in select rooms Flat-screen TV's USB docking stations Nespresso coffee machine Personalized mini bar & martini bar Spa bathrooms & rain shower Luxurious bathrobes Organic bath amenities by local Osmia Organics Property Features The first Inn in the world to be housed in a working distillery Complimentary bicycles Complimentary self parking Complimentary WI-FI Complimentary daily local newspaper Rooftop Deck and covered patio with fireplace Family friendly Dog friendly 2 Tesla charging stations * Concierge service for booking activities, dining and general information Marble Distillery Massive change can be made in the Spirit Industry when it comes to sustainability—and we want to help catalyze that change. Marble is changing the sustainability landscape one meal, and one drink at a time. Every aspect of the company is designed in an environmentally responsible way, so each process of distilling, waste disposal, and everything in between contributes to our net zero goals. Net Zero Goals From the start, we’ve taken our whole systems approach to attain net zero status in 2015 and have been improving it since then. From chemical-free, local sourcing of our ingredients, to our WETS water reuse system, to harnessing passive and paneled solar energy to giving our spent mash back to local farmers for their livestock, we took every step of the process and made it work to our goal. Energy Savings By reducing the waste output of each bottle distilled, we believe that sustainable success is achieved by steadily using the same, repeatable best practices over time. Our energy savings—including recapture and solar— can power 20 homes. Our green code rating is 83% lower than the town’s standards, and we use 20% less energy than other distilleries. We prioritize limiting waste as best we can, and Marble’s unique innovation: The Water Energy Thermal System, or WETS, helps us achieve this goal. Green Technology Put another way: At Marble, one bottle of water is used to make one bottle of our spirits. Meanwhile, other distilleries use up to 100 bottles of water to produce only 1 bottle of vodka. That’s a lot of waste that we don’t have at Marble. The technology does several crucial things. Firstly, it stores hot water left over from the distilling process for later use. Secondly, it uses excess energy to heat the facility itself. Thirdly, when there is too much heat produced, the technology transfers it, using it to prevent snow buildup in surrounding areas. And lastly, excess cold water is repurposed to cool both the distillery and the rooms at the Inn.
Mountain Fair
July 25-27, 2025 It’s hard to believe that just over 50 years ago, the Carbondale Mountain Fair came into being. Brought together by volunteers, and led by the Mother of the Fair, Laurie Loeb. The first few years hosted a traveling chautauqua, which quickly evolved into a locally-based, volunteer-run, non-sponsored festival that exemplifies the values of Carbondale; Collaboration, Creativity, Education, Volunteerism, Curiosity and Inclusion. View the full history of Mountain Fair here. 2025 Entertainment Schedule Featuring more than 25 musicians & entertainers throughout the weekend. Volunteer Mountain Fair has been run by volunteers since it first began 50+ years ago, making it a free and inclusive event to all. We are thrilled to celebrate the 54th Fair with our veteran volunteers and always welcome new ones! Contests Learn more about our contests from Pie Baking to Wood Splitting & Fly-Casting to Limbo. About Carbondale Arts Carbondale Arts builds an inclusive and vibrant community through the arts, supporting Carbondale’s identity as a place that fosters creativity, collaboration, innovation, and artistic exploration. Our dedication to this mission has been transformational to the history of Carbondale. Donate The value of every donation, large or small, leaves a lasting effect on what Carbondale Arts is able to offer the community. With your support, we’ve created art gardens along the Rio Grande Trail, constructed the beautiful archway, art programs in a colorful mobile classroom, engaging high-quality exhibitions at Carbondale Arts Gallery, the loveable summertime tradition of Mountain Fair, and the dynamic Fashion Extravaganza. Through memberships, sponsorships and donations our treasured programs are made possible and accessible to all.
Adventure Outdoors
Adventure Outdoors is the result of four of Colorado’s most trusted adventure companies Glenwood Adventure Company, Lakota Guides, Colorado Rafting Adventures, and Bair Ranch joining forces to create one unified brand built for today’s explorer. Adventure Outdoors is the next chapter in a story written by real people, on real rivers, trails, and ranchlands. The name is new, but the heart behind it is decades strong. This merger brings together decades of guiding experience, unmatched local knowledge, and deep roots in the rivers, trails, and backroads of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re rafting world-class whitewater, exploring historic ranchlands, or venturing deep into the wilderness on horseback or UTV, Adventure Outdoors delivers more of what makes Colorado unforgettable all under one roof. One team, One mission, A thousand ways to adventure. Bair Ranch – Glenwood Canyon Whether you’re riding horseback, exploring in a Can-Am side by side Defender, or simply taking in the views, Bair Ranch offers a genuine connection to the land, the history, and the spirit of the West. While just minutes from Glenwood Springs and a 30 minute drive from the Vail Valley, Bair Ranch feels worlds away. Bair Ranch is a private, working ranch with gated access, open to guests by reservation only. This ensures a more personalized experience, fewer crowds, and protected access to the land. Established in the early 1900s and our family has been ranching this over 100 years. The result is a place that feels real, grounded, and deeply connected to Colorado’s western roots. Colorado River / Glenwood Canyon Shoshone Rapids Our Shoshone Rapids Rafting Trip in Glenwood Canyon is the ultimate experience offering canyon views only seen from the river and perfect for families and those looking for a little excitement. Class III rapids Roaring Fork River Blends mountain scenery with a splash of adventure, escape the crowds of Glenwood Canyon. A local gem offering mountain beauty, clear water, and splashy rapids. 10 minutes from town Family Rafting Adventures Beginner-level rafting trips feature gentle rapids, calm waters, and plenty of smiles. Overnight River Adventures When your group stays on the river, everything changes. The pace slows. The canyon gets quiet. Phones disappear. Conversations stretch out. Kids linger in the water. Friends laugh longer around the fire. You’re not squeezing in an activity you’re stepping into a shared experience that gives your people real time together.
Mountain Rescue Aspen
We are a volunteer organization dedicated to saving lives through backcountry rescue and mountain safety education. We are one of the oldest search and rescue teams in the state. We are accredited through the Rocky Mountain Region of the Mountain Rescue Association. We work as volunteers for the Pitkin County Sheriff’s office; providing search and rescue services in Pitkin County and mutual aid for other counties throughout Colorado. We respond to approximately 100 calls annually. Our dedicated 50-member team annually donates thousands upon thousands of person-hours serving Pitkin County’s community and visitors. These hours represent time away from families to attend meetings and trainings; educate the public with our annual community avalanche seminar; teach children what to do if they are lost through the national “Hug-A-Tree” program, and of course, engage in search and rescue missions. 100% unpaid volunteers Unlike other emergency response agencies such as Police or Ambulance, or even Volunteer Fire, there is no tax base or public budget for Mountain Rescue. We are 100% unpaid volunteers who raise the funding we need each year through the solicitation of public donations and applications for local and state grants. We are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Donate to support our work Our Training The entire team is certified as a FEMA Type I Mountain Rescue Team meaning we have to demonstrate competency with Search, High-angle rescue, scree rescue, and avalanche rescue. Members are also trained to fly drones, HAATS hoist technicians, advanced life support, private pilots, accomplished mountaineers, and operational engineers running a complex 501(c)(3). Membership If you are interested in becoming a member you must go through a process of participation beginning with coming to a meeting. For an introduction to Mountain Rescue Aspen, we welcome anyone to come to our monthly meeting, which is held the first Monday of each month at 6 pm, unless the Monday falls on a holiday. All meetings take place at 37925 Highway 82, Aspen Colorado. Our facility is near the ProBuild Lumber yard towards the east end of the Aspen Airport runway. Learn more about becoming a member and joining our team.
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