Aspen is a small mountain city with a giant fame. This dream vacation spot for out of doors lovers attracts thrill seekers year-round. As soon as the snow falls, Aspen is a winter wonderland with world class snowboarding and scenic views, whereas in the summertime, its pure magnificence shines by means of with clear blue skies and dense forests.
Aspen is thought for its large mountain snowboarding and plentiful winter actions, however when the snow melts, you possibly can select from horseback using, mountaineering, biking, and mountaineering trails. Aspen additionally sits in the midst of White River Nationwide Forest, so you’re by no means removed from the good outside. One factor is for certain: there are many issues to do in Aspen.
Finest Issues to Do in Aspen, Colorado
E-book your personal 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 within the winter season to mountaineering and mountain biking in the summertime, Aspen is a year-round vacation spot. From scenic gondola rides to artwork museums, these sights will hold you entertained and content material.
1. Hit the Slopes
You may’t go to probably the greatest snowboarding locations in america with out snowboarding. Aspen Mountain’s 4 most 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 tough, so count on difficult slopes. Aspen Mountain is located within the coronary heart 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 thought for the Highland Bowl, which summits at 12,392 ft above sea stage and has a few of the steepest descents within the space. If you need adrenaline, the Highlands is the place you’ll discover it. And even higher? You solely must stroll a couple of miles alongside Maroon Creek Street to succeed in Aspen city middle from the Highlands Ski Resort.
Buttermilk Mountain ski space is famed for the Winter X Video games, making you assume it’s for knowledgeable skiers solely. Nuy he mountain really caters to all ranges, and even learners can get pleasure from steadily zipping by means of Aspen bushes on light ski slopes.
2. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
Snowmass Village is a vacation spot unto itself with numerous slopes and cross nation snowboarding plus out of doors actions and a vigorous village.
Within 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 essentially the most vertical ski space in Aspen.
The village is a hub of eating, purchasing, and leisure choices, with occasions and festivals regularly including to the joy. Lodging in Aspen Snowmass vary from luxurious resorts to cozy lodges, catering to each choice and making certain a cushty keep.
Throughout the hotter months, Snowmass is nice for mountaineering, mountain biking, and taking scenic gondola rides.
3. Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are essentially the most photographed mountains in Aspen. Photographers flock to this location to {photograph} the 2 mountains of Maroon Bells reflecting within the lake, forming the last word alpine postcard picture. The 2 peaks, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak are solely break up by 0.5 km. The Maroon Bells are a well-liked day journey from Aspen in a glacial valley within the Elk Mountains.
Questioning the way you attain Maroon Bells? The excellent news is that a number of mountaineering trails lead out to Maroon Bells. You may hike the Maroon Lake Scenic Path, which is just a mile lengthy, or deal with the Maroon Creek Path for a combination of lakeside views and alpine meadows. The Maroon Creek Path is a little bit longer, measuring 3.2 miles a method.
4. Hike the Crater Lake Path
The Crater lake Path is a 3.5-mile path that is among the greatest hikes in Colorado and doubtless the greatest in Aspen. Positioned within the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Space, Crater Lake was fashioned from geological processes 1000’s of years in the past w hen glaciers began floating away and left what we all know as Crater Lake.It’s price noting that swimming is prohibited at Crater Lake.
Mountaineering on unfamiliar trails alone could be daunting, and transportation could be a problem when you don’t hire a automotive. If you wish to take a guided tour, Blazing Adventures gives guided hikes across the Maroon Bells.
5. Independence Move
Visiting Independence Move permits you to mix a number of sights in Aspen into one expertise. Take a scenic drive to go to this landmass on the Continental Divide of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. You may tick off standing on the Continental Divide, visiting the Rocky Mountains, and exploring some of the scenic locations in Aspen – all in a couple of hours.
Don’t be fooled although; Independence Move 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 automotive can squeeze by means of. IThis a part of Colorado State Freeway 82 is restricted to camper trailers and leisure automobiles over 35ft in size.
Mix your drive to Independence Move with a go to to Twin Lake or a climb up Mt Elbert. You might go away Independence Move for the drive again to Denver when you fly into Denver Worldwide Airport and rent a automotive.
6. Go Mountain Biking
Aspen’s numerous terrain caters to all ranges of mountain biking from learners to superior. The Rio Grande Path, with its light incline is ideal for households and informal riders. For these searching for a tougher trip, the Authorities Path supplies an exhilarating mixture of technical descents and pure magnificence.
