Here's How To Spend 24 Hours in Basalt

Here in the Roaring Fork Valley, every day is an adventure. From buzzy brunches to local trails to serene spas and hot springs, we’ve rounded up myriad hot spots from Basalt—that can be effortlessly mixed and matched to curate the ultimate 24-hour itinerary.

REST AND RELAXATION

NEUROSPA

Promoting beauty from the inside out, NeuroSpa is a brain and body center that boasts an array of advanced medical spa procedures, skincare treatments and more. On the lineup? Choose from an extensive list of spa services, from dermaplaning and chemical peels to laser hair removal, semipermanent makeup and so much more. Whatever you choose at this wellness sanctuary, know you can’t go wrong. Make sure to get to the salon early to sip on its blended Brain Health tea, take a breath in the Aromatherapy Zones and receive a complimentary Muse brain entertainment session (available before or after appointments). 350 Market St., Ste. 001, Basalt, 970.927.1141, theneurospa.com

FAHRENHEIT BODY SPAS

After long hours on the trails, giving your body extra relaxation and rejuvenation is a no-brainer. Spearheaded by the Frisselle family, Fahrenheit Body Spas offers cutting-edge, scientifically validated therapies and treatments for athletes and first-timers alike. Try out classics like acupuncture, facials and cryotherapy, or mix it up with an array of therapies (think salt, float, ozone, LightStim and more). Open Monday through Saturday, book your appointments online or over the phone. 241 Robinson St., Basalt, 970.315.1234, fahrenheitbodyspas.com

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

THE ART BASE

A guest at The Art Base.

Welcome to The Art Base, an epicenter for creative expression through education, exhibitions and opportunities for artists all over the Roaring Fork Valley. The Art Base also offers a variety of classes and visual arts workshops, open to those of all ages and abilities, as well as outreach programs in partnership with local nonprofits and Basalt schools. As for exhibitions, the 2024 lineup includes a variety of solo and group shows and guest-curated exhibits from Colorado-based artists. Open every Tuesday through Saturday, make sure to carve out some time to visit the gallery and Shop. 174 Midland Ave., Basalt, 970.927.4123, theartbase.org

THE ARTS CAMPUS AT WILLITS

The Arts Campus at Willits.

Get those creative juices flowing! TACAW is home to an eclectic mix of performing arts, entertainment and thought-provoking programming that highlights the best of the Roaring Fork Valley. Education takes center stage at the campus, with after-school and weekend performances; a cinematic arts program; workshops focusing on art careers; mentorships and internships; and, naturally, constant exposure to local, professional artists. On top of partnering with an impressive load of local schools, institutions and nonprofits, TACAW is also a nonprofit partner of 1% for the Planet, as the first all-electric performing arts facility in the United States and with a focus on various climate-focused programming. 400 Robinson St., Basalt, 970.510.5365, tacaw.org

DINE

CAPITOL CREEK BREWERY

Enjoy the outdoors by dining on Capitol Creek’s patio

After a long day of fishing the Fryingpan, head over to Capitol Creek Brewery for beers and bites, named after the famous snow runoff from Capitol Peak. All beers are brewed in-house by brewmaster Matt Johnson, and we guarantee a taste for everyone with its continuously rotating menu. For dinner, we suggest munching on the house charcuterie board or goat cheese burrata before diving into your main course. Our top picks? The Colorado ruby trout with blistered asparagus, house potatoes and a bearnaise sauce, or the capellini pomodoro featuring angel hair pasta mixed with a light tomato sauce, fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Of course, it pairs perfectly with the Japanese lager or the hearty Green Drake IPA. 371 Market St., Basalt, 970.279.5723, capitolcreekbrewery.com

FREE RANGE KITCHEN

With over 30 years in the restaurant business, Robin Humble and her husband, Steve, know exactly what they’re bringing to the table. After running a world-class wine program and the catering department at the Roaring Fork Club and managing the James Beard-nominated restaurant Renaissance together, Robin and Steve took on an even bigger feat: opening their own project, Free Range Kitchen. After battling breast cancer, Robin took a deep dive into the food system and began practicing a more holistic approach with safer products and cleaner food. Now, that concept has made its way onto the plates at Free Range Kitchen, with creative, farm-fresh food. Our must-order meal? The burrata board and Berkshire pork tenderloin. 22864 Two Rivers Road, Basalt, 970.279.5199, freerangebasalt.com

HIKE

CRYSTAL CITY ROAD #314

Any list of Carbondale hikes needs to begin with Crystal City Road #314. Best during June through October, this trek is the perfect way to watch the beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley come to life. The grueling 9-mile out-and-back trail hugs the Crystal River for most of the hike and provides impressive views from the top. In the summer, jump into the water for a cool down, and in the fall, sit back, relax and take in picturesque views of the Crystal Mill and fall colors.

THOMAS LAKES TRAIL

Tucked away in the White River National Forest, Thomas Lakes Trail boasts jaw-dropping Alpine views of Mount Sopris; lush surrounding forests; and, of course, Thomas Lakes, Carbondale’s ultimate trio sitting at the base of the mountain. Not for the faint of heart, this almost-8-mile round-trip hike is as difficult as it is beautiful. Start at the trailhead on Dinkle Lake Road and trek your way to the Lakes, and for those looking for a longer day, continue to the top of the 13,000-foot mountain.

GET CREATIVE

POWERS ART CENTER

Powers Art Center exteriors.

Welcome to the Powers Art Center, a place where creativity and architectural design blend in the most cohesive of ways to create a standout space that is better described as a work of art than a building. This world-class museum and showstopping study center is dedicated to John G. Powers. Powers and his wife, Kimiko, were avid collectors of contemporary art. On the first floor, a rotating exhibit from some of the world’s most prominent contemporary artists (think Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein and more) lines the space. Moving up, the four upper galleries are dedicated to the museum’s featured artist Jasper Johns’ expansive collection of works on paper from 1960 to 2021. Outside, the property is complete with a shallow pool on the terrace that reflects the nearby mountains and masterfully executed architecture leading to rolling hills and pastures. 13110 Highway 82, Carbondale, 970.963.4445, powersartcenter.org

TRUE NATURE HEALING ARTS

True Nature Healing Arts Foundation has everything you need to recenter your life, from daily yoga classes and meditation to personal workshops, a nourishing spa and so much more. Sitting at the base of Mount Sopris, this nonprofit intentional sanctuary serves as an idyllic setting to explore practices for conscious living, supporting individuals in discovering their life purposes and living it. Inside the spa, self-care and holistic wellness lead an impressive lineup of facials and body treatments like the hot stone massage, reiki and fire cupping (just to name a few). Outside, take a guided tour of the Peace Garden or find tranquility through various retreats, seminars and workshops held in the Kiva (which boasts state-of-the-art lighting, sound, acoustics and aesthetics). 100 N. Third St., Carbondale, 970.963.9900, truenaturehealingarts.com