Aspen is a small mountain city with a giant status. 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 massive mountain snowboarding and ample winter actions, however when the snow melts, you’ll be able to select from horseback driving, mountaineering, biking, and climbing trails. Aspen additionally sits in the course of White River Nationwide Forest, so you’re by no means removed from the nice outside. One factor is for positive: there are many issues to do in Aspen.
Finest Issues to Do in Aspen, Colorado
E-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 easiest issues to do in Aspen. From snowboarding within the winter season to climbing and mountain biking in the summertime, Aspen is a year-round vacation spot. From scenic gondola rides to artwork museums, these points of interest will preserve you entertained and content material.
1. Hit the Slopes
You’ll be able to’t go to among the best snowboarding locations in america with out snowboarding. Aspen Mountain’s 4 principal 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 anticipate difficult slopes. Aspen Mountain is located within the coronary heart of Aspen, which is great for these wanting a central location.
Aspen Highlands is one other mountain for skilled skiers. Aspen Highlands ski space is thought for the Highland Bowl, which summits at 12,392 toes above sea degree and has among the steepest descents within the space. If you need adrenaline, the Highlands is the place you’ll discover it. And even higher? You solely need to stroll a couple of miles alongside Maroon Creek Street to achieve Aspen city heart from the Highlands Ski Resort.
Buttermilk Mountain ski space is famed for the Winter X Video games, making you assume it’s for skilled skiers solely. Nuy he mountain really caters to all ranges, and even rookies 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 probably the most vertical ski space in Aspen.
The village is a hub of eating, procuring, and leisure choices, with occasions and festivals often including to the joy. Lodging in Aspen Snowmass vary from luxurious resorts to cozy lodges, catering to each desire and guaranteeing a cushty keep.
In the course of the hotter months, Snowmass is nice for climbing, 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 within the lake, forming the final 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 preferred 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 climbing trails lead out to Maroon Bells. You’ll be able to hike the Maroon Lake Scenic Path, which is barely a mile lengthy, or deal with the Maroon Creek Path for a mix of lakeside views and alpine meadows. The Maroon Creek Path is just a little longer, measuring 3.2 miles a technique.
4. Hike the Crater Lake Path
The Crater lake Path is a 3.5-mile path that is likely one of the finest hikes in Colorado and possibly the finest in Aspen. Situated within the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Space, Crater Lake was shaped 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 value noting that swimming is prohibited at Crater Lake.
Mountain climbing on unfamiliar trails alone might be daunting, and transportation might be a difficulty when you don’t lease a automobile. If you wish to take a guided tour, Blazing Adventures provides guided hikes across the Maroon Bells.
5. Independence Go
Visiting Independence Go lets you 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’ll be able to tick off standing on the Continental Divide, visiting the Rocky Mountains, and exploring probably the most scenic locations in Aspen – all in a couple of hours.
Don’t be fooled although; Independence Go can 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 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 Go with a go to to Twin Lake or a climb up Mt Elbert. You possibly can depart Independence Go for the drive again to Denver when you fly into Denver Worldwide Airport and rent a automobile.
6. Go Mountain Biking
Aspen’s various terrain caters to all ranges of mountain biking from rookies to superior. The Rio Grande Path, with its light incline is ideal for households and informal riders. For these searching for a more difficult journey, the Authorities Path offers 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 journey but in addition a chance to immerse oneself within the pure great thing about Colorado’s mountains. o
7. Hike the Grottos Path
The Grottos Path can’t be overwhelmed for an thrilling hike close to Aspen. Whereas just one km lengthy, the path has rather a lot to see alongside the way in which, and it is likely one of the prettiest trails within the area.
Located simply off Independence Go, 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 by means of ribbon-like canyons and crevices to finish the hike.
Superb for these searching for a mix of climbing 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, good for unforgettable picture alternatives. We additionally suggest getting there early within the day, earlier than 9 am, as this path is fashionable, and parking spots are restricted.
