Aspen is a small mountain city with an enormous status. This dream vacation spot for outside lovers attracts thrill seekers year-round. Once the snow falls, Aspen is a winter wonderland with world class snowboarding and scenic views, whereas in the summer season, its pure magnificence shines via with clear blue skies and dense forests.
Aspen is understood for its large mountain snowboarding and ample winter actions, however when the snow melts, you possibly can select from horseback driving, mountain climbing, biking, and mountaineering trails. Aspen additionally sits in the center of White River National Forest, so you’re by no means removed from the good open air. One factor is for positive: there are many issues to do in Aspen.
Best Things to Do in Aspen, Colorado
Book your non-public round-trip airport switch from Denver Airport to Aspen or Snowmass Village. Take the stress out of discovering transportation
This information will cowl the perfect issues to do in Aspen. From snowboarding in the winter season to mountaineering and mountain biking in the summer season, Aspen is a year-round vacation spot. From scenic gondola rides to artwork museums, these points of interest will hold you entertained and content material.
1. Hit the Slopes
You can’t go to top-of-the-line snowboarding locations in the United States with out snowboarding. Aspen Mountain’s 4 important ski areas are Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk Mountain. There are 5,300 acres of skiable terrain between them.
Aspen Mountain (previously Ajax Mountain) is for skiers with expertise. The runs are average to troublesome, so count on difficult slopes. Aspen Mountain is located in the guts of Aspen, which is superb for these wanting a central location.
Aspen Highlands is one other mountain for knowledgeable skiers. Aspen Highlands ski space is understood for the Highland Bowl, which summits at 12,392 ft above sea stage and has a number of the steepest descents in the world. If you need adrenaline, the Highlands is the place you’ll discover it. And even higher? You solely have to stroll just a few miles alongside Maroon Creek Road to attain Aspen city heart from the Highlands Ski Resort.
Buttermilk Mountain ski space is famed for the Winter X Games, making you suppose it’s for knowledgeable skiers solely. Nuy he mountain truly caters to all ranges, and even novices can take pleasure in steadily zipping via Aspen timber on light ski slopes.
2. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
Snowmass Village is a vacation spot unto itself with varied slopes and cross nation snowboarding plus outside actions and a energetic village.
In the winter months, its world-class ski resort boasts a various vary of trails for snowboarding and snowboarding lovers of all ranges. Snowmass Mountain is the most important of the 4 mountains , with 17 completely different ski lifts and probably the most vertical ski space in Aspen.
The village is a hub of eating, buying, and leisure choices, with occasions and festivals steadily including to the joy. Accommodations in Aspen Snowmass vary from luxurious resorts to cozy lodges, catering to each choice and guaranteeing a cushty keep.
During the hotter months, Snowmass is nice for mountaineering, mountain biking, and taking scenic gondola rides.
3. Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are probably the most photographed mountains in Aspen. Photographers flock to this location to {photograph} the 2 mountains of Maroon Bells reflecting in the lake, forming the final word alpine postcard picture. The two peaks, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak are solely cut up by 0.5 km. The Maroon Bells are a well-liked day journey from Aspen in a glacial valley in the Elk Mountains.
Wondering the way you attain Maroon Bells? The excellent news is that a number of mountaineering trails lead out to Maroon Bells. You can hike the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail, which is barely a mile lengthy, or sort out the Maroon Creek Trail for a mix of lakeside views and alpine meadows. The Maroon Creek Trail is just a little longer, measuring 3.2 miles a technique.
4. Hike the Crater Lake Trail
The Crater lake Trail is a 3.5-mile path that is among the finest hikes in Colorado and doubtless the finest in Aspen. Located in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Area, Crater Lake was fashioned from geological processes hundreds of years in the past w hen glaciers began floating away and left what we all know as Crater Lake.It is price noting that swimming is prohibited at Crater Lake.
Hiking on unfamiliar trails alone will be daunting, and transportation will be a problem when you don’t lease a automobile. If you need to take a guided tour, Blazing Adventures presents guided hikes across the Maroon Bells.
