Roaring Fork River

The river originates as a tiny rivulet draining Independence Lake at an elevation of 12,500 feet. During its 60-mile journey from the Pass to its confluence with the Colorado River, the Roaring Fork River is fed by its tributaries, the Fryingpan and Crystal Rivers. The Roaring Fork will grow to be 1,000 times the size of its original trickle.

Despite diversions that siphon off up to 40% of its flow, and despite passing through the fairly large municipal areas of Aspen and Basalt, the Roaring Fork River is one of the most unspoiled in Colorado. However, recent increases in contamination to Lincoln Creek, a major tributary of the Roaring Fork originating near the old mining town of Ruby, threaten its ecological integrity.