In the meantime, the Smuggler Path is a neighborhood favourite, providing panoramic views of Aspen and past. Every path in Aspen guarantees not solely an adventurous trip but in addition a possibility to immerse oneself within the pure fantastic thing about Colorado’s mountains. o
7. Hike the Grottos Path
The Grottos Path can’t be crushed for an thrilling hike close to Aspen. Whereas just one km lengthy, the path has quite a bit to see alongside the way in which, and it is among the prettiest trails within the area.
Located simply off Independence Move, the Grottos ice cave is a marvel of geological formations, and waterfalls attracting guests with its spectacular ice constructions and funky, ethereal ambiance.
A bit of the observe resembles a darkish gray model of Antelope Canyon. You’ll scramble by means of ribbon-like canyons and crevices to finish the hike.
Ultimate 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. Contained in the caves, the play of sunshine by means of the ice creates a magical environment, excellent for unforgettable picture alternatives. We additionally suggest getting there early within the day, earlier than 9 am, as this path is standard, and parking spots are restricted.
8. Go to the John Denver Sanctuary
John Denver Sanctuary is a lovely nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary simply north of Aspen city middle. It was arrange in reminiscence of the late singer John Denver, hoping guests may 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. Guests are sometimes captivated by the “Tune Backyard,” 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 midst of the John Denver Sanctuary providing a lovely place to get pleasure from performing arts. It’s situated close to Rio Grande Park, making it an ideal spot for a stroll or a quiet second of contemplation.
9. Aspen Artwork Museum
Aspen Artwork Museum is a mecca for up to date artwork within the area, internet hosting exhibitions and shows of worldwide and native artists that includes sculptures, work, sketches, and even multimedia shows.
It’s free to enter and has a rooftop terrace with superb views over Aspen and the encompassing mountains. Positioned in downtown Aspen, the Aspen Artwork Museum can simply be added to any Aspen itinerary. Throughout 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 up to date type, the constructing has a large copper lattice façade.
10. Go paragliding
Adrenaline junkies will love paragliding over Aspen’s lovely vistas. There isn’t any higher approach to absorb the breathtaking surroundings of aspen. Paragliding is among the most adventurous issues to do in Aspen.
Aspen Paragliding is the most well-liked 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 situations. You’ll gently glide previous a few of the most gorgeous scenes in Colorado. Within the winter season, you may even be capable of spot the skiers on the slopes beneath.
Take a look at the actions that Blazing Adventures has on supply right here. Blazing Adventures makes a speciality of out of doors adventures that get your adrenaline pumping. You might even proceed your ‘flight theme’ with a sizzling air balloon trip.
11. Ashcroft Ghost City
Visiting ghost cities might be not the very first thing you count on to do in Aspen. Nevertheless, Ashcroft Ghost City is definitely some of the entertaining sights within the Aspen Space. As soon as a silver mining city, Ashcroft Ghost City is now fully uninhabited. The Aspen Historic Society opened the city as much as guests yearly between June and October.
You may discover previous historic buildings, together with the previous submit workplace, Blue Mirror Saloon, and a former resort constructing. Ashcroft Ghost City is a singular alternative to step again and immerse your self in Previous Western historical past. Strolling between the log cabins and picket public buildings is form of creepy and enjoyable.
The city is situated on Fort Creek Street, about eleven miles south of Aspen. It takes about 25 minutes to drive to Ashcroft Ghost City.
Take a look at one among these excursions to ghost cities to take advantage of your time in Aspen. Aspen’s Darkish Aspect Ghost Tour,, Aspen’s Off the Crushed Path Tour, Aspen’s Previous to Current Historic Tour
12. Cross Nation Ski in Aspen
Aspen boasts a few of the most picturesque cross-country snowboarding trails in North America. The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Path System, an unlimited 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. Newcomers 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 Path.
The Rio Grande Path, with its gorgeous river views, supplies a extra leisurely expertise, ultimate for soaking in Aspen’s pure magnificence. These trails not solely supply wonderful cross-country snowboarding but in addition function excellent paths for snowshoeing, making them a flexible selection for winter out of doors actions.
13. Stroll the Rio Grande Path
The Rio Grande Path is not any straightforward feat. The path runs for a formidable 42 miles and is usually tackled over two to 4 days. Anybody decided sufficient to tackle the problem can get pleasure from unequalled views alongside the path. You’ll primarily comply with Roaring Fork River, however you’ll have snow-capped mountain views and wildlife galore – so hold your eyes peeled. Pack your bathing swimsuit as a result of you possibly can go swiming alongside the Roaring Fork River.
