Aspen is a small mountain city with a giant character and a good larger popularity. The city is thought for its massive mountain snowboarding and has 4 mountains for skiers to select from – it’s no marvel it’s thought of a world-class winter vacation spot.
That mentioned, Aspen is a dream for outside fanatics all yr spherical. When the snow disappears, you might have horseback using, mountaineering, biking trails, and mountaineering trails. Aspen additionally sits in the center of White River National Forest, so you’re by no means in need of wilderness to discover. One factor is for positive; there are many issues to do in Aspen.
This information will cowl the easiest issues to do in Aspen. From scenic gondola rides to artwork museums, these points of interest will maintain you entertained and content material.
1. Ashcroft Ghost Town
Visiting a ghost city might be not the very first thing you anticipate to do in Aspen. However, Ashcroft Ghost Town is well one of the crucial entertaining points of interest in the Aspen Area. Once a silver mining city, Ashcroft Ghost Town is now fully uninhabited. Instead, the Aspen Historical Society opens the city up for guests yearly between June and October.
You can discover outdated historic buildings, together with the outdated publish workplace, Blue Mirror Saloon, and a former resort constructing. Ashcroft Ghost Town is a singular alternative to step again and immerse your self in Old Western historical past. Ashcroft Ghost Town is a unbelievable attraction if you happen to’ve by no means visited a ghost city earlier than, need an uncommon day trip, or have an interest in the Old West. Walking between the log cabins and picket public buildings is sort of creepy and enjoyable.
The city is positioned on Castle Creek Road, about eleven miles south of Aspen. It took us about 25 minutes to drive to Ashcroft Ghost Town, and we noticed loads of individuals biking, which we discovered is just an hour and a half a method. Not dangerous for a day trip.
Don’t Miss these Great Tours in Aspen, Colorado
2. Wheeler Opera House
If you like dwell 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 House is a shocking venue and particular place to benefit from the arts. Check the Opera House’s schedule to see what dwell music occasions and performances coincide together with your journey. Catching a present is a unbelievable manner to unwind in the night after a busy day outside.
Interested in the historical past of the Opera House? Aspen Historical Society runs excursions of the venue, so you may at all times indulge in an informative exploration of the Opera House, not only a efficiency. And, as an additional tip for dwell music lovers, Aspen Music Festival runs between late June and August. Summer is filled with concert events and performances, so test that schedule as properly if you happen to’re visiting Aspen throughout this era.
3. Go snowboarding
You can’t go to one of many US’s greatest snowboarding locations with out snowboarding. Going snowboarding is well among the best issues to do in Aspen, and, as we mentioned, you might have loads of slope choices. The 4 most important ski areas are Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk Mountain. Between them, there are 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, however let’s take a fast have a look at every choice individually.
Aspen Mountain (previously Ajax Mountain) is for skiers with expertise underneath their belt. The runs are reasonable to troublesome, so anticipate a difficult time on the slopes – good for perfecting your talent and pushing your self out of your consolation zone. Aspen Mountain is located in the center of Aspen, which is great for these wanting a central location.Snowmass is a small ski village a couple of twenty-minute drive outdoors of Aspen. It’s the biggest of the 4 mountains and is family-friendly. You’ll discover a wide range of slopes and cross-country snowboarding, making it a fantastic ski space for newcomers to intermediates. Snowmass additionally has the Treehouse Kids Adventure Center, which gives state-of-the-art childcare companies and ski colleges. The solely draw back of the Aspen Snowmass space is that it’s the furthest from Aspen city heart, whereas the others are inside strolling distance.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 few of the steepest descents in the world. If you need adrenaline, the Highlands is the place you’ll discover it. And even higher? You solely have to stroll a number of miles alongside Maroon Creek Road to attain Aspen city heart from the Highlands Ski Resort.Finally, Aspen has Buttermilk Mountain. Buttermilk Mountain ski space is famed for the Winter X Games, which may make you observed that it’s for skilled skiers solely. The mountain truly caters to all ranges exceptionally properly, although, and even newcomers can take pleasure in steadily zipping by means of Aspen timber on light ski slopes.
