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Riverfront Highlights
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01Additional security and tranquility in an already desirable area
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02Year-round, scenic ambiance and views right from your front door
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03Opportunities to own custom-built homes and estates, or to purchase vacant lots
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04A lifestyle that includes outdoor activities, such as fly fishing, hiking, and more
Riverfront Property Statistics
| Average Price | $21.3M |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $585K |
| Highest Price | $300M |
| Total Listings | 46 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $3K |
Property Types (active listings)
Discover Riverfront Properties In Aspen
The town of Aspen is positioned on the Roaring Fork River, which flows west to east through the community, and offers ample opportunities for those searching for a riverfront property for sale. While some might think that this could limit the property type, the Aspen real estate market is quite diverse, with waterfront condos and single-family homes available. In short, riverfront properties encompass a ton of variety in regards to price point, design, and lifestyle.
Aspen has a lot of neighborhoods to choose from, even on the river. For homebuyers searching for luxury riverfront estates for sale, the market has a wealth of offerings. Homes with sprawling acreage, private river access, and custom-built architecture are found along most sections of the Roaring Fork, from Aspen down to Glenwood Springs. Down valley communities like Woody Creek, Basalt, and Carbondale are best for space and uninterrupted peace along the river, a contrast to the more happening atmosphere of Aspen. Additionally, many of the more remote luxury estates feature a tributary of the Roaring Fork running through the property—which means a private river for homeowners and incredible scenic ambiance.
Aspen’s riverside villas are an alternative. While a lot of the properties embrace the traditional styles of the area’s cabins and cottages, these homes for sale often feature contemporary designs like floor-to-ceiling windows, often with direct views of the Roaring Fork River. Aspen’s Bauhaus architecture is one example of the variety of eccentric designs. The famous Willoughby Way—considered the best street in Aspen by many real estate agents—is the nexus for this riverfront style.
Further down the valley are where the more rustic yet luxurious options that prioritize privacy are located. These cabins are smaller, with wood-beam interiors and outdoor spaces that overlook the Roaring Fork or its tributaries, appealing to those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Explore Aspen’s Riverfront Communities
As mentioned above, there are a large number of neighborhoods and communities that sit along the river. Each of these areas offer something a little bit different, not limited to price point, land features, lot size, amenities, and design.
East Aspen
East Aspen is a prime spot for riverfront real estate, especially single-family homes and condos. Homeowners enjoy direct access to hiking trails, downtown Aspen, and the Roaring Fork River.
Red Mountain (Billionaire Mountain)
The bottom of Red Mountain is the famous Willoughby Way, the most expensive street in one of the most expensive towns in the world. Willoughby Way is perched above the Roaring Fork, with large villas that feature expansive, flat outdoor spaces perfect for entertaining. It’s also within walking distance of everything downtown Aspen has to offer.
McLain Flats
Just outside Aspen, the McLain Flats area offers large estate homes with dramatic mountain and river views, perfect for those seeking privacy. Previously a ranch, this community is ideal for those who love the outdoors but still want to be close to downtown Aspen.
Woody Creek
The infamous Woody Creek Tavern is a popular stop along the Rio Grande Trail. The community of Woody Creek offers an eclectic mix of estates, ranches, and various other remote properties, with river access at the Roaring Fork, as well as Woody Creek, a tributary stream. The community is most famous as the home of Hunter S. Thompson, the legendary gonzo journalist who called Aspen home until his death in 2006.
Carbondale
Carbondale is one of the best places in the Valley for riverfront property because it’s situated along the banks of both the Roaring Fork River and the Crystal River. Carbondale’s riverfront properties offer a mix of high-end estates, ranch-style homes, and secluded retreats, often with much larger lot sizes than other communities.
Many homes feature private river access. In recent years,it has seen a lot of development—the most in the Valley. One notable development is the River Valley Ranch, a premier golf and residential community offering custom-built homes. The public golf course is among the most popular in the whole valley.
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs sits at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and the mighty Colorado River. It’s a hot spot for tourism, particularly for its outdoor recreation (skiing, whitewater rafting, hiking, etc). Riverfront homes for sale in Glenwood Springs include ranch-style estates and specious condos.
River Activities In And Around Aspen
Although it’s not as famous as Aspen’s skiing, the Roaring Fork and the numerous mountain streams that feed into it are defining features of the American West. Those interested in a riverfront property should know that homes and condos are quite safe from flooding.
According to NOAA, the river’s record crest is 5.97 ft, constituting only minor flood risk for a few condominiums in the Central Core. The Roaring Fork forms a river canyon, as opposed to a floodplain, making widespread flooding a nearly impossible scenario.
As such, a riverfront property in this area offers a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities—both on and off the water.
The Rio Grande Trail is a jewel of Aspen and the entire Roaring Fork Valley. Stretching 42 miles from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, the Rio Grande Trail follows the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad corridor, mostly along the Roaring Fork River. The continuous route winds through Aspen, Woody Creek, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs. The path is nearly 100% paved except for the 3 miles around downtown Aspen, where it’s well-maintained crushed gravel.
The Rio Grande Trail is most popular with cyclists and pedestrians, although Nordic skiers also use the track in the winter when snow conditions allow. Best of all, because the path follows the old railroad, the grade is relatively gentle. A sojourn along the Rio Grande Trail is one of the best ways to view some of Aspen’s extraordinary wildlife. Bald eagle, deer, and elk sightings are the most common.
Aspen’s version of meditation is the fine art of fly fishing.The Roaring Fork River is designated as Gold Medal Water, meaning it has some of the highest-quality trout fishing in the country. Anglers come from all over to fly fish for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout in these clear, cold waters. The best fishing is often found in the stretch between Aspen and Basalt, a bit closer to the headwaters.
For those seeking more gravity-powered adrenaline, the Roaring Fork River provides excellent whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities in the late spring and early summer, which is peak snowmelt season. Slaughterhouse Falls is a Class IV-V rapid just outside Aspen and is the river’s most technical section. Overall, the Upper Roaring Fork is Class III and perfect for intermediates, while the Lower Roaring Fork is Class I-II and best for families or those looking just to chill and float downstream.
Buying an Aspen Riverfront Home
Are you in the market for a riverfront home and unsure where to look? Of all Aspen real estate agents, none has a better track record for success than Ryan Schwartz. For more information regarding Aspen homes for sale and Aspen real estate trends, or to list your home with a premier Aspen real estate agent, contact Ryan Schwartz today via phone or email.
