Aspen is a small mountain city with an enormous 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 way of with clear blue skies and dense forests.
Aspen is understood for its big mountain skiing and ample winter activities, 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 might be by no means removed from the nice outside. One factor is for certain: there are many issues to do in Aspen.
Finest Issues to Do in Aspen, Colorado
Book your private 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 hiking and mountain biking in the summertime, Aspen is a year-round vacation spot. From scenic gondola rides to artwork museums, these sights will maintain you entertained and content material.
1. Hit the Slopes
You possibly can’t go to among the finest snowboarding locations within the United States 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 troublesome, 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 skilled skiers. Aspen Highlands ski space is understood for the Highland Bowl, which summits at 12,392 ft above sea degree and has a number 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 number of miles alongside Maroon Creek Street to achieve Aspen city middle from the Highlands Ski Resort.
Buttermilk Mountain ski space is famed for the Winter X Video games, making you suppose it’s for skilled skiers solely. Nuy he mountain truly caters to all ranges, and even newbies can take pleasure in steadily zipping by way of Aspen timber 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 energetic 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 completely different ski lifts and essentially the most vertical ski space in Aspen.
The village is a hub of eating, procuring, and leisure choices, with occasions and festivals steadily including to the thrill. Lodging in Aspen Snowmass vary from luxurious resorts to cozy lodges, catering to each desire and making certain a snug keep.
In the course of 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 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 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 possibly can 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 a little bit 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 doubtless the greatest in Aspen. Situated 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 might be daunting, and transportation might be a difficulty for those who don’t lease a automotive. If you wish to take a guided tour, Blazing Adventures provides guided hikes across the Maroon Bells.
5. Independence Go
Visiting Independence Go 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 possibly can tick off standing on the Continental Divide, visiting the Rocky Mountains, and exploring one of the scenic locations in Aspen – all in a number of hours.
Don’t be fooled although; Independence Go 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 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 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 for those who fly into Denver Worldwide Airport and rent a automotive.
6. Go Mountain Biking
Aspen’s various terrain caters to all ranges of mountain biking from newbies to superior. The Rio Grande Path, with its light incline is ideal for households and informal riders. For these searching for a tougher journey, the Authorities Path supplies an exhilarating mixture of technical descents and pure magnificence.
In the meantime, the Smuggler Path is an area favourite, providing panoramic views of Aspen and past. Every path in Aspen guarantees not solely an adventurous journey but additionally 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 crushed for an thrilling hike close to Aspen. Whereas just one km lengthy, the path has rather a lot to see alongside the best way, 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 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.
Best 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 way of the ice creates a magical ambiance, excellent for unforgettable photograph alternatives. We additionally suggest getting there early within the day, earlier than 9 am, as this path is in style, and parking spots are restricted.
8. Go to the John Denver Sanctuary
John Denver Sanctuary is a wonderful 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 tune lyrics etched into native stones, making a pathway of inspiration and reflection. Guests are sometimes captivated by the “Track 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 midst of the John Denver Sanctuary providing a wonderful 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 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 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 stunning vistas. There isn’t a higher means to soak up 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 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 number of the most beautiful 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 offer 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 one 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 possibly can discover outdated historical buildings, together with the outdated publish workplace, Blue Mirror Saloon, and a former lodge 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 picket public buildings is form of creepy and enjoyable.
The city is positioned on Citadel Creek Street, about eleven miles south of Aspen. It takes about 25 minutes to drive to Ashcroft Ghost City.
Try one among these excursions to ghost cities to take advantage of 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 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. Learners 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 beautiful river views, supplies a extra leisurely expertise, ultimate for soaking in Aspen’s pure magnificence. These trails not solely provide wonderful cross-country snowboarding but additionally 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 Trail isn’t 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 take pleasure in unmatched views alongside the path. You’ll primarily observe 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. Anticipate to share the monitor with horseback riders, canine walkers, and cyclists, and notice 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. Should you love multi-day hikes, add a number of days to your Aspen vacation to finish the path.
14. Cycle the Rio Grande Path
In case you are on the lookout 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 right 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 delicate 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 on the lookout for a leisurely journey 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 among the finest 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 ok eating meets après ski. The restaurant has the menu to draw these on the lookout for a fancy, refined expertise, but the character to host a number 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 turn out 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 website, with some being transported to the primary for guests to take pleasure in.
17. Experience 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 for those who don’t ski and don’t really feel comfy 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 an effective way to zip as much as Aspen Mountain summit – experiencing a thrill and all the most effective views concurrently. The journey to the highest takes round fifteen minutes. There’s 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 sizzling drink from the restaurant. Eating overlooking the slopes is an expertise you’ll keep in mind. And, for those who aren’t a skier, you need to take advantage of being in ski territory.
You possibly can e-book tickets for on-line or flip up on the day. The gondola service runs from 10 am till 4 pm daily (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 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 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, 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 beautiful mountain views. You possibly can simply e-book 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 you must wait, simply be ready to deal with your self to a meal on the membership’s restaurant, Pink Mountain Grill.
19. Wheeler Opera Home
Should you love stay music, watching motion pictures, or attending festivals, visiting the Wheeler Opera House 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 surprising venue and particular place to benefit from the arts. Test the Opera Home’s schedule to see what stay music occasions and performances coincide together with your journey. Catching a present is a incredible solution 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 bask in an informative exploration of the Opera Home, not only a efficiency. And, as an additional tip for stay music lovers, Aspen Music Competition runs between mid June and August. Summer time is stuffed with concert events and performances, so test that schedule as nicely for those who’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 stress-free experiences. This mountain city is known 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 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 lined the most effective 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.
Learn how to 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 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 lease a automotive to drive the 4 hours to Aspen.
These flying internationally ought to think about including an in a single day keep in Denver since there are many things to do within the metropolis.
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 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 an effective way to get round.
When the snow disappears, many individuals cycle round Aspen. It might be price seeing in case your lodging rents out bikes or visiting a motorbike rental retailer within the city middle.
Finest time to go to Aspen
Colorado is likely one of the US’s greatest winter getaways. Should you 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 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 energetic 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 need to 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 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 well the most effective in Aspen.
You possibly can dip within the heated out of doors pool, loosen up 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 Lodge
Aspen Square Condominium Hotel is a wonderful mid-range lodging choice in Aspen. The property provides condos, which vary from studios to three-bedroom items. 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 health club and enterprise middle. Nonetheless, the profitable issue of the Aspen Sq. Condominium Lodge is its out of doors amenities.
Benefit from the heated out of doors pool all 12 months 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 – excellent for snowboarding fanatics 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 possibly can 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 further luxurious if you’d like.
In search of a VRBO property as a substitute of a traditional lodge expertise? It’s possible you’ll want to learn our guide 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 possibly can loosen up surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and White River Nationwide Forest. Decide a hiking trail or ski slope and let the contemporary air do the remainder. We all know that you just’ll have a incredible time in Aspen.
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