The river drains a populated and economically vital area of the Colorado Western Slope called the Roaring Fork Valley or Roaring Fork Watershed, which includes the resort city of Aspen and the resorts of Aspen/Snowmass.

It rises in the Sawatch Range in eastern Pitkin County, on the west side of Independence Pass on the continental divide.

It flows northwest past Aspen, Woody Creek, and Snowmass.

The river flows through canyons along most of its route and is a popular destination for recreation whitewater rafting.

The Roaring Fork is a swift, deep, powerful river with very clear water.