20 Awesome Things to do in Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is a small mountain city with a giant repute. 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 thought for its huge mountain snowboarding and considerable winter actions, however when the snow melts, you may select from horseback driving, mountaineering, biking, and mountain climbing trails. Aspen additionally sits in the course of White River Nationwide Forest, so you’re by no means removed from the nice open air. One factor is for certain: 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 mountain climbing and mountain biking in the summertime, Aspen is a year-round vacation spot. From scenic gondola rides to artwork museums, these sights will preserve you entertained and content material.

1. Hit the Slopes

You possibly can’t go to probably the greatest snowboarding locations in the US with out snowboarding. Aspen Mountain’s 4 primary 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 reasonable to troublesome, 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 ft above sea degree 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 should stroll a couple of miles alongside Maroon Creek Street to succeed in 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 take pleasure in steadily zipping by way of Aspen timber on mild ski slopes.

2. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort

Snowmass Village is a vacation spot unto itself with varied slopes and cross nation snowboarding plus out of doors actions and a full of life 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, procuring, and leisure choices, with occasions and festivals continuously including to the joy. Lodging in Aspen Snowmass vary from luxurious resorts to cozy lodges, catering to each desire and guaranteeing a cushty keep.

Through the hotter months, Snowmass is nice for mountain 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 last 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 mountain climbing trails lead out to Maroon Bells. You possibly can 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 a 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 possibly 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 value noting that swimming is prohibited at Crater Lake.

Climbing on unfamiliar trails alone might be daunting, and transportation might be a problem if you happen to don’t hire a automobile. If you wish to take a guided tour, Blazing Adventures presents guided hikes across the Maroon Bells.

5. Independence Cross

Visiting Independence Cross 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 crucial scenic locations in Aspen – all in a couple of hours.

Don’t be fooled although; Independence Cross 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 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 might depart Independence Cross for the drive again to Denver if you happen to fly into Denver Worldwide Airport and rent a automobile.

6. Go Mountain Biking

Aspen’s numerous terrain caters to all ranges of mountain biking from rookies to superior. The Rio Grande Path, with its mild incline is ideal for households and informal riders. For these searching for a tougher trip, the Authorities Path supplies 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 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 only one km lengthy, the path has rather a lot to see alongside the best way, and it is among 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 buildings and funky, ethereal ambiance.

A bit of the observe resembles a darkish gray model of Antelope Canyon. You’ll scramble by way of ribbon-like canyons and crevices to finish the hike.

Superb for these searching for a mix of mountain climbing and exploration, the path to the caves is a straightforward, scenic stroll, appropriate for all ages and talent ranges. Contained in the caves, the play of sunshine by way of the ice creates a magical environment, good for unforgettable picture alternatives. We additionally advocate getting there early within the day, earlier than 9 am, as this path is widespread, and parking spots are restricted.

8. Go to the John Denver Sanctuary

John Denver Sanctuary is an exquisite 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 music 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 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 an exquisite 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. Through 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 type, the constructing has an enormous copper lattice façade.

10. Go paragliding

Adrenaline junkies will love paragliding over Aspen’s stunning vistas. There isn’t any higher manner to soak up the breathtaking surroundings of aspen. Paragliding is among the most adventurous issues to do in Aspen.

Aspen Paragliding is the preferred firm to go paragliding inside the space, and also you’ll take to the skies with a licensed pilot. The entire expertise lasts round two hours – so wrap up and put together for the climate situations. You’ll gently glide previous a number of the most beautiful scenes in Colorado. Within the winter season, you would possibly even be capable of spot the skiers on the slopes under.

Take a look at the actions that Blazing Adventures has on provide right here. Blazing Adventures focuses on 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 anticipate to do in Aspen. Nonetheless, Ashcroft Ghost City is well one of the crucial 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 previous historic buildings, together with the previous 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 Outdated Western historical past. Strolling between the log cabins and wood public buildings is sort of creepy and enjoyable.