5. Independence Pass
Visiting Independence Pass permits you to mix a number of points of interest in Aspen into one expertise. Take a scenic drive to go to this landmass on the Continental Divide of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. You can tick off standing on the Continental Divide, visiting the Rocky Mountains, and exploring one of the scenic locations in Aspen – all in just a few hours.
Don’t be fooled although; Independence Pass can also be one heck of a drive. The highway zig-zags up the mountain, with hairpin turns and sections so narro, that solely a single automobile can squeeze via. IThis a part of Colorado State Highway 82 is restricted to camper trailers and leisure automobiles over 35ft in size.
Combine your drive to Independence Pass with a go to to Twin Lake or a climb up Mt Elbert. You might go away Independence Pass for the drive again to Denver when you fly into Denver International Airport and rent a automobile.
6. Go Mountain Biking
Aspen’s various terrain caters to all ranges of mountain biking from novices to superior. The Rio Grande Trail, with its light incline is ideal for households and informal riders. For these searching for a tougher experience, the Government Trail offers an exciting mixture of technical descents and pure magnificence.
Meanwhile, the Smuggler Trail is a neighborhood favourite, providing panoramic views of Aspen and past. Each path in Aspen guarantees not solely an adventurous experience but in addition a chance to immerse oneself in the pure great thing about Colorado’s mountains. o
7. Hike the Grottos Trail
The Grottos Trail can’t be crushed for an thrilling hike close to Aspen. While only one km lengthy, the path has quite a bit to see alongside the best way, and it is among the prettiest trails in the area.
Situated simply off Independence Pass, the Grottos ice cave is a marvel of geological formations, and waterfalls attracting guests with its spectacular ice constructions and funky, ethereal ambiance.
A piece of the observe resembles a darkish gray model of Antelope Canyon. You’ll scramble via ribbon-like canyons and crevices to full the hike.
Ideal for these searching for a mix of mountaineering and exploration, the path to the caves is a straightforward, scenic stroll, appropriate for all ages and ability ranges. Inside the caves, the play of sunshine via the ice creates a magical environment, excellent for unforgettable photograph alternatives. We additionally advocate getting there early in the day, earlier than 9 am, as this path is widespread, and parking spots are restricted.
8. Visit the John Denver Sanctuary
John Denver Sanctuary is a good looking nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary simply north of Aspen city heart. It was arrange in reminiscence of the late singer John Denver, hoping guests might discover peace, meditation, and solace in nature. Nestled alongside the Roaring Fork River, this tranquil haven is a must-visit for each John Denver followers and nature lovers.
The sanctuary, options fantastically manicured gardens and an array of his music lyrics etched into native stones, making a pathway of inspiration and reflection. Visitors are sometimes captivated by the “Song Garden,” the place Denver’s music softly performs, enhancing the peaceable environment.
Lyrics and quotes aren’t the one inventive factor in John Denver Sanctuary. The Aspen Theatre group has a tent arrange in the center of the John Denver Sanctuary providing a good looking place to take pleasure in performing arts. It is situated close to Rio Grande Park, making it an ideal spot for a stroll or a quiet second of contemplation.
9. Aspen Art Museum
Aspen Art Museum is a mecca for modern artwork in the area, internet hosting exhibitions and shows of worldwide and native artists that includes sculptures, work, sketches, and even multimedia shows.
It is free to enter and has a rooftop terrace with superb views over Aspen and the encompassing mountains. Located in downtown Aspen, the Aspen Art Museum can simply be added to any Aspen itinerary. During the winter months or on a chilly and drizzly day, guests can relish the heat of an indoor attraction. The museum is only a five-minute stroll from the bottom of Aspen Mountain Ski Resort, so it’s a excellent place to sprint for a style of the artwork on a chilly day. You’ll simply spot it. In true modern model, the constructing has a large copper lattice façade.
10. Go paragliding
Adrenaline junkies will love paragliding over Aspen’s stunning vistas. There isn’t any higher approach to take in the breathtaking surroundings of aspen. Paragliding is among the most adventurous issues to do in Aspen.
Aspen Paragliding is the preferred firm to go paragliding inside the space, and also you’ll take to the skies with a licensed pilot. The entire expertise lasts round two hours – so wrap up and put together for the climate circumstances. You’ll gently glide previous a number of the most beautiful scenes in Colorado. In the winter season, you may even give you the option to spot the skiers on the slopes under.
