Located about 30 miles northwest of Aspen and 170 miles west of Denver in Garfield County, Carbondale is a picturesque town that lies at the confluence of the Roaring Fork River and Crystal River. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area around the town was a preferred destination for the migratory Northern Ute people during winter. In 1879, the discovery of gold and silver near Aspen brought droves of prospectors into Roaring Fork Valley. Soon, farmers and hunters began settling at the current site of the town to supply food to the miners.
By 1881, about 20 families were residing in the Roaring Fork Valley. The early settlers built cattle and sheep ranches and started growing potatoes. The settlement was incorporated as a town in 1888 and named after Carbondale, Pennsylvania, the hometown of some of the settlers. When mining suffered a setback in 1893, Carbondale's growth came to a near standstill. However, the community began to prosper again at the turn of the century as a result of a surge in potato farming.
After the Great Depression, the town's economic activity shifted from agriculture to mining. When Aspen became a world-class resort in the 1960s, tourism became the main economic force in the Roaring Fork Valley region, leading to a dramatic rise in population and property values. Today, Carbondale is home to about 6,700 residents and covers an area of 2 square miles.
When is visiting Carbondale, CO ideal?
Carbondale experiences warm and clear summers and freezing and partly cloudy winters. Temperatures range from 14 degrees to 84 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of a year and rarely fall below minus 1 degree or rise above 91 degrees. If you want to do outdoor activities during your vacation, the best time to be in Carbondale is from mid-June to late August, when average temperatures vary from the mid-60s to the mid-70s.
Besides the weather, you should also take accommodation availability and prices into consideration when you're planning your Carbondale trip. The town sees the largest influx of tourists in June and July. If you're in town during these months, you may not be able to find suitable accommodations as many hotels will be fully packed. Even if you manage to find the right hotel, you'll have to pay significantly higher rates. For a more cost-effective vacation, consider visiting Carbondale in late May or August.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Carbondale, CO:
Carbondale, CO: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Carbondale, CO. Browse these illustrations to calculate the most cost effective months to book a room in Carbondale throughout the year.
What luxury hotels are in Carbondale, CO ?
4 Star Average Prices: $204.00
For a pampering stay, opt for Hotel Colorado. Located 13.9 miles northwest of Carbondale, this spa hotel is within walking distance to Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, 0.5 miles from Frontier Historical Museum, and 2 miles from Roaring Fork Marketplace. It has 130 beautifully decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and cable programming. During your stay, you can rejuvenate at the full-service spa, enjoy a nice meal at two on-site restaurants, relax over a refreshing drink at two bars, and get work done at the computer station.
Alternatively, you can stay at the four-star Limelight Hotel Snowmass. This hotel is situated about 16.8 miles southeast of Carbondale, 4.7 miles from the Buttermilk ski area, 6.9 miles from Wheeler Opera House, and 7 miles from Aspen Art Museum. Each of its 99 rooms is generously equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, 55-inch flat-screen TV with movie channels, kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator, safe, and premium bedding. As a guest, you can take advantage of amenities such as two spa tubs, fitness center, arcade room, on-site restaurant, bar and lounge, and complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle.
Are there hotels in Carbondale, CO that are affordable?
3 Star Average Prices: $188.85
If you're looking for a budget hotel, book a room at Rodeway Inn in Glenwood Springs. Located about 15 miles northwest of Carbondale, this hotel is 1.3 miles from Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, 1.6 miles from Frontier Historical Museum, and 11.6 miles from Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort. It offers 42 air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and private balcony, as well as laundry facilities and complimentary continental breakfast.
La Quinta by Wyndham Glenwood Springs is another popular option among budget travelers. It's situated about 14 miles northwest of Carbondale, less than a mile from Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and 3.4 miles from Lookout Mountain. All the 133 rooms in this hotel come with complimentary Wi-Fi, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and hair dryer. On-site amenities include an indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, bar and lounge, banquet hall, business center, and four meeting rooms.
2 Star Average Prices: $144.81
What are the best discounts in Carbondale?
If you're an AAA member, member of the military, or government employee, you're entitled to a discount at Element Basalt – Aspen. Located about 4.6 miles east of Carbondale in Basalt, this hotel is less than a mile from Aspen Ice Karting, 3.9 miles from Basalt Mountain, and 8.2 miles from Carbondale Historical Society. Every room features complimentary wired and wireless internet connection, LED TV, cable programming, refrigerator, and safe. To ensure a convenient and pleasant stay, the hotel offers amenities such as an indoor pool, spa tub, fitness center, on-site restaurant, snack bar, business center, and travel assistance.
