Aspen is a small mountain city with a giant character and a fair greater fame. The city is thought for its huge mountain snowboarding and has 4 mountains for skiers to select from – it’s no marvel it’s thought-about a world-class winter vacation spot.
That stated, Aspen is a dream for out of doors fanatics all 12 months spherical. When the snow disappears, you’ve gotten horseback using, mountaineering, biking trails, and mountaineering trails. Aspen additionally sits in the center of White River National Forest, so you might be by no means wanting 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 vital 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You can discover outdated historic buildings, together with the outdated publish workplace, Blue Mirror Saloon, and a former resort constructing.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 novel alternative to step again and immerse your self in Old Western historical past. Ashcroft Ghost Town is a unbelievable attraction in the event you’ve by no means visited a ghost city earlier than, need an uncommon time out, 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 technique. Not dangerous for a time out.
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2. Wheeler Opera House
If you like 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 House is a shocking venue and particular place to benefit from the arts. Check the Opera House’s schedule to see what stay music occasions and performances coincide together with your journey. Catching a present is a unbelievable means 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’ll be able to at all times indulge in an informative exploration of the Opera House, not only a efficiency. And, as an additional tip for stay music lovers, Aspen Music Festival runs between late June and August. Summer is filled with live shows and performances, so examine that schedule as effectively in the event you’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 the most effective issues to do in Aspen, and, as we stated, you’ve gotten loads of slope choices. The 4 predominant 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 average to tough, so anticipate a difficult time on the slopes – excellent for perfecting your talent and pushing your self out of your consolation zone. Aspen Mountain is located in the guts of Aspen, which is superb for these wanting a central location.Snowmass is a small ski village a few twenty-minute drive exterior of Aspen. It’s the biggest of the 4 mountains and is family-friendly. You’ll discover quite a lot of slopes and cross-country snowboarding, making it a terrific ski space for inexperienced persons 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 knowledgeable skiers. Aspen Highlands ski space is thought for the Highland Bowl, which summits at 12,392 toes above sea degree and has a few of the steepest descents in the realm. 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 think that it’s for knowledgeable skiers solely. The mountain truly caters to all ranges exceptionally effectively, although, and even inexperienced persons can get pleasure from steadily zipping via Aspen bushes on mild ski slopes.
So, which of those ski areas will you select? The alternative is yours, however we liked Snowmass one of the best. Skiing/snowboarding are a few of the most fun 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 shortly see why. The path is filled with surprises, together with waterfalls and funky ice caves. A piece of the observe resembles a darkish gray model of Antelope Canyon. You’ll scramble via ribbon-like canyons and crevices to full the hike.
Grottos Trail is good if you would like an thrilling and rewarding hike close to Aspen. While only one km lengthy, the path has so much to admire alongside the way in which, and it is likely one of the prettiest trails in the area. It is appropriate for any hikers of average health – simply remember that Grottos Trail can get slippery when you find yourself scrambling over moist rocks. Sturdy footwear with good grip are a should when tackling the hike.
Also, we advocate both getting there early in the day (earlier than 9 am) or late in the day (after 6 pm) as this path is admittedly widespread and there are restricted parking spots.
5. Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
All these adventures are good enjoyable, however what concerning the academic 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 prospect 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 price 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 an effective 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 move 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 vital 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 highway zig-zags up the mountain, with hairpin turns and sections so slender that only a single automotive can squeeze via. Independence Pass is ideal for many who love scenic drives; simply be ready to make the most of all of your greatest driving abilities. You ought 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 possibly can deal with Independence Pass on the drive again to Denver in the event you fly into Denver International Airport and rent a automotive. You’ll want nerves of metal, however the expertise is price 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 likely be rather 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 masses – 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’ll be able to fairly actually watch one-man reveals. The pageant specializes in internet hosting single-actor performs, though you can too catch particular talks and discussions.
One factor to be aware is that the tent will get chilly (and infrequently too scorching). Layers are a should as you might be uncovered to the temperature and infrequently draughts throughout the performances. However, we expect that this ingredient provides to the dramatic enchantment of the reveals.
8. Aspen Art Museum
Visiting Aspen Art Museum is likely one of the most basic 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 wonderful 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 model, the constructing has a large copper lattice façade.
9. Go paragliding
Have you ever been paragliding? If not, Aspen is the place to attempt it. Aspen’s surroundings is gorgeous, and there’s no higher means 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 find it irresistible.
Aspen Paragliding is the preferred firm to go paragliding throughout the space, and also you’ll take to the skies with an authorized pilot. This means you chill out as a passenger and benefit from the trip whereas your information handles all of the difficult stuff. Aspen Paragliding has been working since 1990 and is likely one of the most trusted paragliding firms in the US.
The complete expertise lasts round two hours – so wrap up heat and ready for the climate situations. You’ll gently glide previous a few of the most gorgeous scenes in Colorado. In winter, you would possibly even have the opportunity to spot the skiers on the slopes under.
Looking to maintain the adventures going? Check out the actions that Blazing Adventures has on provide right here. Blazing Adventures specializes in out of doors adventures that get your adrenaline pumping. You may even proceed your ‘flight theme’ with a scorching air balloon trip.
10. Walk the Rio Grande Trail
The Rio Grande Trail is not any straightforward feat. The path runs for a powerful 42 miles and is often tackled over two to 4 days. Fitness fanatics and anybody decided sufficient to tackle the problem can get pleasure from 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 via 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 price permitting a few days to keep in Glenwood Springs, as town is thought for its scorching springs. Bathing in scorching springs at Glenwood Springs may be exactly what you want after mountaineering 42 miles.