The city is positioned 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 certainly 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 a number of 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 talent ranges. Learners 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 beautiful river views, supplies a extra leisurely expertise, ideally suited for soaking in Aspen’s pure magnificence. These trails not solely provide glorious cross-country snowboarding but additionally function good paths for snowshoeing, making them a flexible alternative 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 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 preserve your eyes peeled. Pack your bathing go well with as a result of you may go swiming alongside the Roaring Fork River.

The path itself cuts by way of Roaring Fork Valley. Anticipate to share the observe with horseback riders, canine walkers, and cyclists, and notice that horses have the suitable of manner.

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

In case you are on the lookout for a leisurely trip when biking, absorb the great 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 talent ranges and a family-friendly journey. Alongside the route, riders can take pleasure in varied facilities, together with relaxation stops, picnic areas, and entry to charming cities for a pleasant break or a meal. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for 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 high of a mountain within the Aspen Highlands Ski Resort.

Cloud 9’s environment is okay 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 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 one’. Many awards later, Aspen Brewing Firm has grow to be a giant title. 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 website, with some being transported to the primary for guests to take pleasure in.

17. Trip 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 if you happen to don’t ski and don’t really feel snug mountain 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 trip to the highest takes round fifteen minutes. There’s loads of time to snap photographs and admire the novelty of racing up a mountainside.

On the high, we advocate 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, if you happen to aren’t a skier, you must 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 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 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 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 totally different ranges, that means all golfers can come alongside to take pleasure in.

The tennis courts are equally spectacular. There are six clay courts, once more with beautiful mountain views. You possibly can simply e book a tennis court docket on-line or ring to order a slot. If not, it’s value dropping in to see if a court docket is free with out reserving. If you need 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 dwell music, watching motion pictures, 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 shocking venue and particular place to benefit from the arts. Test the Opera Home’s schedule to see what dwell music occasions and performances coincide along with your journey. Catching a present is a implausible option to unwind within the night after a busy day open air.

within the historical past of the Opera Home? Aspen Historic Society runs excursions of the venue, so you may all the time take pleasure in an informative exploration of the Opera Home, not only a efficiency. And, as an additional tip for dwell music lovers, Aspen Music Pageant runs between mid June and August. Summer time is filled with live shows and performances, so verify that schedule as properly if you happen to’re visiting Aspen throughout this era.

20. Glenwood Springs

Only a scenic drive away from Aspen, Glenwood Springs presents 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 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 outlets, 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 mountain climbing 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 very best issues to do in Aspen let’s check out some fast FAQs. These are crucial 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 preferred possibility, 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 automobile 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 troublesome to get round. Most locations are accessible on foot, particularly in Downtown Aspen. A dependable bus service additionally operates across the city and the broader Aspen space. Don’t fear about renting a automobile except you need to take day journeys to distant trails and sights.

You may get round by highway biking and the roads round Snomass Village and Aspen attracts cyclists from across the nation to overcome 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 might be value seeing in case your lodging rents out bikes or visiting a motorcycle rental retailer within the city heart.

Finest time to go to Aspen

Colorado is among the US’s greatest winter getaways. For those who like winter sports activities, we advocate visiting Aspen whereas there’s snowfall. The ski season runs from November to April. Nonetheless, we advocate visiting Aspen in March for the very best snowboarding expertise. The again finish of the season is a bit 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 mountain climbing trails, horseback driving, 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 mountain 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.

Finances: 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 take pleasure in dormitory rooms, non-public rooms, and condos. For versatile and budget-friendly lodging, St. Mortiz Lodge is well the very best in Aspen.

You possibly can 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 wonderful mid-range lodging possibility in Aspen. The property presents 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 health club and enterprise heart. 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 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 presents 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 possibly can bathe in an out of doors spa tub or swim within the heated out of doors pool. All rooms characteristic marble loos and balconies with metropolis or mountain views. And sure suites embrace non-public jacuzzis and steam showers, so you may splash out on further luxurious in order for you.

On the lookout for a VRBO property as an alternative of a traditional resort expertise? You might want to learn our information on the very best cabins in Colorado.

There are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Aspen. Its location is dreamy for anybody who loves out of doors adventures. You possibly can chill out surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and White River Nationwide Forest. Choose a mountain climbing path or ski slope and let the recent air do the remaining. We all know that you just’ll have a implausible time in Aspen.

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