20 Superior Issues to do in Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is a small mountain city with an enormous fame. This dream vacation spot for out of doors lovers attracts thrill seekers year-round. As soon as the snow falls, Aspen is a winter wonderland with world class snowboarding and scenic views, whereas in the summertime, its pure magnificence shines by way of with clear blue skies and dense forests.

Aspen is understood for its massive mountain snowboarding and ample winter actions, however when the snow melts, you possibly can select from horseback using, mountaineering, biking, and climbing trails. Aspen additionally sits in the midst of White River Nationwide Forest, so you might be by no means removed from the good outdoor. One factor is for positive: 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 perfect 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 sights will preserve you entertained and content material.

1. Hit the Slopes

You’ll be able to’t go to top-of-the-line snowboarding locations within the United States with out snowboarding. Aspen Mountain’s 4 essential 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 great for these wanting a central location.

Aspen Highlands is one other mountain for knowledgeable skiers. Aspen Highlands ski space is understood for the Highland Bowl, which summits at 12,392 ft above sea degree and has a few of the steepest descents within the space. If you’d like adrenaline, the Highlands is the place you’ll discover it. And even higher? You solely should stroll just a few miles alongside Maroon Creek Highway to succeed in Aspen city middle from the Highlands Ski Resort.

Buttermilk Mountain ski space is famed for the Winter X Video games, making you assume it’s for knowledgeable skiers solely. Nuy he mountain truly caters to all ranges, and even learners can take pleasure in steadily zipping by way 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 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 completely 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 often 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.

Through 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 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 climbing trails lead out to Maroon Bells. You’ll be able to hike the Maroon Lake Scenic Path, which is simply 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 method.

4. Hike the Crater Lake Path

The Crater lake Path is a 3.5-mile path that is among the greatest hikes in Colorado and doubtless the greatest in Aspen. Situated 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.

Climbing on unfamiliar trails alone may be daunting, and transportation may be a problem should you don’t hire 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 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’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 just a few 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 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 might go away Independence Go for the drive again to Denver should you 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 learners to superior. The Rio Grande Path, with its light incline is ideal for households and informal riders. For these searching for a tougher trip, the Authorities Path supplies an exciting 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 trip 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 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 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 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 searching for a mix of climbing 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 photograph 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 a fantastic nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary simply north of Aspen city middle. It was arrange in reminiscence of the late singer John Denver, hoping guests might 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 superbly 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 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 fantastic place to take pleasure in performing arts. It’s situated close to Rio Grande Park, making it an ideal spot for a stroll or a quiet second of contemplation.

9. Aspen Artwork Museum

Aspen Artwork Museum is a mecca for up to date artwork within the area, internet hosting exhibitions and shows of worldwide and native artists that includes sculptures, work, sketches, and even multimedia shows.

It’s free to enter and has a rooftop terrace with superb views over Aspen and the encompassing mountains. 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 excellent 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 an enormous copper lattice façade.

10. Go paragliding

Adrenaline junkies will love paragliding over Aspen’s lovely vistas. There isn’t a higher means to absorb 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 an authorized pilot. The entire expertise lasts round two hours – so wrap up and put together for the climate circumstances. You’ll gently glide previous a few of the most beautiful scenes in Colorado. Within the winter season, you would possibly even have the ability to spot the skiers on the slopes beneath.

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 might 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 well probably the most 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’ll be able to discover outdated historic 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 Outdated 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 Highway, about eleven miles south of Aspen. It takes about 25 minutes to drive to Ashcroft Ghost City.

Try one in every 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 few 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 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, splendid 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 out of doors actions.

13. Stroll the Rio Grande Path

The Rio Grande Path isn’t any simple feat. The path runs for a formidable 42 miles and is often 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 preserve your eyes peeled. Pack your bathing go well with 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 fitting 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. When you 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 in search of a leisurely trip when biking, absorb 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 beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains, lush meadows, and the gently flowing Roaring Fork River.

The path is generally 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 in search of a leisurely trip or an all-day tour, the Rio Grande Path supplies an ideal mix of pure magnificence, train, and rest.