Check out the actions that Blazing Adventures has on provide right here. Blazing Adventures specializes in outside adventures that get your adrenaline pumping. You might even proceed your ‘flight theme’ with a sizzling air balloon experience.
11. Ashcroft Ghost Town
Visiting ghost cities might be not the very first thing you count on to do in Aspen. However, Ashcroft Ghost Town is well one of the entertaining points of interest in the Aspen Area. Once a silver mining city, Ashcroft Ghost Town is now fully uninhabited. The Aspen Historical Society opened the city up to guests yearly between June and October.
You can discover previous historic buildings, together with the previous put up workplace, Blue Mirror Saloon, and a former lodge constructing. Ashcroft Ghost Town is a novel alternative to step again and immerse your self in Old Western historical past. Walking between the log cabins and wood public buildings is sort of creepy and enjoyable.
The city is situated on Castle Creek Road, about eleven miles south of Aspen. It takes about 25 minutes to drive to Ashcroft Ghost Town.
Check out one among these excursions to ghost cities to profit from your time in Aspen. Aspen’s Dark Side Ghost Tour,, Aspen’s Off the Beaten Path Tour, Aspen’s Past to Present Historic Tour
12. Cross Country Ski in Aspen
Aspen boasts a number of the most picturesque cross-country snowboarding trails in North America. The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System, an enormous community encompassing over 60 miles of free, impeccably groomed trails, connects Aspen to Snowmass and Basalt.
This community of trails offersa number of terrain for all ability ranges. Beginners can glide alongside the light slopes of the Aspen Golf Course, whereas extra skilled skiers can problem themselves on the rolling hills of the Owl Creek Trail.
The Rio Grande Trail, with its beautiful river views, offers a extra leisurely expertise, excellent for soaking in Aspen’s pure magnificence. These trails not solely provide wonderful cross-country snowboarding but in addition function excellent paths for snowshoeing, making them a flexible selection for winter outside actions.
13. Walk the Rio Grande Trail
The Rio Grande Trail isn’t any simple feat. The path runs for a formidable 42 miles and is often tackled over two to 4 days. Anyone decided sufficient to tackle the problem can take pleasure in unequalled views alongside the path. You’ll primarily observe Roaring Fork River, however you’ll have snow-capped mountain views and wildlife galore – so hold your eyes peeled. Pack your bathing go well with as a result of you possibly can go swiming alongside the Roaring Fork River.
The path itself cuts via Roaring Fork Valley. Expect to share the observe with horseback riders, canine walkers, and cyclists, and be aware that horses have the precise of approach.
The Rio Grande trailhead begins in this little ski city stretching from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, the place the Roaring Fork River merges into the Colorado River. If you like multi-day hikes, add just a few days to your Aspen vacation to full the path.
14. Cycle the Rio Grande Trail
If you’re on the lookout for a leisurely experience when biking, take in the great thing about Aspen alongside the Rio Grande. Much sooner and simpler than strolling the Rio Grande Trail, is the proper journey from Aspen correct. As you biking alongside the path, you’re handled to beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains, lush meadows, and the gently flowing Roaring Fork River.
The path is usually paved and with a mild grade making itideal for all ages and ability ranges and a family-friendly journey. Along the route, riders can take pleasure in varied facilities, together with relaxation stops, picnic areas, and entry to charming cities for a pleasant break or a meal. Whether you’re on the lookout for a leisurely experience or an all-day tour, the Rio Grande Trail offers an ideal mix of pure magnificence, train, and rest.
15. Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro has top-of-the-line views of Maroon Bells. The small European-style cabin is perched on prime of a mountain in the Aspen Highlands Ski Resort.
Cloud Nine’s environment is okay eating meets après ski. The restaurant has the menu to appeal to these on the lookout for a complicated, refined expertise, but the character to host a number of the most boisterous events. It is claimed that Cloud Nine brings the European alpine scene to Aspen.
16. Aspen Brewing Company
You actually can discover breweries in probably the most unassuming of locations. Aspen Brewing Company is tucked away on Galena Street in Downtown Aspen. Part pizzeria and half pub, the venue serves fifteen craft beers brewed in-house. Just think about tucking right into a sourdough pizza and a tasting flight of craft beer after a full day of snowboarding – bliss, proper?
