Directions
While in the Roaring Fork Valley, you are likely to hear the phrases “upvalley” and “downvalley” to either indicate relative location or direction of travel than compass points. Both are references based relative to Aspen and centered around Highway 82. “Upvalley” is always toward Aspen, where “downvalley” is always away from Aspen (and implied towards Glenwood Springs). This can be confusing as it is the opposite of using compass directions. For example: If you are in Carbondale, you need to head upvalley to visit downtown Basalt or Aspen. RFTA buses are either designated as headed upvalley toward Aspen or downvalley toward Glenwood Springs.
For those who like to use Google Maps, it is highly encouraged that you download an offline map of the area (ideally Colorado if you have the space), because there are several places without cell reception.