Aspen is a small mountain city with an enormous character and a good greater fame. The city is understood for its massive mountain snowboarding and has 4 mountains for skiers to select from – it’s no surprise it’s thought-about a world-class winter vacation spot.
That mentioned, Aspen is a dream for out of doors fans all yr spherical. When the snow disappears, you might have horseback driving, mountain climbing, biking trails, and climbing trails. Aspen additionally sits in the course of White River Nationwide Forest, so you’re by no means in need of wilderness to discover. One factor is for certain; there are many issues to do in Aspen.
This information will cowl the perfect issues to do in Aspen. From scenic gondola rides to artwork museums, these sights will maintain you entertained and content material.
1. Ashcroft Ghost City
Visiting a ghost city 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. As an alternative, the Aspen Historic Society opens the city up for guests yearly between June and October.
You’ll be able to discover previous historic buildings, together with the previous submit workplace, Blue Mirror Saloon, and a former lodge constructing. Ashcroft Ghost City is a singular alternative to step again and immerse your self in Outdated Western historical past. Ashcroft Ghost City is a implausible attraction should you’ve by no means visited a ghost city earlier than, need an uncommon day trip, or have an interest within the Outdated West. Strolling between the log cabins and wood public buildings is sort of creepy and enjoyable.
The city is situated on Fortress Creek Highway, about eleven miles south of Aspen. It took us about 25 minutes to drive to Ashcroft Ghost City, and we noticed loads of folks biking, which we discovered is just an hour and a half a method. Not unhealthy for a day trip.
Don’t Miss these Nice Excursions in Aspen, Colorado
2. Wheeler Opera Home
If you happen to love stay music, watching films, or attending festivals, visiting the Wheeler Opera Home is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Aspen. The 1889-built theater is a prized native attraction and is taken into account the house of performing arts in Aspen. A mix of Romanesque and Italianate structure, Wheeler Opera Home is a surprising venue and particular place to benefit from the arts. Examine the Opera Home’s schedule to see what stay music occasions and performances coincide along with your journey. Catching a present is a implausible method to unwind within the night after a busy day outside.
within the historical past of the Opera Home? Aspen Historic Society runs excursions of the venue, so you’ll be able to all the time bask in an informative exploration of the Opera Home, not only a efficiency. And, as an additional tip for stay music lovers, Aspen Music Pageant runs between late June and August. Summer time is filled with live shows and performances, so verify that schedule as effectively should you’re visiting Aspen throughout this era.
3. Go snowboarding
You’ll be able to’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 primary 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 within the coronary heart of Aspen, which is superb for these wanting a central location.
- Snowmass is a small ski village a couple of twenty-minute drive outdoors of Aspen. It’s the most important of the 4 mountains and is family-friendly. You’ll discover a wide range of slopes and cross-country snowboarding, making it an important ski space for freshmen to intermediates. Snowmass additionally has the Treehouse Children Journey Heart, which supplies state-of-the-art childcare companies and ski faculties. The one 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 understood for the Highland Bowl, which summits at 12,392 ft above sea degree and has among 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 need to stroll just a few miles alongside Maroon Creek Highway to succeed in Aspen city heart from the Highlands Ski Resort.
- Lastly, Aspen has Buttermilk Mountain. Buttermilk Mountain ski space is famed for the Winter X Video games, which may make you observed that it’s for skilled skiers solely. The mountain really caters to all ranges exceptionally effectively, although, and even freshmen can get pleasure from steadily zipping via Aspen bushes on mild ski slopes.
So, which of those ski areas will you select? The selection is yours, however we beloved Snowmass the very best. Snowboarding/snowboarding are among 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 Path
Grottos Path 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 finish the hike.
Grottos Path is good if you’d like an thrilling and rewarding hike close to Aspen. Whereas just one km lengthy, the path has rather a lot to admire alongside the best way, and it is without doubt one of the prettiest trails within the area. It’s appropriate for any hikers of average health – simply bear in mind that Grottos Path can get slippery if you end up scrambling over moist rocks. Sturdy footwear with good grip are a should when tackling the hike.
Additionally, we advocate both getting there early within the day (earlier than 9 am) or late within the day (after 6 pm) as this path is basically well-liked and there are restricted parking spots.
5. Aspen Heart for Environmental Research
All these adventures are good enjoyable, however what in regards to the academic facet of nature? Aspen Heart for Environmental Research is the place to go to to be taught extra in regards to the city’s pure environment and the naturalists who prioritize native conservation.
Aspen Heart for Environmental Research has somewhat nature reserve with a lake and quite a few birds of prey to identify. There’s additionally the possibility to guide one of many heart’s excursions. On its mission to attach 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 middle is situated on Pet Smith Road and sits within the northern area of the city. It’s simply visited on foot from Aspen city heart and is an effective way to spend just a few hours.
6. Independence Cross
Visiting Independence Cross means that you can mix a number of sights in a single expertise. The cross is a scenic drive situated 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 Cross 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 automobile can squeeze via. Independence Cross is ideal for individuals who love scenic drives; simply be ready to make the most of all of your greatest driving abilities. You have to be conscious that this a part of Colorado State Freeway 82 is restricted to camper trailers and leisure autos over 35ft in size.