Aspen Brewing Company was based in 2008 with the motto ‘make world-class beer, downstream from nobody’. Many awards later, Aspen Brewing Company has grow to be an enormous identify. Technically, the corporate is cut up between two areas: the taproom and pizzeria in Downtown Aspen after which the brewery close to Aspen Airport. The craft beers are all brewed on the second web site, with some being transported to the primary for guests to take pleasure in.
17. Ride the Silver Queen Gondola
Skiers get entry to a number of the most spectacular summits in Aspen, as do hikers in heat months. But what when you don’t ski and don’t really feel snug mountaineering lengthy distances? The Silver Queen Gondola is the reply.
The Silver Queen Gondola is implausible, making Aspen Mountain accessible for everybody. Whether touring with kids or simply don’t belief your health ranges, the Silver Queen Gondola is an effective way to zip up to Aspen Mountain summit – experiencing a thrill and all the perfect views concurrently. The experience to the highest takes round fifteen minutes. There is loads of time to snap images and recognize the novelty of racing up a mountainside.
At the highest, we advocate grabbing a desk on the sundeck and treating your self to meals and a sizzling drink from the restaurant. Dining overlooking the slopes is an expertise you’ll keep in mind. And, when you aren’t a skier, it is best to profit from being in ski territory.
You can e-book tickets for on-line or flip up on the day. The gondola service runs from 10 am till 4 pm day-after-day (climate permitting), so it’s simple to slot right into a busy itinerary. Plus, the gondola station sits simply on the outskirts of Downtown Aspen. You might simply pop by for a spontaneous expertise.
18. Aspen Golf & Tennis Club
Aspen Golf & Tennis Club is among the finest sporting venues and Aspen golf course in the city. Visitors can take pleasure in an 18-hole championship golf course backed by Aspen’s beautiful mountain ranges. You’ll get a style of {golfing} in alpine environment, which is undoubtedly a memorable expertise. There are additionally seven units of tees catering to completely different ranges, that means all golfers can come alongside to take pleasure in.
The tennis courts are equally spectacular. There are six clay courts, once more with beautiful mountain views. You can simply e-book a tennis court docket on-line or ring to reserve a slot. If not, it’s price dropping in to see if a court docket is free with out reserving. If you’ve to wait, simply be ready to deal with your self to a meal on the membership’s restaurant, Red Mountain Grill.
19. Wheeler Opera House
If you like dwell music, watching films, or attending festivals, visiting the Wheeler Opera House is among the finest issues to do in Aspen. The 1889-built theater is a prized native attraction and is taken into account the house of performing arts in Aspen. A mix of Romanesque and Italianate structure, Wheeler Opera House is a shocking venue and particular place to benefit from the arts. Check the Opera House’s schedule to see what dwell music occasions and performances coincide together with your journey. Catching a present is a implausible approach to unwind in the night after a busy day open air.
Interested in the historical past of the Opera House? Aspen Historical Society runs excursions of the venue, so you possibly can all the time indulge in an informative exploration of the Opera House, not only a efficiency. And, as an additional tip for dwell music lovers, Aspen Music Festival runs between mid June and August. Summer is filled with live shows and performances, so verify that schedule as properly when you’re visiting Aspen throughout this era.
20. Glenwood Springs
Just a scenic drive away from Aspen, Glenwood Springs presents a pleasant tour, mixing pure wonders and enjoyable experiences. This mountain city is known for its world-renowned sizzling springs, together with the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the world’s largest mineral sizzling springs pool. The sizzling springs provide a rejuvenating retreat with its therapeutic waters.
Adventure seekers will love the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, boasting cave excursions and thrilling rides with breathtaking mountain views. The city’s historic downtown space invitations guests to discover distinctive retailers, eating places, and cultural points of interest, such because the Glenwood Springs Historical Society and Frontier Museum.
The close by Hanging Lake is a crystal-clear lake perched atop a cliff, and offers a picturesque mountaineering vacation spot. Glenwood Springs’ mixture of rest, journey, and cultural experiences makes it an important addition to any Aspen itinerary, providing guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the guts of Colorado’s pure magnificence and hospitality.
