Aspen is a small mountain city with a giant status. This dream vacation spot for outside 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 way of with clear blue skies and dense forests.
Aspen is thought for its massive 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 course of White River Nationwide Forest, so you’re by no means removed from the nice outdoor. One factor is for certain: there are many issues to do in Aspen.
Greatest Issues to Do in Aspen, Colorado
E book your personal round-trip airport transfer 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 mountaineering 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 maintain you entertained and content material.
1. Hit the Slopes
You may’t go to top-of-the-line snowboarding locations within the United States 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 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 toes above sea stage and has a number of the steepest descents within the space. If you would like adrenaline, the Highlands is the place you’ll discover it. And even higher? You solely need to stroll just a few 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 knowledgeable skiers solely. Nuy he mountain really caters to all ranges, and even newcomers can take pleasure in steadily zipping by way of Aspen bushes on mild ski slopes.
2. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
Snowmass Village is a vacation spot unto itself with numerous slopes and cross nation snowboarding plus outside 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 biggest of the 4 mountains , with 17 totally 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. Lodging in Aspen Snowmass vary from luxurious resorts to cozy lodges, catering to each desire and making certain a snug keep.
Throughout 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 within the lake, forming the final word alpine postcard picture. The 2 peaks, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak are solely cut 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 mountaineering trails lead out to Maroon Bells. You may hike the Maroon Lake Scenic Path, which is barely a mile lengthy, or sort out the Maroon Creek Path for a mix of lakeside views and alpine meadows. The Maroon Creek Path is slightly 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 greatest hikes in Colorado and possibly the greatest in Aspen. Positioned within the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Space, Crater Lake was shaped 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’s price noting that swimming is prohibited at Crater Lake.
Mountain climbing on unfamiliar trails alone could be daunting, and transportation could be a problem should you don’t lease a automotive. If you wish to take a guided tour, Blazing Adventures provides guided hikes across the Maroon Bells.
5. Independence Cross
Visiting Independence Cross 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 may tick off standing on the Continental Divide, visiting the Rocky Mountains, and exploring one of the vital scenic locations in Aspen – all in just a few hours.
Don’t be fooled although; Independence Cross can also be one heck of a drive. The street zig-zags up the mountain, with hairpin turns and sections so narro, that solely a single automotive can squeeze by way of. IThis a part of Colorado State Freeway 82 is restricted to camper trailers and leisure autos over 35ft in size.
Mix your drive to Independence Cross with a go to to Twin Lake or a climb up Mt Elbert. You may go away Independence Cross for the drive again to Denver should 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 newcomers to superior. The Rio Grande Path, with its mild incline is ideal for households and informal riders. For these in search of a tougher trip, the Authorities Path gives an exciting 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 chance to immerse oneself within the pure fantastic 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 so much to see alongside the way in which, and it is likely one of the prettiest trails within the area.
Located simply off Independence Cross, 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 monitor resembles a darkish gray model of Antelope Canyon. You’ll scramble by way of ribbon-like canyons and crevices to finish the hike.
Preferrred for these in search of a mix of mountaineering and exploration, the path to the caves is a simple, scenic stroll, appropriate for all ages and ability ranges. Contained in the caves, the play of sunshine by way of the ice creates a magical ambiance, excellent for unforgettable picture alternatives. We additionally suggest getting there early within the day, earlier than 9 am, as this path is common, and parking spots are restricted.
8. Go to the John Denver Sanctuary
John Denver Sanctuary is a fantastic 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 tune 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 ambiance.
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 fantastic place to take pleasure in performing arts. It’s positioned 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 modern 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 encircling 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 modern model, the constructing has an enormous copper lattice façade.
10. Go paragliding
Adrenaline junkies will love paragliding over Aspen’s stunning vistas. There is no such thing as a higher means to absorb the breathtaking surroundings of aspen. Paragliding is likely one of the most adventurous issues to do in Aspen.
Aspen Paragliding is the preferred firm to go paragliding throughout 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 gorgeous scenes in Colorado. Within the winter season, you may even be capable to spot the skiers on the slopes beneath.
Take a look at the actions that Blazing Adventures has on provide right here. Blazing Adventures focuses on outside adventures that get your adrenaline pumping. You may even proceed your ‘flight theme’ with a scorching air balloon trip.
11. Ashcroft Ghost City
Visiting ghost cities might be not the very first thing you anticipate to do in Aspen. Nevertheless, Ashcroft Ghost City is definitely one of the vital 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 may discover outdated historic buildings, together with the outdated put up workplace, Blue Mirror Saloon, and a former resort constructing. Ashcroft Ghost City is a novel alternative to step again and immerse your self in Previous Western historical past. Strolling between the log cabins and wood public buildings is type of creepy and enjoyable.
The city is positioned on Fortress Creek Street, about eleven miles south of Aspen. It takes about 25 minutes to drive to Ashcroft Ghost City.