8. Go to the John Denver Sanctuary
John Denver Sanctuary is a ravishing nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary simply north of Aspen city heart. 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 track lyrics etched into native stones, making a pathway of inspiration and reflection. Guests are sometimes captivated by the “Music Backyard,” the place Denver’s music softly performs, enhancing the peaceable environment.
Lyrics and quotes aren’t the one creative factor in John Denver Sanctuary. The Aspen Theatre group has a tent arrange in the course of the John Denver Sanctuary providing a ravishing 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 wonderful views over Aspen and the encompassing mountains. Situated in downtown Aspen, the Aspen Artwork Museum can simply be added to any Aspen itinerary. In the course of 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 good place to sprint for a style of the artwork on a chilly day. You’ll simply spot it. In true up to date 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 absorb the breathtaking surroundings of aspen. Paragliding is likely one of the most adventurous issues to do in Aspen.
Aspen Paragliding is the most well-liked firm to go paragliding throughout the space, and also you’ll take to the skies with an authorized pilot. The entire expertise lasts round two hours – so wrap up and put together for the climate situations. You’ll gently glide previous among the most gorgeous scenes in Colorado. Within the winter season, you may even be capable to spot the skiers on the slopes under.
Try the actions that Blazing Adventures has on provide right here. Blazing Adventures focuses on out of doors adventures that get your adrenaline pumping. You possibly can even proceed your ‘flight theme’ with a sizzling air balloon journey.
11. Ashcroft Ghost City
Visiting ghost cities might be not the very first thing you anticipate to do in Aspen. Nonetheless, Ashcroft Ghost City is well probably the most entertaining points of interest within the Aspen Space. As soon as a silver mining city, Ashcroft Ghost City is now utterly uninhabited. The Aspen Historic Society opened the city as much as guests yearly between June and October.
You’ll be able to discover previous historic buildings, together with the previous publish workplace, Blue Mirror Saloon, and a former lodge 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 wood public buildings is sort 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.
Try considered one of these excursions to ghost cities to take advantage of your time in Aspen. Aspen’s Darkish Facet Ghost Tour,, Aspen’s Off the Crushed Path Tour, Aspen’s Previous to Current Historic Tour
12. Cross Nation Ski in Aspen
Aspen boasts among the most picturesque cross-country snowboarding trails in North America. The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Path 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. Rookies 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, offers a extra leisurely expertise, best for soaking in Aspen’s pure magnificence. These trails not solely provide glorious cross-country snowboarding but in addition function good paths for snowshoeing, making them a flexible selection for winter out of doors actions.
13. Stroll the Rio Grande Path
The Rio Grande Path isn’t any straightforward feat. The path runs for a powerful 42 miles and is often 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 preserve your eyes peeled. Pack your bathing swimsuit as a result of you’ll be able to go swiming alongside the Roaring Fork River.
The path itself cuts by means of Roaring Fork Valley. Anticipate to share the observe with horseback riders, canine walkers, and cyclists, and be aware that horses have the correct 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. For those who love multi-day hikes, add a couple of days to your Aspen vacation to finish the path.
14. Cycle the Rio Grande Path
If you’re searching for a leisurely journey when biking, soak up the fantastic thing about Aspen alongside the Rio Grande. A lot quicker 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 generally 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 searching for a leisurely journey or an all-day tour, the Rio Grande Path offers an ideal mix of pure magnificence, train, and leisure.
15. Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro
Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro has among the best views of Maroon Bells. The small European-style cabin is perched on high 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 searching for a complicated, refined expertise, but the character to host among 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 probably 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 one’. Many awards later, Aspen Brewing Firm has turn out 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. Journey the Silver Queen Gondola
Skiers get entry to among the most spectacular summits in Aspen, as do hikers in heat months. However what when you don’t ski and don’t really feel comfy climbing lengthy distances? The Silver Queen Gondola is the reply.
The Silver Queen Gondola is implausible, making Aspen Mountain accessible for everybody. Whether or not touring with youngsters 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 very best views concurrently. The journey to the highest takes round fifteen minutes. There may be loads of time to snap pictures and respect the novelty of racing up a mountainside.
On the high, 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 keep in mind. And, when you aren’t a skier, it’s best to take advantage of being in ski territory.