So, which of those ski areas will you select? The selection is yours, however we cherished Snowmass the most effective. Skiing/snowboarding are a few of the most enjoyable issues to do in Aspen, and the vary of ski resorts means it appeals to anybody, no matter your expertise degree.
4. Grottos Trail
Grottos Trail is commonly described as otherworldly, and also you’ll rapidly see why. The path is filled with surprises, together with waterfalls and funky ice caves. A bit of the monitor resembles a darkish gray model of Antelope Canyon. You’ll scramble by means of ribbon-like canyons and crevices to full the hike.
Grottos Trail is good if you’d like an thrilling and rewarding hike close to Aspen. While just one km lengthy, the path has loads to admire alongside the best way, and it is likely one of the prettiest trails in the area. It is appropriate for any hikers of reasonable health – simply remember that Grottos Trail can get slippery if you end up scrambling over moist rocks. Sturdy footwear with good grip are a should when tackling the hike.
Also, we suggest both getting there early in the day (earlier than 9 am) or late in the day (after 6 pm) as this path is admittedly common and there are restricted parking spots.
5. Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
All these adventures are good enjoyable, however what concerning the instructional aspect of nature? Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is the place to go to to be taught extra concerning the city’s pure environment and the naturalists who prioritize native conservation.
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies has a bit nature reserve with a lake and quite a few birds of prey to spot. There’s additionally the possibility to e-book one of many heart’s excursions. On its mission to join humanity with the pure world, the middle runs excursions like snowshoeing, wildflower walks, beaver recognizing walks, and tree identification periods. It’s value dropping by to take a look at what’s on.
The heart is positioned on Puppy Smith Street and sits in the northern area of the city. It is well visited on foot from Aspen city heart and is a good way to spend a number of hours.
6. Independence Pass
Visiting Independence Pass permits you to mix a number of points of interest in one expertise. The cross is a scenic drive positioned on the Continental Divide of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. You 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 number of hours.
Don’t be fooled although; Independence Pass can be one heck of a drive. The street zig-zags up the mountain, with hairpin turns and sections so slim that only a single automotive can squeeze by means of. Independence Pass is ideal for individuals who love scenic drives; simply be ready to make the most of all of your greatest driving abilities. You needs to be conscious that this a part of Colorado State Highway 82 is restricted to camper trailers and leisure automobiles over 35ft in size.
Independence Pass is well-combined with a go to to Twin Lake or a climb up Mt Elbert. Otherwise, you can sort out Independence Pass on the drive again to Denver if you happen to fly into Denver International Airport and rent a automotive. You’ll want nerves of metal, however the expertise is value it.
7. Aspen Theatre
Aspen Theatre is the city’s theater firm, and the crew is to thank for excellent performances all year long. If the Opera House appeared a bit too formal, Aspen Theatre will probably be way more up your alley. The pop-up venue is a big tent positioned in the John Denver Sanctuary. You can anticipate motion and expertise in bucket hundreds – no matter which efficiency you attend.
Past performances have included Gypsy and Jersey Boys. There’s additionally an annual Solo Flights Festival each September, the place you may fairly actually watch one-man exhibits. The competition specializes in internet hosting single-actor performs, though you can even catch particular talks and discussions.
One factor to be aware is that the tent will get chilly (and sometimes too scorching). Layers are a should as you’re uncovered to the temperature and sometimes draughts in the course of the performances. However, we expect that this component provides to the dramatic enchantment of the exhibits.
8. Aspen Art Museum
Visiting Aspen Art Museum is likely one of the most traditional issues to do in Aspen. Aspen Art Museum is a mecca for modern artwork in the area, internet hosting exhibitions and shows of worldwide and native artists. You can spot sculptures, work, sketches, and even digital items.