Best Western Antlers also has special rates for AAA members and government and military personnel. Situated 14.1 miles northwest of Carbondale in Glenwood Springs, this hotel is close to popular attractions such as Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort. This Best Western location has 99 rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, cable programming, coffee maker, and hair dryer. In addition, it features an outdoor pool, spa tub, outdoor tennis court, picnic area, fireplace in the lobby, business center, and complimentary train-station pick-up service. Complimentary hot or cold breakfast is served daily.
What best value options are there in Carbondale, CO?
If you're looking for a hotel that offers great value for your money, try Days Inn by Wyndham Carbondale. This hotel is located about 3.2 miles northwest of downtown Carbondale, 1.6 miles from Carbondale Historical Society, 9.1 miles from Aspen Ice Karting, and 10 miles from Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort. It offers 69 rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, refrigerator, microwave, and hair dryer. Available amenities include an indoor pool, spa tub, sauna, and 24-hour business center.
Holiday Inn Express Glenwood Springs is another hotel that provides high-quality accommodation at reasonable rates. Situated about 14.2 miles northwest of Carbondale, it provides easy access to attractions such as Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Frontier Historical Museum, and Lookout Mountain. All rooms feature free wired and wireless internet connection, flat-screen TV, microwave, refrigerator, and hair dryer. You'll have access to amenities such as an outdoor pool, spa tub, picnic area, and 24-hour business center. Complimentary buffet breakfast is available every day.
What attractions in Carbondale, CO should I visit?
While Aspen is an immensely popular destination in the winter, Carbondale is one of Colorado's hottest summer playgrounds. Located just north of majestic Mount Sopris and within a short drive of several national forests, it offers virtually endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. If you enjoy hiking or biking, explore the ribbon-like network of trails at the Red Hill Recreation Area. Hike up Mushroom Rock Trail for breathtaking views of Carbondale and Mount Sopris or put your biking skills to the test on Three Gulch Trail and Elk Traverse Trail.
For a truly challenging hike, consider tackling the 4,300-foot Mount Sopris. This strenuous hike takes the better part of a day, but it offers the best views in the Roaring Fork Valley region. If you want a more relaxing hike, you can stop just short of the tree line at the stunning Thomas Lakes. About 20 miles southeast of Mount Sopris, you'll find the Maroon Bells, the most photographed site in Colorado. The area around these two giant snow-capped mountains features several hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, including the hugely popular Crater Lake Trail.
Carbondale is also a great place for cultural and historical exploration. You can start learning about the town's interesting history with a visit to the Carbondale Historical Society's Thompson House Museum. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this late-19th-century house currently contains an impressive collection of furniture, tools, decorative items, and other objects that used to belong to the original occupants Oscar Holland and Hattie Thompson-Holland. After touring this museum, join the Carbondale Historical Society's walking tour, which takes you to many historic buildings on Main Street.
Despite being a small town, Carbondale has a great deal to offer visitors. You can make your vacation more hassle-free and pleasant by staying at a hotel that's close to the places you plan to visit. Do some research to find out which hotel best suits your budget and needs.
FAQs about hotels in Carbondale
Verified reviews of the city: Carbondale, CO
Below are reviews of the city of Carbondale, CO from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Very laid back and friendly"
Score
5.0 / 5
Joe T., from 24-Sep-2026
"Looks like a nice town"
Score
4.0 / 5
Looks like a nice town, nothing overwhelming.
It's all good.
Guy R., from 22-Aug-2026
"I live here"
Score
4.0 / 5
I live here… we had plumbing issues and hotel is convenient
Larry O., from 05-Nov-2025
"Nice river running through it."
Score
4.0 / 5
Chris W., from 03-Sep-2025
"Carbondale is beautiful!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Carbondale is beautiful!
Gail K., from 27-May-2025
"Beautiful Place!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Carbondale is beautiful!
Aimee L., from 04-May-2025
"The mountains and fishing!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The mountains and fishing!
Gene B., from 24-Jul-2024
The average traveler rating of the city of Carbondale, CO shown above is
4.4 out of 5 based on 7 reviews