You’ll be able to guide tickets for on-line or flip up on the day. The gondola service runs from 10 am till 4 pm every single 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 possibly can simply pop by for a spontaneous expertise.
18. Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership
Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership is likely one of the finest 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, that 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’ll be able to simply guide a tennis courtroom on-line or ring to order a slot. If not, it’s value 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, Crimson Mountain Grill.
19. Wheeler Opera Home
For those who love reside music, watching films, or attending festivals, visiting the Wheeler Opera Home is likely one of 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 Home is a surprising venue and particular place to benefit from the arts. Test the Opera Home’s schedule to see what reside music occasions and performances coincide along with your journey. Catching a present is a implausible strategy 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’ll be able to at all times 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 time is stuffed with concert events and performances, so test that schedule as nicely when you’re visiting Aspen throughout this era.
20. Glenwood Springs
Only a scenic drive away from Aspen, Glenwood Springs provides a pleasant tour, mixing pure wonders and enjoyable 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 recent springs provide 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 points of interest, 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 offers a picturesque climbing vacation spot. Glenwood Springs’ mixture of leisure, journey, and cultural experiences makes it a vital 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 lined the very best 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.
Find out how to get to Aspen
One of the simplest ways to get to Aspen is to fly to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport or Denver Worldwide Airport. Flying into Denver is the most well-liked possibility, as it’s cheaper, has extra frequent flights, and is finest for worldwide vacationers. Touring from Denver is simple too, and also you simply catch a shuttle service or lease a automobile 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 automobile except you wish to take day journeys to distant trails and points of interest.
You will get round by highway biking and the roads round Snomass Village and Aspen attracts cyclists from across the nation to overcome its mountains. If you’re up for it, biking is a good way to get round.
When the snow disappears, many individuals cycle round Aspen. It might be value seeing in case your lodging rents out bikes or visiting a motorbike rental retailer within the city heart.
Finest time to go to Aspen
Colorado is likely one of the US’s finest winter getaways. For those who like winter sports activities, we suggest visiting Aspen whereas there’s snowfall. The ski season runs from November to April. Nonetheless, we suggest visiting Aspen in March for the very best snowboarding expertise. The again finish of the season is just a little cheaper and quieter, and you’ve got extra daylight for snowboarding.
After all, Aspen is an ideal all-year-round vacation spot for an energetic vacation – filled with climbing trails, horseback driving, and mountaineering whereas the snow melts. If winter sports activities aren’t your factor, discover Aspen in the course of the spring shoulder season. Could is the quietest month, and it’s best to have lots of the climbing 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 high suggestions on the very best locations to remain in Aspen.
Price range: St. Moritz Lodge
St. Moritz Lodge could also be a self-described ‘easy lodge’, however its excessive quantity of optimistic opinions speaks volumes. Guests can get pleasure from dormitory rooms, non-public rooms, and condos. For versatile and budget-friendly lodging, St. Mortiz Lodge is well the very best in Aspen.
You’ll be able to 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 comfy and handy.
Mid-range: Aspen Sq. Condominium Resort
Aspen Sq. Condominium Resort is a wonderful mid-range lodging possibility in Aspen. The property provides condos, which vary from studios to three-bedroom items. The condo-only structure means you’ll at all times have homely facilities like a kitchen and a snug seating space. You additionally get entry to a health club and enterprise heart. Nonetheless, the profitable issue of the Aspen Sq. Condominium Resort 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 provides ski-in/ski-out amenities – good for snowboarding lovers 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’ll be able to bathe in an outside spa tub or swim within the heated out of doors pool. All rooms function marble loos and balconies with metropolis or mountain views. And sure suites embrace non-public jacuzzis and steam showers, so you’ll be able to splash out on additional luxurious if you would like.
Searching for a VRBO property as a substitute of a traditional lodge expertise? You might want to learn our information on the very best 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’ll be able to chill out surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and White River Nationwide Forest. Decide a climbing path or ski slope and let the contemporary air do the remainder. We all know that you simply’ll have a implausible time in Aspen.
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