Woody Creek: general information

WOODY CREEK ” Woody Creek is situated in the valley of the Roaring Fork River northwest of Aspen, along Colorado State Highway 82, where Woody Creek exits a canyon and joins the Roaring Fork. It is the least developed end of a small valley that stretches southeast along the Roaring Fork to Aspen.

The community is centered around the Woody Creek Tavern, a well-known landmark that sits along a county road, somewhat concealed from Highway 82. Adjacent to the tavern is a trailer park and several homes, ranging from modest older ones to newer upscale structures.

At one time the Woody Creek Tavern sponsored a legal defense fund for the CEO of Enron, Kenneth Lay; specifically, a jar on the top of the bar, in which patrons could drop their donations. The jar contained items such as screws, condoms, toothpicks, a small toy figure of a man with broken legs, string, rubber bands, pennies and IOUs.

Woody Creek was the residence of noted author Hunter S. Thompson for much of his life and at the time of his death. It also has been the home of several other notable popular celebrities and musicians including the late broadcaster Ed Bradley, Don Henley of the Eagles, John Oates (Hall and Oates), and actor Don Johnson. Currently, U.S. Senate Speaker Of the House Nancy Pelosi has a winter home in Woody Creek off of Star Mesa Road.