Aspen Art Museum is free to enter and even has a rooftop terrace with superb views over Aspen. In Downtown Aspen, Aspen Art Museum is well added to an Aspen itinerary. And, in chilly and drizzly climate, 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 an ideal place to sprint for a style of the artwork on a chilly day. You’ll simply spot it. In true modern type, the constructing has an enormous copper lattice façade.
9. Go paragliding
Have you ever been paragliding? If not, Aspen is the place to strive it. Aspen’s surroundings is gorgeous, and there’s no higher manner to take all of it in. Paragliding is likely one of the most adventurous issues to do in Aspen, and we expect that you just’ll like it.
Aspen Paragliding is the most well-liked firm to go paragliding throughout the space, and also you’ll take to the skies with an authorized pilot. This means you calm down as a passenger and benefit from the journey whereas your information handles all of the difficult stuff. Aspen Paragliding has been operating since 1990 and is likely one of the most trusted paragliding firms in the US.
The entire expertise lasts round two hours – so wrap up heat and ready for the climate circumstances. You’ll gently glide previous a few of the most gorgeous scenes in Colorado. In winter, you would possibly even have the ability to spot the skiers on the slopes under.
Looking to maintain the adventures going? Check out the actions that Blazing Adventures has on supply right here. Blazing Adventures specializes in outside adventures that get your adrenaline pumping. You may even proceed your ‘flight theme’ with a scorching air balloon journey.
10. Walk the Rio Grande Trail
The Rio Grande Trail isn’t any straightforward feat. The path runs for a formidable 42 miles and is often tackled over two to 4 days. Fitness fanatics and 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. Don’t simply march by means of both; you must also make time to swim or fish alongside the Roaring Fork River.
So, the place does Aspen come into this? Well, the little ski city occurs to be the place you’ll discover the Rio Grande trailhead. The path stretches from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, the place the Roaring Fork River merges into the Colorado River. If you like multi-day hikes, add a number of days to your Aspen vacation to full the path. It can be value permitting a few days to keep in Glenwood Springs, as the town is thought for its scorching springs. Bathing in scorching springs at Glenwood Springs is perhaps exactly what you want after mountaineering 42 miles.
The path itself cuts by means of Roaring Fork Valley. Expect to share the monitor with horseback riders, canine walkers, and cyclists, and be aware that horses have the proper of manner. Many individuals take pleasure in sections of the path with out tackling all the size, so it is best to discover it fairly busy.
11. Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are essentially the most photographed mountains in Aspen. The two peaks are Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, and the mountains are solely break up by 0.5 km. The Maroon Bells are positioned in a glacial valley in the Elk Mountains. They have quick grow to be a sought-after day journey vacation spot amongst guests to Aspen. Maroon Bells are most famed for the enduring shot of the 2 mountains with a reflective lake between them, which kinds the last word alpine postcard picture.
Wondering the way you attain this lovely view? The excellent news is that there are a number of mountaineering trails to select from to go to the Maroon Bells. You can hike Maroon Lake Scenic Trail, which is just a mile lengthy. You may additionally sort out Maroon Creek Trail for a mix of lakeside views and alpine meadows. The Maroon Creek Trail is a bit longer, at 3.2 miles a method.
The longest choice is Crater Lake Trail, at 3.6 miles, with a detour to Crater Lake and a lovely forest. It is value noting that swimming is prohibited at Crater Lake, so save your swimming costume for a spot alongside Roaring Fork River and pack loads of water to maintain refreshed. This route is arguably the most well-liked, if not additionally essentially the most difficult.
Hiking on unfamiliar trails alone might be daunting, and transportation might be a difficulty if you happen to don’t rent a automotive. Blazing Adventures supply guided hikes across the Maroon Bells, so think about a guided stroll in case you are a bit uncertain. Lastly, bear in mind a digicam – regardless that footage by no means do it justice.
12. Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
Speaking of the Maroon Bells, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro has among the best views of the peaks. The small European-style cabin is perched on high of a mountain in the Aspen Highlands Ski Resort. To entry your scenic effective eating expertise, you’ll have to ski elevate to the highest of the mountain after which discover the particular chair elevate to attain the restaurant. Visiting is well one of the crucial indulgent, enjoyable issues to do in Aspen.
Cloud Nine’s ambiance is ok eating meets après ski. The restaurant has the menu to entice these on the lookout for a fancy, refined expertise, but the character to host a few of the most boisterous events. It is claimed that Cloud Nine brings the European alpine scene to Aspen, and we agree.
Time your go to with a transparent day for the last word views, and deal with your self to a glass of champagne (or two). If you need to sit inside, play it secure and make a reservation. However, it’s value bagging a desk outdoors if you happen to overlook to make a reservation, simply bear in mind to wrap up heat and select your visiting day correctly. You will probably be eating on a mountain summit in spite of everything.
13. Aspen Brewing Company
You actually can discover breweries in essentially the most unassuming of locations. Aspen Brewing Company is tucked away on Galena Street in Downtown Aspen. Part pizzeria and half pub, the venue serves fifteen craft beers brewed in-house. Just 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 Company was based in 2008 with the motto ‘make world-class beer, downstream from nobody’. Many awards later, Aspen Brewing Company has grow to be a giant title. Technically, the corporate is break up between two areas: the taproom and pizzeria in Downtown Aspen after which the brewery close to Aspen Airport. The craft beers are all brewed on the second website, with some being transported to the primary for guests to take pleasure in.
Aspen Brewing Company names most of its beers after points of interest and areas round Aspen. You may pattern a Cloud Nine Saison, Independence Pass, or a Brown Bear Ale. Plus, beer tasting doesn’t get significantly better than being surrounded by museums, galleries, and classy hospitality venues on the foot of Aspen Mountain.
14. John Denver Sanctuary
John Denver Sanctuary is a lovely nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary simply north of Aspen city heart. Paying a go to to John Denver Sanctuary is likely one of the most peaceable issues to do in Aspen, and nature lovers will adore the tranquil ambiance and pure surroundings.
John Denver Sanctuary was arrange in reminiscence of the late singer John Denver in hopes that guests may discover peace, meditation, and solace in nature. You can stroll the maze of well-maintained trails, recognizing engraved rocks that pay tribute to John Denver’s music as you stroll. Of course, the snow-capped mountains round Aspen are by no means out of sight and make a lovely backdrop whilst you wander the park.
Lyrics and quotes aren’t the one creative factor in John Denver Sanctuary. Remember the Aspen Theatre group? Well, the theater tent is ready up in the center of the John Denver Sanctuary and gives a lovely place to take pleasure in performing arts. Combining a leisurely stroll round John Denver Sanctuary and an Aspen Theatre efficiency is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Aspen.
15. Silver Queen Gondola
Skiers get entry to a few of the most spectacular summits in Aspen, as do hikers in heat months. But what if you happen to don’t ski and don’t really feel comfy mountaineering lengthy distances? The Silver Queen Gondola is the reply.
The Silver Queen Gondola is unbelievable because it makes Aspen Mountain accessible for everybody. Whether you’re touring with kids or simply don’t belief your health ranges, the Silver Queen Gondola is a good way to zip up to Aspen Mountain summit – experiencing a thrill and all the most effective views concurrently. The journey to the highest takes round fifteen minutes. There is loads of time to snap pictures and recognize the novelty of racing up a mountainside.
At the highest, we suggest grabbing a desk on the sundeck and treating your self to meals and a scorching drink from the restaurant. Dining overlooking the slopes is an expertise you’ll bear in mind. And, if you happen to aren’t a skier, it is best to profit from being in ski territory.
You can e-book tickets for the Silver Queen Gondola 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 straightforward to slot 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.
16. Aspen Golf & Tennis Club
Aspen Golf & Tennis Club is likely one of the greatest sporting venues in the city. Between the views and high-quality amenities, visiting is well among the best issues to do in Aspen – particularly in case you are a golf or tennis fanatic.