Independence Cross is well-combined with a go to to Twin Lake or a climb up Mt Elbert. In any other case, you might sort out Independence Cross on the drive again to Denver should you fly into Denver Worldwide Airport and rent a automobile. 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 Home appeared a bit too formal, Aspen Theatre will probably be rather more up your alley. The pop-up venue is a big tent situated within the John Denver Sanctuary. You can anticipate motion and expertise in bucket hundreds – no matter which efficiency you attend.
Previous performances have included Gypsy and Jersey Boys. There’s additionally an annual Solo Flights Pageant each September, the place you’ll be able to fairly actually watch one-man reveals. The pageant focuses on internet hosting single-actor performs, though you can too catch particular talks and discussions.
One factor to notice is that the tent will get chilly (and sometimes too scorching). Layers are a should as you’re uncovered to the temperature and infrequently draughts in the course of the performances. Nevertheless, we expect that this aspect provides to the dramatic attraction of the reveals.
8. Aspen Artwork Museum
Visiting Aspen Artwork Museum is without doubt one of the most basic issues to do in Aspen. Aspen Artwork Museum is a mecca for up to date artwork within the area, internet hosting exhibitions and shows of worldwide and native artists. You’ll be able to spot sculptures, work, sketches, and even digital items.
Aspen Artwork Museum is free to enter and even has a rooftop terrace with wonderful views over Aspen. In Downtown Aspen, Aspen Artwork 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 up to date fashion, the constructing has an enormous copper lattice façade.
9. Go paragliding
Have you ever ever been paragliding? If not, Aspen is the place to strive it. Aspen’s surroundings is gorgeous, and there’s no higher method to take all of it in. Paragliding is without doubt one of the most adventurous issues to do in Aspen, and we expect that you simply’ll find it irresistible.
Aspen Paragliding is the preferred firm to go paragliding inside the space, and also you’ll take to the skies with a licensed pilot. This implies you calm down as a passenger and benefit from the trip whereas your information handles all of the difficult stuff. Aspen Paragliding has been operating since 1990 and is without doubt one of the most trusted paragliding corporations within the US.
The entire expertise lasts round two hours – so wrap up heat and ready for the climate situations. You’ll gently glide previous among the most gorgeous scenes in Colorado. In winter, you would possibly even have the ability to spot the skiers on the slopes beneath.
Seeking to maintain the adventures going? Take a look at the actions that Blazing Adventures has on supply right here. Blazing Adventures focuses on out of doors adventures that get your adrenaline pumping. You would even proceed your ‘flight theme’ with a scorching air balloon trip.
10. Stroll the Rio Grande Path
The Rio Grande Path is not any straightforward feat. The path runs for a formidable 42 miles and is often tackled over two to 4 days. Health fans and anybody decided sufficient to tackle the problem can get pleasure from unequalled views alongside the path. You’ll primarily observe Roaring Fork River, however you’ll have snow-capped mountain views and wildlife galore – so maintain your eyes peeled. Don’t simply march via both; you also needs to make time to swim or fish alongside the Roaring Fork River.
So, the place does Aspen come into this? Properly, 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 happen to love multi-day hikes, add just a few days to your Aspen vacation to finish the path. It is usually price permitting a few days to remain in Glenwood Springs, as the town is understood for its scorching springs. Bathing in scorching springs at Glenwood Springs is perhaps exactly what you want after climbing 42 miles.
The path itself cuts via Roaring Fork Valley. Anticipate to share the observe with horseback riders, canine walkers, and cyclists, and word that horses have the proper of manner. Many individuals get pleasure from sections of the path with out tackling all the size, so you need to discover it fairly busy.
11. Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are probably the most photographed mountains in Aspen. The 2 peaks are Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, and the mountains are solely cut up by 0.5 km. The Maroon Bells are situated in a glacial valley within the Elk Mountains. They’ve quick develop 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 kinds the final word alpine postcard picture.
Questioning the way you attain this stunning view? The excellent news is that there are a number of climbing trails to select from to go to the Maroon Bells. You’ll be able to hike Maroon Lake Scenic Path, which is just a mile lengthy. You would additionally sort out Maroon Creek Path for a mix of lakeside views and alpine meadows. The Maroon Creek Path is somewhat longer, at 3.2 miles a method.
The longest choice is Crater Lake Path, at 3.6 miles, with a detour to Crater Lake and a ravishing forest. It’s 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.
Mountaineering on unfamiliar trails alone may be daunting, and transportation may be a difficulty should you don’t rent a automobile. Blazing Adventures supply guided hikes across the Maroon Bells, so take into account a guided stroll if you’re somewhat not sure. Lastly, keep in mind a digital camera – despite the fact that photos by no means do it justice.
12. Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro
Talking of the Maroon Bells, Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro has among the best views of the peaks. The small European-style cabin is perched on high of a mountain within the Aspen Highlands Ski Resort. To entry your scenic positive eating expertise, you’ll need to ski carry to the highest of the mountain after which discover the particular chair carry to succeed in the restaurant. Visiting is well probably the most indulgent, enjoyable issues to do in Aspen.
