16 Greatest Issues to do in Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is a small mountain city with a giant character and an excellent greater repute. The city is thought for its large 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 12 months spherical. When the snow disappears, you’ve got horseback driving, mountaineering, biking trails, and climbing trails. Aspen additionally sits in the midst of White River Nationwide Forest, so you might be by no means wanting wilderness to discover. One factor is for certain; 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 preserve you entertained and content material.

1. Ashcroft Ghost City

Visiting a ghost city might be not the very first thing you count on to do in Aspen. Nevertheless, Ashcroft Ghost City is definitely one of the entertaining points of interest within the Aspen Space. As soon as a silver mining city, Ashcroft Ghost City is now fully uninhabited. As a substitute, the Aspen Historic Society opens the city up for guests yearly between June and October.

You’ll be able to discover outdated historic buildings, together with the outdated put up workplace, Blue Mirror Saloon, and a former lodge constructing. Ashcroft Ghost City is a novel alternative to step again and immerse your self in Outdated Western historical past. Ashcroft Ghost City is a improbable attraction in case you’ve by no means visited a ghost city earlier than, need an uncommon day trip, or have an interest within the Outdated West.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 picket public buildings is type 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 technique. Not unhealthy for a day trip.

2. Wheeler Opera Home

In the event you love dwell 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 shocking venue and particular place to benefit from the arts. Test the Opera Home’s schedule to see what dwell music occasions and performances coincide along with your journey. Catching a present is a improbable solution 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 take pleasure in an informative exploration of the Opera Home, not only a efficiency. And, as an additional tip for dwell music lovers, Aspen Music Pageant runs between late June and August. Summer season is stuffed with live shows and performances, so examine that schedule as effectively in case 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 definitely top-of-the-line issues to do in Aspen, and, as we mentioned, you’ve got 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 take a look at every choice individually.

• Aspen Mountain (previously Ajax Mountain) is for skiers with expertise beneath their belt. The runs are reasonable to troublesome, so count on a difficult time on the slopes – excellent for perfecting your ability and pushing your self out of your consolation zone. Aspen Mountain is located within the coronary heart of Aspen, which is great for these wanting a central location.
• Snowmass is a small ski village a couple of twenty-minute drive exterior of Aspen. It’s the most important of the 4 mountains and is family-friendly. You’ll discover quite a lot of slopes and cross-country snowboarding, making it an excellent ski space for inexperienced persons to intermediates. Snowmass additionally has the Treehouse Youngsters Journey Heart, which supplies state-of-the-art childcare providers and ski colleges. The one draw back of the Aspen Snowmass space is that it’s the furthest from Aspen city middle, 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 among the steepest descents within the space. In order for you adrenaline, the Highlands is the place you’ll discover it. And even higher? You solely must stroll just a few miles alongside Maroon Creek Highway to achieve Aspen city middle 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 think that it’s for skilled skiers solely. The mountain really caters to all ranges exceptionally effectively, although, and even inexperienced persons can take pleasure in steadily zipping via Aspen bushes on light 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 enjoyable 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 usually described as otherworldly, and also you’ll shortly see why. The path is stuffed 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 right in order for you an thrilling and rewarding hike close to Aspen. Whereas only one km lengthy, the path has rather a lot to admire alongside the way in which, and it is without doubt one of the prettiest trails within the area. It’s appropriate for any hikers of reasonable health – simply remember that Grottos Path can get slippery when you’re 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 admittedly standard and there are restricted parking spots.

5. Aspen Heart for Environmental Research

All these adventures are good enjoyable, however what concerning the instructional facet of nature? Aspen Heart for Environmental Research is the place to go to to study extra concerning the city’s pure environment and the naturalists who prioritize native conservation.

Aspen Heart for Environmental Research has a bit of nature reserve with a lake and quite a few birds of prey to identify. There’s additionally the prospect to e-book one of many middle’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 value dropping by to take a look at what’s on.

The middle is situated on Pet Smith Avenue and sits within the northern area of the city. It’s simply visited on foot from Aspen city middle and is a good way to spend just a few hours.

6. Independence Go

Visiting Independence Go permits you to mix a number of points of interest in a single expertise. The move 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 one of the 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 street zig-zags up the mountain, with hairpin turns and sections so slim that only a single automobile can squeeze via. Independence Go is ideal for many who love scenic drives; simply be ready to make the most of all of your greatest driving expertise. Try 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 Go is well-combined with a go to to Twin Lake or a climb up Mt Elbert. In any other case, you possibly can deal with Independence Go on the drive again to Denver in case you fly into Denver Worldwide Airport and rent a automobile. 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 Home appeared a bit too formal, Aspen Theatre can be way more up your alley. The pop-up venue is a big tent situated within the John Denver Sanctuary. You can count on motion and expertise in bucket masses – 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 makes a speciality of internet hosting single-actor performs, though you can even 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 might be uncovered to the temperature and sometimes 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 traditional issues to do in Aspen. Aspen Artwork Museum is a mecca for modern 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 superb views over Aspen. In Downtown Aspen, Aspen Artwork Museum is definitely 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 ever been paragliding? If not, Aspen is the place to attempt it. Aspen’s surroundings is gorgeous, and there’s no higher solution 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 just’ll like it.

Aspen Paragliding is the preferred firm to go paragliding throughout 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 working 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 may even be capable of spot the skiers on the slopes under.

Seeking to preserve the adventures going? Try the actions that Blazing Adventures has on provide right here. Blazing Adventures makes a speciality of outside adventures that get your adrenaline pumping. You may 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 fanatics and 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. 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. In the event you love multi-day hikes, add just a few days to your Aspen vacation to finish the path. It is usually value permitting a few days to remain in Glenwood Springs, as town is thought for its scorching springs. Bathing in scorching springs at Glenwood Springs is likely to be 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 observe that horses have the proper of manner. Many individuals take pleasure in sections of the path with out tackling all the size, so you must 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 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 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 may additionally deal with Maroon Creek Path for a combination of lakeside views and alpine meadows. The Maroon Creek Path is a bit of longer, at 3.2 miles a technique.