Now that we’ve coated the perfect issues to do in Aspen let’s check out some fast FAQs. These are a very powerful issues to know earlier than you go to Aspen.
How to get to Aspen
The finest approach to get to Aspen is to fly to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport or Denver International Airport. Flying into Denver is the preferred possibility, as it’s cheaper, has extra frequent flights, and is finest for worldwide vacationers. Traveling from Denver is simple too, and also you simply catch a shuttle service or lease a automobile to drive the 4 hours to Aspen.
Those flying internationally ought to think about including an in a single day keep in Denver since there are many issues to do in the town.
Getting round Aspen
As a small mountain city, Aspen is hardly troublesome to get round. Most locations are accessible on foot, particularly in Downtown Aspen. A dependable bus service additionally operates across the city and the broader Aspen space. Don’t fear about renting a automobile except you need to take day journeys to distant trails and points of interest.
You can get round by highway biking and the roads round Snomass Village and Aspen attracts cyclists from across the nation to conquer its mountains. If you’re up for it, biking is an effective way to get round.
When the snow disappears, many individuals cycle round Aspen. It could also be price seeing in case your lodging rents out bikes or visiting a motorbike rental retailer in the city heart.
Best time to go to Aspen
Colorado is among the US’s finest winter getaways. If you want winter sports activities, we advocate visiting Aspen whereas there’s snowfall. The ski season runs from November to April. However, we advocate visiting Aspen in March for the perfect snowboarding expertise. The again finish of the season is just a little cheaper and quieter, and you’ve got extra daytime for snowboarding.
Of course, Aspen is an ideal all-year-round vacation spot for an energetic vacation – stuffed with mountaineering trails, horseback driving, and mountain climbing whereas the snow melts. If winter sports activities aren’t your factor, discover Aspen in the course of the spring shoulder season. May is the quietest month, and it is best to have most of the mountaineering trails to your self. Plus, Aspen is cheaper throughout this time.
Where to keep in Aspen
It’s no secret that lodging could make or break a visit. Here are our prime suggestions on the perfect locations to keep in Aspen.
Budget: St. Moritz Lodge
St. Moritz Lodge could also be a self-described ‘simple lodge’, however its excessive quantity of constructive opinions speaks volumes. Visitors can take pleasure in dormitory rooms, non-public rooms, and condos. For versatile and budget-friendly lodging, St. Mortiz Lodge is well the perfect in Aspen.
You can dip in the heated outside pool, loosen up in the recent tub, and begin each morning correctly with a complimentary breakfast. St. Moritz Lodge is each snug and handy.
Mid-range: Aspen Square Condominium Hotel
Aspen Square Condominium Hotel is a superb mid-range lodging possibility in Aspen. The property presents condos, which vary from studios to three-bedroom models. The condo-only structure means you’ll all the time have homely facilities like a kitchen and a comfortable seating space. You additionally get entry to a gymnasium and enterprise heart. However, the successful issue of the Aspen Square Condominium Hotel is its outside amenities.
Enjoy the heated outside pool all yr spherical, swimming lengths with snow-capped mountain views. Alternatively, take it simple and soak in one of many two outside sizzling tubs whereas having fun with the views.
Luxury: The Little Nell
The Little Nell is luxurious lodging at its best. The stylish resort presents ski-in/ski-out amenities – excellent for snowboarding fanatics wanting to maximize time on the slopes. The Little Nell sits proper subsequent to the Silver Queen Gondola base station and is a handy five-star base for a luxurious ski vacation.
You can bathe in an outside spa tub or swim in the heated outside pool. All rooms function marble bogs and balconies with metropolis or mountain views. And sure suites embody non-public jacuzzis and steam showers, so you possibly can splash out on further luxurious if you need.
Looking for a VRBO property as an alternative of a traditional lodge expertise? You might need to learn our information on the perfect cabins in Colorado.
There are so many unbelievable issues to do in Aspen. Its location is dreamy for anybody who loves outside adventures. You can loosen up surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and White River National Forest. Pick a mountaineering path or ski slope and let the contemporary air do the remainder. We know that you just’ll have a implausible time in Aspen.
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