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 ok eating meets après ski. The restaurant has the menu to draw these in search of a fancy, refined expertise, but the character to host a few 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 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 into 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 few 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 climbing 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 kids or simply don’t belief your health ranges, the Silver Queen Gondola is a good way to zip as much as Aspen Mountain summit – experiencing a thrill and all one of the best views concurrently. The trip to the highest takes round fifteen minutes. There may be loads of time to snap photographs and respect the novelty of racing up a mountainside.

On the prime, we advocate 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, it’s best to take advantage of being in ski territory.

You’ll be able to e book tickets for on-line or flip up on the day. The gondola service runs from 10 am till 4 pm day by day (climate permitting), so it’s simple 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 completely 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’ll be able to simply e book a tennis courtroom on-line or ring to order a slot. If not, it’s price dropping in to see if a courtroom is free with out reserving. If it’s a must 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

When you love stay music, watching films, or attending festivals, visiting the Wheeler Opera Home is among the greatest issues to do in Aspen. The 1889-built theater is a prized native attraction and is taken into account the house of performing arts in Aspen. A mix of Romanesque and Italianate structure, Wheeler Opera Home is a shocking venue and particular place to benefit from the arts. Examine the Opera Home’s schedule to see what stay music occasions and performances coincide together with your journey. Catching a present is a incredible approach 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 at all times bask in an informative exploration of the Opera Home, not only a efficiency. And, as an additional tip for stay music lovers, Aspen Music Pageant runs between mid June and August. Summer time is filled with live shows and performances, so test 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 stress-free experiences. This mountain city is known for its world-renowned scorching springs, together with the Glenwood Scorching 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 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 climbing vacation spot. Glenwood Springs’ mixture of rest, journey, and cultural experiences makes it an important addition to any Aspen itinerary, providing guests an opportunity to immerse themselves within the coronary heart of Colorado’s pure magnificence and hospitality.

Now that we’ve coated one of the 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.

The way 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 preferred choice, as it’s cheaper, has extra frequent flights, and is greatest for worldwide vacationers. Touring from Denver is easy too, and also you simply catch a shuttle service or hire a 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 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 wish to take day journeys to distant trails and sights.

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 could be price seeing in case your lodging rents out bikes or visiting a motorcycle rental retailer within the city middle.

Greatest time to go to Aspen

Colorado is among the US’s greatest winter getaways. When you like winter sports activities, we advocate visiting Aspen whereas there’s snowfall. The ski season runs from November to April. Nevertheless, we advocate visiting Aspen in March for one of the best snowboarding expertise. The again finish of the season is a little bit cheaper and quieter, and you’ve got extra daytime for snowboarding.

In fact, Aspen is an ideal all-year-round vacation spot for an lively vacation – stuffed with climbing trails, horseback using, and mountaineering whereas the snow melts. If winter sports activities aren’t your factor, discover Aspen in the course of the spring shoulder season. Might is the quietest month, and it’s best to have most 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 prime suggestions on one of the 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 constructive 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 one of the best in Aspen.

You’ll be able to dip within the heated out of doors pool, loosen up 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 Resort

Aspen Sq. Condominium Resort is a superb mid-range lodging choice in Aspen. The property provides condos, which vary from studios to three-bedroom items. The condo-only format means you’ll at all times have homely facilities like a kitchen and a comfortable seating space. You additionally get entry to a fitness center and enterprise middle. Nevertheless, the profitable issue of the Aspen Sq. Condominium Resort is its out of doors services.

Benefit from the heated out of doors pool all yr spherical, swimming lengths with snow-capped mountain views. Alternatively, take it simple and soak in one of many two out of doors 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 services – excellent for snowboarding fans wanting to maximise time on the slopes. The Little Nell sits proper subsequent to the Silver Queen Gondola base station and is a handy five-star base for a luxurious ski vacation.

You’ll be able to 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 embody personal jacuzzis and steam showers, so you possibly can splash out on additional luxurious if you’d like.

In search of a VRBO property as a substitute of a basic lodge expertise? You could want to learn our information on one of the 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’ll be able to loosen up surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and White River Nationwide Forest. Choose a climbing path or ski slope and let the contemporary air do the remaining. We all know that you simply’ll have a incredible time in Aspen.

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