The longest choice is Crater Lake Path, at 3.6 miles, with a detour to Crater Lake and a stupendous forest. It’s 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 preferred, if not additionally probably the most difficult.

Mountain climbing on unfamiliar trails alone might be daunting, and transportation might be a problem in case you don’t rent a automobile. Blazing Adventures provide guided hikes across the Maroon Bells, so think about a guided stroll in case you are a bit of not sure. Lastly, bear in mind a digicam – though footage by no means do it justice.

12. Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro

Talking of the Maroon Bells, Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro has top-of-the-line 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 high quality eating expertise, you’ll must ski carry to the highest of the mountain after which discover the particular chair carry to achieve the restaurant. Visiting is definitely one of the indulgent, enjoyable issues to do in Aspen.

Cloud 9’s environment is ok eating meets après ski. The restaurant has the menu to draw these searching for a fancy, 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 protected and make a reservation. Nevertheless, it’s value bagging a desk exterior in case you overlook to make a reservation, simply bear in mind to wrap up heat and select your visiting day properly. You can be eating on a mountain summit in any case.

13. Aspen Brewing Firm

You actually can discover breweries in probably the most unassuming of locations. Aspen Brewing Firm is tucked away on Galena Avenue in Downtown Aspen. Half pizzeria and half pub, the venue serves fifteen craft beers brewed in-house. Simply think about tucking right into a sourdough pizza and a tasting flight of craft beer after a full day of snowboarding – bliss, proper?

Aspen Brewing Firm was based in 2008 with the motto ‘make world-class beer, downstream from no person’. Many awards later, Aspen Brewing Firm has change into a giant 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 take pleasure in.

Aspen Brewing Firm names most of its beers after points of interest and areas round Aspen. You may pattern a Cloud 9 Saison, Independence Go, or a Brown Bear Ale. Plus, beer tasting doesn’t get a lot 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 stupendous nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary simply north of Aspen city middle. 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 stupendous backdrop when you wander the park.

Lyrics and quotes aren’t the one inventive factor in John Denver Sanctuary. Keep in mind the Aspen Theatre group? Properly, the theater tent is about up in the midst of the John Denver Sanctuary and affords a stupendous place to take pleasure in 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 in case 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 improbable because it makes Aspen Mountain accessible for everybody. Whether or not you might be touring with youngsters or simply don’t belief your health ranges, the Silver Queen Gondola is a good way to zip as much as Aspen Mountain summit – experiencing a thrill and all the very best views concurrently. The trip to the highest takes round fifteen minutes. There may be loads of time to snap photographs 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 bear in mind. And, in case you aren’t a skier, you must profit from being in ski territory.

You’ll be able to 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 on daily basis (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 may 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 amenities, visiting is definitely top-of-the-line issues to do in Aspen – particularly in case you are a golf or tennis fanatic.

Guests 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 which 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’ll be able to simply e-book a tennis courtroom on-line or ring to order a slot. If not, it’s value dropping in to see if a courtroom 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 normally spells the top of the golf season, particularly in snowy locations like Aspen. Nevertheless, the Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership has a improbable resolution: a Golf Stimulator. Utilizing the top-of-the-range, newest expertise, you’ll be able to play on over fifty completely different programs and obtain suggestions in your approach. Who knew you possibly can 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 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 lease a automobile to drive the 4 hours to Aspen.

These flying internationally ought to think about including an in a single day keep in Denver since there are many issues to do within the metropolis.

Getting round Aspen

As a small mountain city, Aspen is hardly troublesome to get round. Most locations are accessible on foot, particularly in Downtown Aspen. A dependable bus service additionally operates across the city and the broader Aspen space. Don’t fear about renting a automobile except you need to take day journeys to distant trails and points of interest.

When the snow disappears, many individuals cycle round Aspen. It might be value seeing in case your lodging rents out bikes or visiting a motorcycle rental retailer within the city middle.

Greatest time to go to Aspen

Colorado is without doubt one of the US’s greatest winter getaways. In the event 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 the very best snowboarding expertise. The again finish of the season is a bit of cheaper and quieter, and you’ve got extra daytime for snowboarding.

After all, Aspen is an ideal all-year-round vacation spot for an lively vacation – filled with climbing trails, horseback driving, 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 you must 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 high suggestions on the very best locations to remain in Aspen.

Funds: St. Moritz Lodge

St. Moritz Lodge could also be a self-described ‘easy lodge’, however its excessive quantity of optimistic opinions speaks volumes. Guests can take pleasure in dormitory rooms, non-public rooms, and condos. For versatile and budget-friendly lodging, St. Mortiz Lodge is definitely the very best in Aspen.

You’ll be able to dip within the heated outside 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 affords 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 snug seating space. You additionally get entry to a gymnasium and enterprise middle. Nevertheless, the profitable issue of the Aspen Sq. Condominium Lodge is its outside amenities.

Benefit from the heated outside pool all 12 months 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.

Luxurious: 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 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 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’ll be able to splash out on additional luxurious in order for you.

On the lookout for a VRBO property as a substitute of a traditional lodge expertise? You could want to learn our information on the very best cabins in Colorado.

Last Ideas

There are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Aspen. Its location is dreamy for anybody who loves outside adventures. You’ll be able to calm down surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and White River Nationwide Forest. Choose a climbing path or ski slope of your alternative and let the recent air do the remaining. We all know that you just’ll have a improbable time in Aspen.