The path itself cuts by means of Roaring Fork Valley. Count on to share the observe with horseback riders, canine walkers, and cyclists, and word that horses have the best of approach.
The Rio Grande trailhead begins on this little ski city stretching from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, the place the Roaring Fork River merges into the Colorado River. In the event you love multi-day hikes, add a couple of days to your Aspen vacation to finish the path.
14. Cycle the Rio Grande Path
In case you are in search of a leisurely trip when biking, soak up the great thing about Aspen alongside the Rio Grande. A lot sooner and simpler than strolling the Rio Grande Path, is the proper journey from Aspen correct. As you biking alongside the path, you’re handled to gorgeous 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. Alongside the route, riders can get pleasure from numerous facilities, together with relaxation stops, picnic areas, and entry to charming cities for a pleasant break or a meal. Whether or not you’re in search of a leisurely trip or an all-day tour, the Rio Grande Path supplies an ideal mix of pure magnificence, train, and leisure.
15. Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro
Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro has probably the greatest views of Maroon Bells. The small European-style cabin is perched on prime of a mountain within the Aspen Highlands Ski Resort.
Cloud 9’s environment is ok eating meets après ski. The restaurant has the menu to draw these in search of a complicated, refined expertise, but the character to host a few of the most boisterous events. It’s mentioned that Cloud 9 brings the European alpine scene to Aspen.
16. Aspen Brewing Firm
You actually can discover breweries in essentially the most unassuming of locations. Aspen Brewing Firm is tucked away on Galena Road in Downtown Aspen. Half pizzeria and half pub, the venue serves fifteen craft beers brewed in-house. Simply 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 Firm was based in 2008 with the motto ‘make world-class beer, downstream from no person’. Many awards later, Aspen Brewing Firm has grow to be a giant identify. Technically, the corporate is break 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 get pleasure from.
17. Experience the Silver Queen Gondola
Skiers get entry to a few of the most spectacular summits in Aspen, as do hikers in heat months. However 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 improbable, making Aspen Mountain accessible for everybody. Whether or not touring with kids or simply don’t belief your health ranges, the Silver Queen Gondola is a good way to zip as much as Aspen Mountain summit – experiencing a thrill and all the most effective views concurrently. The trip to the highest takes round fifteen minutes. There’s loads of time to snap pictures and respect the novelty of racing up a mountainside.
On the prime, we suggest grabbing a desk on the sundeck and treating your self to meals and a sizzling drink from the restaurant. Eating overlooking the slopes is an expertise you’ll bear in mind. And, when you aren’t a skier, you must take advantage of being in ski territory.
You may ebook tickets for on-line or flip up on the day. The gondola service runs from 10 am till 4 pm day by day (climate permitting), so it’s straightforward to fit 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 Membership
Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership is among the greatest sporting venues and Aspen golf course within the city. Guests can get pleasure from an 18-hole championship golf course backed by Aspen’s gorgeous 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, which means all golfers can come alongside to get pleasure from.
The tennis courts are equally spectacular. There are six clay courts, once more with gorgeous mountain views. You may simply ebook a tennis courtroom on-line or ring to order a slot. If not, it’s price dropping in to see if a courtroom is free with out reserving. If it’s important to wait, simply be ready to deal with your self to a meal on the membership’s restaurant, Pink Mountain Grill.
19. Wheeler Opera Home
In the event you love reside music, watching films, or attending festivals, visiting the Wheeler Opera Home is among the greatest 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 Home is a surprising venue and particular place to benefit from the arts. Verify the Opera Home’s schedule to see what reside music occasions and performances coincide together with your journey. Catching a present is a improbable technique to unwind within the night after a busy day outside.
within the historical past of the Opera Home? Aspen Historic Society runs excursions of the venue, so you possibly can all the time take pleasure in an informative exploration of the Opera Home, not only a efficiency. And, as an additional tip for reside music lovers, Aspen Music Pageant runs between mid June and August. Summer season is stuffed with live shows and performances, so test that schedule as effectively when you’re visiting Aspen throughout this era.
20. Glenwood Springs
Only a scenic drive away from Aspen, Glenwood Springs gives a pleasant tour, mixing pure wonders and stress-free experiences. This mountain city is legendary for its world-renowned sizzling springs, together with the Glenwood Sizzling Springs Pool, the world’s largest mineral sizzling springs pool. The new springs supply a rejuvenating retreat with its therapeutic waters.
