The Roaring Fork is a Gold Medal freestone river that originates above Aspen near Independence Pass and winds its way down the valley about 70 miles. It culminates at its confluence with the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. Throughout this relatively short distance the Roaring Fork falls more in elevation than the Mississippi River does in its entire length, which gives it many different faces.
The Roaring Fork River is equally popular with whitewater enthusiasts as it is with fishermen. The Roaring Fork can be accessed by taking I-70 from Denver to Glenwood Springs. Highway 82 then follows the river for its entire course up to its origination on Independence Pass.
