River Valley Ranch occupies beautiful ranch land just about two minutes outside Carbondale, an old western town with a population of about 6,000. Perched at altitude of 6,181 feet, RVR and Carbondale rest in the magnificent shadow of 12,953-foot Mount Sopris.

RVR is located on the sunny, southern edge of Carbondale, and is close to several other wonderful mountain towns:

About Carbondale

Carbondale is rich in character. The town has grown steadily while still retaining its original ranching and western flavor. Promotion of the arts, recreation, and community events has shaped the community, giving it a outdoorsy, artistic and foody vibe.

Carbondale's summer Mountain Fair provides a vivid showcase of the numerous resident artisan talents including musicians. dancers, and visual artists. Carbondale is home to many artisans, including glass artists, painters, sculptors, and jewelry and furniture makers.

The town has been labeled "bicycle friendly" in recognition of more than 50 miles of dedicated bike paths, and it hosts professional bike races in the summer. The town has an active local rodeo in the summer, as well as river rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, camping and climbing galore.

In winter, you will experience excellent cross-country skiing and enjoy Aspen's four alpine and snowboarding resorts, just about half an hour away. In the winter, the bike paths become perfect terrain for Nordic skiing.

Carbondale boasts a lively culinary scene, including restaurants good enough to attract clients from nearby Aspen. The town also features both a live repertoire theatre and a movie theatre.

Read more about Carbondale with this recent article.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-19/sure-aspen-is-nice-but-carbondale-is-colorado-s-hottest-summer-playground

Location

River Valley Ranch and Carbondale are located in the middle of the 50-mile-long Roaring Fork Valley, in what is sometimes called the "banana belt" of the Rockies. The town has pleasantly warm, dry summers with enough sunny days to grow flowers and even tomatoes.

Aspen, with a wealth of cultural offerings -- ranging from a nationally known ideas festival, food festivals, a jazz festival, a classic music festival and even a resident ballet -- perches at the head of the valley. Located about 30 miles from Carbondale, it is linked by a well-maintained highway and an excellent bus system that makes the trip in about 35 minutes.

The Aspen resort is home to four world-class ski and snowboarding areas: Ajax Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. (Vail is about an hour away.)

Near Carbondale, in the mid-valley, are several other towns that feature wonderful restaurants, art galleries, concerts, and recreational events. They include Basalt, just 10 miles up the road, and El Jebel.

At the bottom of the Roaring Fork Valley, about 10 miles from RVR and Carbondale, is the town of Glenwood Springs. Famed as the birthplace of the teddy bear and the home of the world's largest natural hot springs swimming pool, Glenwood Springs contains the historic and gracious Hotel Colorado, the place was the presidential retreat of Theodore Roosevelt. Restored to its period luster, the Hotel Colorado hosts teas and events that attract visitors from all over the region. Glenwood is also home to a shopping center that offers nearly everything locals need to buy.