Journey seekers will love the Glenwood Caverns Journey 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 sights, such because the Glenwood Springs Historic Society and Frontier Museum.
The close by Hanging Lake is a crystal-clear lake perched atop a cliff, and supplies a picturesque mountaineering vacation spot. Glenwood Springs’ mixture of leisure, journey, and cultural experiences makes it an important addition to any Aspen itinerary, providing guests an opportunity to immerse themselves within the coronary heart of Colorado’s pure magnificence and hospitality.
Now that we’ve coated the most effective issues to do in Aspen let’s check out some fast FAQs. These are an important issues to know earlier than you go to Aspen.
How you can get to Aspen
The easiest way to get to Aspen is to fly to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport or Denver Worldwide Airport. Flying into Denver is the most well-liked choice, as it’s cheaper, has extra frequent flights, and is greatest for worldwide vacationers. Touring from Denver is easy too, and also you simply catch a shuttle service or hire a automotive to drive the 4 hours to Aspen.
These flying internationally ought to take into account including an in a single day keep in Denver since there are many issues to do within the metropolis.
Getting round Aspen
As a small mountain city, Aspen is hardly tough 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 automotive except you need to take day journeys to distant trails and sights.
You may get round by highway biking and the roads round Snomass Village and Aspen attracts cyclists from across the nation to beat its mountains. In case you are up for it, biking is a good way to get round.
When the snow disappears, many individuals cycle round Aspen. It could be price seeing in case your lodging rents out bikes or visiting a motorcycle rental retailer within the city middle.
Finest time to go to Aspen
Colorado is among the US’s greatest winter getaways. In the event you like winter sports activities, we suggest visiting Aspen whereas there’s snowfall. The ski season runs from November to April. Nevertheless, we suggest visiting Aspen in March for the most effective snowboarding expertise. The again finish of the season is a little bit cheaper and quieter, and you’ve got extra sunlight hours for snowboarding.
In fact, Aspen is an ideal all-year-round vacation spot for an lively vacation – filled with mountaineering trails, horseback using, and mountaineering whereas the snow melts. If winter sports activities aren’t your factor, discover Aspen throughout the spring shoulder season. Could is the quietest month, and you must have lots of the mountaineering trails to your self. Plus, Aspen is cheaper throughout this time.
The place to remain in Aspen
It’s no secret that lodging could make or break a visit. Listed here are our prime suggestions on the most effective locations to remain in Aspen.
Funds: St. Moritz Lodge
St. Moritz Lodge could also be a self-described ‘easy lodge’, however its excessive quantity of constructive critiques speaks volumes. Guests can get pleasure from dormitory rooms, personal rooms, and condos. For versatile and budget-friendly lodging, St. Mortiz Lodge is definitely the most effective in Aspen.
You may dip within the heated out of doors pool, chill out within the sizzling tub, and begin each morning correctly with a complimentary breakfast. St. Moritz Lodge is each snug and handy.
Mid-range: Aspen Sq. Condominium Lodge
Aspen Sq. Condominium Lodge is a superb mid-range lodging choice in Aspen. The property gives 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 snug seating space. You additionally get entry to a health club and enterprise middle. Nevertheless, the profitable issue of the Aspen Sq. Condominium Lodge is its out of doors amenities.
Benefit from the heated out of doors pool all yr spherical, swimming lengths with snow-capped mountain views. Alternatively, take it straightforward and soak in one of many two out of doors sizzling tubs whereas having fun with the views.
Luxurious: The Little Nell
The Little Nell is luxurious lodging at its best. The stylish resort gives ski-in/ski-out amenities – excellent for snowboarding fans wanting to maximise 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 may bathe in an outside spa tub or swim within the heated out of doors pool. All rooms characteristic marble bogs and balconies with metropolis or mountain views. And sure suites embrace personal jacuzzis and steam showers, so you possibly can splash out on additional luxurious if you’d like.
On the lookout for a VRBO property as a substitute of a basic resort expertise? You could want to learn our information on the most effective cabins in Colorado.
There are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Aspen. Its location is dreamy for anybody who loves out of doors adventures. You may chill out surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and White River Nationwide Forest. Choose a mountaineering path or ski slope and let the contemporary air do the remainder. We all know that you just’ll have a improbable time in Aspen.
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