Carbondale Colorado Map

About Carbondale, Colorado

Carbondale is a locality in Garfield County, Colorado, United States. It has a population of approximately 6,637. The population density is 1218.5 people per km². Carbondale is located at 39.4022°N, 107.2112°W. It observes the Mountain Time (America/Denver) timezone. ZIP code: 81623.

Carbondale, Colorado, lies cradled in a broad valley where the Roaring Fork and Crystal Rivers converge, a place where the sharp peaks of the Elk Mountains stand as formidable sentinels against a sky that often burns with an improbable clarity. It lies 11.9 miles south-southeast of Glenwood Springs, CO (from Glenwood Springs, CO: bearing 149°T), and is situated 9.8 miles west-northwest of Basalt. The air here, thin and dry at this altitude, carries the scent of sun-baked earth and distant pine, and in autumn, the aspens ignite the surrounding slopes in a breathtaking display of gold. This landscape, sculpted by ancient glaciers and the relentless flow of water, offers a profound sense of isolation and grandeur, a feeling amplified by the vast, open horizons that stretch towards the formidable wall of the Front Range. The quality of light, especially in the late afternoon when it casts long, theatrical shadows across the valley floor, imbues Carbondale with a subtle, almost spiritual resonance. The history of Carbondale is deeply intertwined with the rugged spirit of the American West, born from the discovery of coal that fueled the region’s early development. For a time, mining was the lifeblood of this community, a demanding industry that drew a hardy breed of people seeking their fortunes beneath the earth. Though the mining era has largely passed, the echoes of that industrious past remain, a foundation upon which Carbondale has built its modern economy. Today, the local economy thrives on a blend of tourism, entrepreneurship, and the burgeoning creative arts, attracting individuals drawn to the unique lifestyle and opportunities it offers. The river-bright waters of the Roaring Fork and Crystal Rivers, teeming with trout, also contribute significantly, drawing anglers from far and wide, a testament to the enduring allure of the natural world. Carbondale possesses a distinct cultural character, a vibrant mix of its frontier origins and a forward-thinking, artistic sensibility, creating a place that feels both grounded and inspired. The town center, with its historic buildings and welcoming storefronts, serves as a hub for this lively spirit, where local events and gatherings foster a strong sense of community. While no single individual has achieved global superstardom directly from Carbondale, the area has attracted and inspired many who have found solace and creative fuel in its magnificent setting, from artists and writers to adventurers. Notable landmarks include the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and the confluence of the rivers themselves, a powerful reminder of the elemental forces that shaped this remarkable corner of Colorado.

About This Carbondale Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Carbondale, Colorado — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 39.402205, -107.211163. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Carbondale and Garfield County.

Detailed location data for Carbondale includes the ZIP code (81623), telephone area code (719), county seat of Garfield County (Glenwood Springs), and school district assignment (Roaring Fork School District RE-1). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Carbondale is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.