There are several turnouts where anglers can park, and access continues downstream to the lower Bypass Bridge below Basalt. There are some unimproved launch ramps through this area, but the river is very steep and technical, with some diversion dams, and only runnable during the high waters of May and June. This section is not recommended for floaters. If you are planning a winter trip, the water below the confluence with the Fryingpan will be slightly warmer. There is foot access to the river just below the town of El Jebel on Valley Road.
Anglers can fish upstream for over a mile on the north bank.
The Carbondale River access is the first good launch site on the Roaring Fork. It is a bit hard to find. From SR 82 eastbound, turn onto Sutank Road about one mile northwest of SR 82's intersection with SR 133 at Carbondale. The boat launch area is just below the Sopris RV Park, so follow the camping signs until you see the turn down to the ramp. The Burry access is reached from a turnout from SR 82 at the nine-mile marker and gives access to about a mile of the north bank of the Roaring Fork.