Cloud 9’s environment is okay eating meets après ski. The restaurant has the menu to draw these searching for a complicated, refined expertise, but the character to host among the most boisterous events. It’s mentioned that Cloud 9 brings the European alpine scene to Aspen, and we agree.
Time your go to with a transparent day for the final word views, and deal with your self to a glass of champagne (or two). If you wish to sit inside, play it secure and make a reservation. Nevertheless, it’s price bagging a desk outdoors should you overlook to make a reservation, simply keep in mind to wrap up heat and select your visiting day properly. You’ll be eating on a mountain summit in spite of everything.
13. 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 one’. Many awards later, Aspen Brewing Firm has develop into an enormous title. 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 web site, with some being transported to the primary for guests to get pleasure from.
Aspen Brewing Firm names most of its beers after sights and areas round Aspen. You would pattern a Cloud 9 Saison, Independence Cross, or a Brown Bear Ale. Plus, beer tasting doesn’t get significantly better than being surrounded by museums, galleries, and stylish hospitality venues on the foot of Aspen Mountain.
14. John Denver Sanctuary
John Denver Sanctuary is a ravishing nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary simply north of Aspen city heart. Paying a go to to John Denver Sanctuary is without doubt 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’ll be able to stroll the maze of well-maintained trails, recognizing engraved rocks that pay tribute to John Denver’s music as you stroll. After all, the snow-capped mountains round Aspen are by no means out of sight and make a ravishing backdrop whilst you wander the park.
Lyrics and quotes aren’t the one creative factor in John Denver Sanctuary. Bear in mind the Aspen Theatre group? Properly, the theater tent is about up in the course of the John Denver Sanctuary and gives a ravishing place to get pleasure from performing arts. Combining a leisurely stroll round John Denver Sanctuary and an Aspen Theatre efficiency is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Aspen.
15. Silver Queen Gondola
Skiers get entry to among 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 implausible because it makes Aspen Mountain accessible for everybody. Whether or not you’re touring with kids or simply don’t belief your health ranges, the Silver Queen Gondola is an effective way to zip as much as Aspen Mountain summit – experiencing a thrill and all the very best views concurrently. The trip to the highest takes round fifteen minutes. There’s loads of time to snap images and respect 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 scorching drink from the restaurant. Eating overlooking the slopes is an expertise you’ll keep in mind. And, should you aren’t a skier, you need to profit from being in ski territory.
You’ll be able to guide tickets for the Silver Queen Gondola on-line or flip up on the day. The gondola service runs from 10 am till 4 pm daily (climate permitting), so it’s straightforward to fit right into a busy itinerary. Plus, the gondola station sits simply on the outskirts of Downtown Aspen. You would simply pop by for a spontaneous expertise.
16. Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership
Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership is without doubt one of the greatest sporting venues within the city. Between the views and high-quality services, visiting is well among the best issues to do in Aspen – particularly if you’re a golf or tennis fanatic.
Guests 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 which 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’ll be able to simply guide a tennis court docket on-line or ring to order a slot. If not, it’s price dropping in to see if a court docket is free with out reserving. If it’s important to wait, simply be ready to deal with your self to a meal on the membership’s restaurant, Purple Mountain Grill.
Winter often spells the tip of the golf season, particularly in snowy locations like Aspen. Nevertheless, the Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership has a implausible answer: a Golf Stimulator. Utilizing the top-of-the-range, newest know-how, you’ll be able to play on over fifty completely different programs and obtain suggestions in your method. Who knew you might head on a winter getaway to Aspen and return even higher at snowboarding and golf?
Aspen Widespread FAQs
Now that we’ve lined the very 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.
Learn how to get to Aspen
The easiest way 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 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 automobile except you wish to take day journeys to distant trails and sights.
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 heart.
Finest time to go to Aspen
Colorado is without doubt one of the US’s greatest winter getaways. If you happen to 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 the very best snowboarding expertise. The again finish of the season is somewhat cheaper and quieter, and you’ve got extra sunlight hours for snowboarding.
After all, Aspen is an ideal all-year-round vacation spot for an energetic vacation – filled with climbing trails, horseback driving, and mountain climbing 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 you need to have lots 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 high suggestions on the very 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 get pleasure from dormitory rooms, personal rooms, and condos. For versatile and budget-friendly lodging, St. Mortiz Lodge is well the very best in Aspen.
You’ll be able to dip within the heated out of doors pool, calm down 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 Lodge
Aspen Sq. Condominium Lodge 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 all the time have homely facilities like a kitchen and a comfortable seating space. You additionally get entry to a gymnasium and enterprise heart. Nevertheless, the profitable issue of the Aspen Sq. Condominium Lodge 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 straightforward 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 most interesting. The stylish resort gives 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’ll be able to splash out on further luxurious if you’d like.
On the lookout for a VRBO property as an alternative of a basic lodge expertise? You could want to learn our information on the very best cabins in Colorado.
Remaining Ideas
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 calm down surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and White River Nationwide Forest. Decide a climbing path or ski slope of your alternative and let the recent air do the remainder. We all know that you simply’ll have a implausible time in Aspen.