Visitors 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 surrounds, which is undoubtedly a memorable expertise. There are additionally seven units of tees, catering to completely different ranges and 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 gorgeous mountain views. You can simply e-book a tennis courtroom on-line or ring to reserve a slot. If not, it’s value dropping in to see if a courtroom is free with out reserving. If you might have to wait, simply be ready to deal with your self to a meal on the membership’s restaurant, Red Mountain Grill.
Winter often spells the top of the golf season, particularly in snowy locations like Aspen. However, the Aspen Golf & Tennis Club has a unbelievable answer: a Golf Stimulator. Using the top-of-the-range, newest expertise, you may play on over fifty completely different programs and obtain suggestions in your method. Who knew you can head on a winter getaway to Aspen and return even higher at snowboarding and golf?
Aspen Common FAQs
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 to get to Aspen
The greatest manner to get to Aspen is to fly to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport or Denver International Airport. Flying into Denver is the most well-liked choice, as it’s cheaper, has extra frequent flights, and is greatest for worldwide vacationers. Traveling from Denver is simple too, and also you simply catch a shuttle service or lease a automotive to drive the 4 hours to Aspen.
Those flying internationally ought to think about including an in a single day keep in Denver since there are many issues to do in the town.
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 points of interest.
When the snow disappears, many individuals cycle round Aspen. It could also be value seeing in case your lodging rents out bikes or visiting a motorbike rental retailer in the city heart.
Best time to go to Aspen
Colorado is likely one of the US’s greatest winter getaways. If you want winter sports activities, we suggest visiting Aspen whereas there’s snowfall. The ski season runs from November to April. However, we suggest visiting Aspen in March for the most effective snowboarding expertise. The again finish of the season is a bit cheaper and quieter, and you’ve got extra daytime for snowboarding.
Of course, 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 in the course of the spring shoulder season. May is the quietest month, and it is best to have most of the mountaineering trails to your self. Plus, Aspen is cheaper throughout this time.
Where to keep in Aspen
It’s no secret that lodging could make or break a visit. Here are our high suggestions on the most effective locations to keep in Aspen.
Budget: St. Moritz Lodge
St. Moritz Lodge could also be a self-described ‘simple lodge’, however its excessive quantity of optimistic opinions speaks volumes. Visitors can take pleasure in dormitory rooms, non-public rooms, and condos. For versatile and budget-friendly lodging, St. Mortiz Lodge is well the most effective in Aspen.
You can dip in the heated outside pool, calm down in the new tub, and begin each morning correctly with a complimentary breakfast. St. Moritz Lodge is each comfy and handy.
Mid-range: Aspen Square Condominium Hotel
Aspen Square Condominium Hotel is a wonderful mid-range lodging choice in Aspen. The property gives condos, which vary from studios to three-bedroom items. The condo-only structure means you’ll at all times have homely facilities like a kitchen and a comfortable seating space. You additionally get entry to a health club and enterprise heart. However, the successful issue of the Aspen Square Condominium Hotel is its outside amenities.
Enjoy the heated outside pool all yr spherical, swimming lengths with snow-capped mountain views. Alternatively, take it straightforward and soak in one of many two outside scorching tubs whereas having fun with the views.
Luxury: The Little Nell
The Little Nell is luxurious lodging at its most interesting. The stylish resort gives ski-in/ski-out amenities – good for snowboarding fanatics wanting to maximize 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 can bathe in an out of doors spa tub or swim in the heated outside pool. All rooms characteristic marble bogs 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 if you’d like.
Looking for a VRBO property as an alternative of a traditional resort expertise? You might need to learn our information on the most effective cabins in Colorado.
Final Thoughts
There are so many unbelievable issues to do in Aspen. Its location is dreamy for anybody who loves outside adventures. You can calm down surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and White River National Forest. Pick a mountaineering path or ski slope of your selection and let the contemporary air do the remaining. We know that you just’ll have a unbelievable time in Aspen.