The path itself cuts via Roaring Fork Valley. Expect to share the observe with horseback riders, canine walkers, and cyclists, and be aware that horses have the precise of means. Many individuals get pleasure from sections of the path with out tackling your entire size, so it’s best to discover it fairly busy.
11. Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are probably 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 change into a sought-after day journey vacation spot amongst guests to Aspen. Maroon Bells are most famed for the long-lasting shot of the 2 mountains with a reflective lake between them, which varieties 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 deal with 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 technique.
The longest choice is Crater Lake Trail, at 3.6 miles, with a detour to Crater Lake and a phenomenal forest. It is price 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 preferred, if not additionally probably the most difficult.
Hiking on unfamiliar trails alone will be daunting, and transportation will be a difficulty in the event you don’t rent a automotive. Blazing Adventures provide guided hikes across the Maroon Bells, so take into account a guided stroll in case you are a bit uncertain. Lastly, bear in mind a digital camera – although photos by no means do it justice.
12. Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
Speaking of the Maroon Bells, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro has the most effective 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 positive 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 vital indulgent, enjoyable issues to do in Aspen.
Cloud Nine’s environment is ok eating meets après ski. The restaurant has the menu to appeal to these in search of a fancy, refined expertise, but the character to host a few of the most boisterous events. It is alleged 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 protected and make a reservation. However, it’s price bagging a desk exterior in the event you overlook to make a reservation, simply bear in mind to wrap up heat and select your visiting day properly. You will likely be eating on a mountain summit in spite of everything.
13. Aspen Brewing Company
You actually can discover breweries in probably 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 change into 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 web site, with some being transported to the primary for guests to get pleasure from.
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 a lot 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 phenomenal 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 environment 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 phenomenal backdrop whilst you wander the park.
Lyrics and quotes aren’t the one inventive factor in John Denver Sanctuary. Remember the Aspen Theatre group? Well, the theater tent is about up in the center of the John Denver Sanctuary and affords a phenomenal place to get pleasure from 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 in the event you 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 might be touring with kids or simply don’t belief your health ranges, the Silver Queen Gondola is an effective way to zip up to Aspen Mountain summit – experiencing a thrill and all one of the best views concurrently. The trip to the highest takes round fifteen minutes. There is loads of time to snap photographs and recognize the novelty of racing up a mountainside.
At the highest, we advocate 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, in the event you aren’t a skier, it’s 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 the most effective issues to do in Aspen – particularly in case you are a golf or tennis fanatic.
Visitors can get pleasure from 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 get pleasure from.
The tennis courts are equally spectacular. There are six clay courts, once more with gorgeous mountain views. You can simply e book a tennis court docket on-line or ring to reserve a slot. If not, it’s price dropping in to see if a court docket is free with out reserving. If you’ve gotten 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 tip of the golf season, particularly in snowy locations like Aspen. However, the Aspen Golf & Tennis Club has a unbelievable resolution: a Golf Stimulator. Using the top-of-the-range, newest expertise, you’ll be able to play on over fifty completely different programs and obtain suggestions in your method. Who knew you possibly can head on a winter getaway to Aspen and return even higher at snowboarding and golf?
Aspen Common FAQs
Now that we’ve lined one of the best issues to do in Aspen, let’s check out some fast FAQs. These are an important issues to know earlier than you go to Aspen.
How to get to Aspen
The greatest means to get to Aspen is to fly to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport or Denver International Airport. Flying into Denver is the preferred choice, as it’s cheaper, has extra frequent flights, and is greatest for worldwide vacationers. Traveling from Denver is easy 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 take into account including an in a single day keep in Denver since there are many issues to do in town.
Getting round Aspen
As a small mountain city, Aspen is hardly tough to get round. Most locations are accessible on foot, particularly in Downtown Aspen. A dependable bus service additionally operates across the city and the broader Aspen space. Don’t fear about renting a automotive 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 price seeing in case your lodging rents out bikes or visiting a motorcycle 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 advocate visiting Aspen whereas there’s snowfall. The ski season runs from November to April. However, we advocate visiting Aspen in March for one of the best snowboarding expertise. The again finish of the season is a bit cheaper and quieter, and you’ve got extra sunlight hours for snowboarding.
Of course, Aspen is an ideal all-year-round vacation spot for an lively vacation – stuffed with mountaineering trails, horseback using, and mountaineering whereas the snow melts. If winter sports activities aren’t your factor, discover Aspen throughout the spring shoulder season. May is the quietest month, and it’s 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 one of the best 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 get pleasure from dormitory rooms, non-public rooms, and condos. For versatile and budget-friendly lodging, St. Mortiz Lodge is well one of the best in Aspen.
You can dip in the heated out of doors pool, chill out in the recent 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 affords condos, which vary from studios to three-bedroom models. The condo-only structure means you’ll at all times have homely facilities like a kitchen and a snug seating space. You additionally get entry to a gymnasium and enterprise heart. However, the successful issue of the Aspen Square Condominium Hotel is its out of doors amenities.
Enjoy 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 scorching tubs whereas having fun with the views.
Luxury: The Little Nell
The Little Nell is luxurious lodging at its best. The stylish resort affords ski-in/ski-out amenities – excellent 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 out of doors pool. All rooms function marble loos and balconies with metropolis or mountain views. And sure suites embrace non-public jacuzzis and steam showers, so you’ll be able to splash out on further luxurious if you would like.
Looking for a VRBO property as an alternative of a basic resort expertise? You may need to learn our information on one of the best cabins in Colorado.
Final Thoughts
There are so many unimaginable issues to do in Aspen. Its location is dreamy for anybody who loves out of doors adventures. You can chill out surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and White River National Forest. Pick a mountaineering path or ski slope of your alternative and let the recent air do the remainder. We know that you just’ll have a unbelievable time in Aspen.