Take a look at one in every of these excursions to ghost cities to profit from 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 a number 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. Novices can glide alongside the mild 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, gives 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. Stroll the Rio Grande Path
The Rio Grande Path isn’t any simple feat. The path runs for a powerful 42 miles and is usually tackled over two to 4 days. Anybody decided sufficient to tackle the problem can take pleasure in unmatched views alongside the path. You’ll primarily comply with Roaring Fork River, however you’ll have snow-capped mountain views and wildlife galore – so maintain 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 way of Roaring Fork Valley. Count on to share the monitor with horseback riders, canine walkers, and cyclists, and be aware that horses have the correct of means.
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 just a few days to your Aspen vacation to finish the path.
14. Cycle the Rio Grande Path
If you’re searching for a leisurely trip when biking, absorb 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 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 take pleasure in 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 trip or an all-day tour, the Rio Grande Path gives an ideal mix of pure magnificence, train, and leisure.
15. Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro
Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro has top-of-the-line 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 ambiance is okay eating meets après ski. The restaurant has the menu to draw these searching for a fancy, refined expertise, but the character to host a number of the most boisterous events. It’s stated 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 Avenue 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 cut up between two places: 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. Journey the Silver Queen Gondola
Skiers get entry to a number of the most spectacular summits in Aspen, as do hikers in heat months. However what should 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 incredible, 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 most effective views concurrently. The trip to the highest takes round fifteen minutes. There may be loads of time to snap pictures and recognize 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 scorching drink from the restaurant. Eating overlooking the slopes is an expertise you’ll keep in mind. And, should you aren’t a skier, you must profit from being in ski territory.
You may guide tickets for on-line or flip up on the day. The gondola service runs from 10 am till 4 pm each day (climate permitting), so it’s simple to fit right into a busy itinerary. Plus, the gondola station sits simply on the outskirts of Downtown Aspen. You may simply pop by for a spontaneous expertise.
18. Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership
Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership is likely one of the greatest sporting venues and Aspen golf course within the city. Guests can take pleasure in 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 totally different ranges, which means all golfers can come alongside to take pleasure in.
The tennis courts are equally spectacular. There are six clay courts, once more with gorgeous mountain views. You may simply guide a tennis court docket on-line or ring to order a slot. If not, it’s price dropping in to see if a court docket 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
For those who love reside music, watching films, or attending festivals, visiting the Wheeler Opera Home is likely one of 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 shocking 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 incredible method to unwind within the night after a busy day outdoor.
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 Competition runs between mid June and August. Summer season is stuffed with live shows and performances, so verify that schedule as properly should 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 known for its world-renowned scorching springs, together with the Glenwood Sizzling Springs Pool, the world’s largest mineral scorching 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 gives 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 lined the most effective issues to do in Aspen let’s check out some fast FAQs. These are crucial issues to know earlier than you go to Aspen.
How one can get to Aspen
One of the best ways to get to Aspen is to fly to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport or Denver Worldwide Airport. Flying into Denver is the preferred choice, as it’s cheaper, has extra frequent flights, and is greatest for worldwide vacationers. Touring from Denver is simple too, and also you simply catch a shuttle service or lease a automotive to drive the 4 hours to Aspen.
These flying internationally ought to contemplate 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 until you need to take day journeys to distant trails and points of interest.
You will get round by street biking and the roads round Snomass Village and Aspen attracts cyclists from across the nation to beat 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 could be price seeing in case your lodging rents out bikes or visiting a motorbike rental retailer within the city heart.
Greatest time to go to Aspen
Colorado is likely one of the US’s greatest 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. Nevertheless, we suggest visiting Aspen in March for the most effective snowboarding expertise. The again finish of the season is slightly cheaper and quieter, and you’ve got extra daytime for snowboarding.
After all, Aspen is an ideal all-year-round vacation spot for an lively vacation – stuffed with mountaineering trails, horseback using, and mountaineering whereas the snow melts. If winter sports activities aren’t your factor, discover Aspen through 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 below 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 optimistic evaluations speaks volumes. Guests can take pleasure in 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 outside pool, calm down within the scorching 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 provides condos, which vary from studios to three-bedroom models. The condo-only format 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. Nevertheless, the successful issue of the Aspen Sq. Condominium Lodge is its outside amenities.
Benefit from 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 scorching 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 – excellent 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 may bathe in an out of doors spa tub or swim within the heated outside pool. All rooms characteristic marble loos and balconies with metropolis or mountain views. And sure suites embrace personal jacuzzis and steam showers, so you possibly can splash out on further luxurious if you would like.
In search of a VRBO property as a substitute of a traditional resort expertise? Chances are you’ll want to learn our information on the most effective cabins in Colorado.
There are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Aspen. Its location is dreamy for anybody who loves outside adventures. You may calm down 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 simply’ll have a incredible time in Aspen.
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