Aspen is a small mountain city with an enormous character and a fair larger repute. 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 of a world-class winter vacation spot.
That stated, Aspen is a dream for out of doors lovers all yr spherical. When the snow disappears, you might have horseback using, mountain climbing, biking trails, and climbing trails. Aspen additionally sits in the midst 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 points of interest 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 definitely one of the vital 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 previous historic buildings, together with the previous put up workplace, Blue Mirror Saloon, and a former resort constructing. Ashcroft Ghost City is a singular alternative to step again and immerse your self in Previous Western historical past. Ashcroft Ghost City is a incredible attraction for those who’ve by no means visited a ghost city earlier than, need an uncommon time out, or have an interest within the Previous West. Strolling between the log cabins and picket public buildings is form of creepy and enjoyable.
The city is positioned on Fortress Creek Street, about eleven miles south of Aspen. It took us about 25 minutes to drive to Ashcroft Ghost City, and we noticed loads of individuals biking, which we came upon is barely an hour and a half a method. Not dangerous for a time out.
Don’t Miss these Nice Excursions in Aspen, Colorado
2. Wheeler Opera Home
In case you love reside music, watching motion pictures, or attending festivals, visiting the Wheeler Opera Home is likely one of the finest 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. Test the Opera Home’s schedule to see what reside music occasions and performances coincide along with your journey. Catching a present is a incredible strategy 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 possibly can at all times bask in an informative exploration of the Opera Home, not only a efficiency. And, as an additional tip for reside music lovers, Aspen Music Pageant runs between late June and August. Summer season is filled with concert events and performances, so test that schedule as effectively for those who’re visiting Aspen throughout this era.
3. Go snowboarding
You’ll be able to’t go to one of many US’s finest snowboarding locations with out snowboarding. Going snowboarding is definitely among the finest issues to do in Aspen, and, as we stated, 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 take a look at every possibility 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 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 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 ideal ski space for rookies to intermediates. Snowmass additionally has the Treehouse Children Journey Heart, which gives state-of-the-art childcare providers and ski faculties. 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 understood for the Highland Bowl, which summits at 12,392 toes 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 must stroll a couple of miles alongside Maroon Creek Street to succeed in 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 might make you think that it’s for skilled skiers solely. The mountain really caters to all ranges exceptionally effectively, although, and even rookies can get pleasure from steadily zipping by way of Aspen timber on light ski slopes.
So, which of those ski areas will you select? The selection is yours, however we liked 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 usually 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 by way of ribbon-like canyons and crevices to finish the hike.
Grottos Path is good in order for you an thrilling and rewarding hike close to Aspen. Whereas just one km lengthy, the path has loads to admire alongside the way in which, and it is likely one of the prettiest trails within the area. It’s appropriate for any hikers of reasonable health – simply bear in mind that Grottos Path can get slippery if you find yourself scrambling over moist rocks. Sturdy sneakers with good grip are a should when tackling the hike.
Additionally, we suggest both getting there early within the day (earlier than 9 am) or late within the day (after 6 pm) as this path is de facto in style and there are restricted parking spots.
5. Aspen Heart for Environmental Research
All these adventures are good enjoyable, however what concerning the instructional aspect of nature? Aspen Heart for Environmental Research is the place to go to to be taught extra concerning the city’s pure environment and the naturalists who prioritize native conservation.
Aspen Heart for Environmental Research has a little bit nature reserve with a lake and quite a few birds of prey to identify. There’s additionally the prospect to ebook 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 price dropping by to take a look at what’s on.
The middle is positioned on Pet Smith Road and sits within the northern area of the city. It’s simply visited on foot from Aspen city middle and is an effective way to spend a couple of hours.
6. Independence Move
Visiting Independence Move means that you can mix a number of points of interest in a single expertise. The cross is a scenic drive positioned 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 vital scenic locations in Aspen – all in a couple of hours.
Don’t be fooled although; Independence Move can also be one heck of a drive. The highway zig-zags up the mountain, with hairpin turns and sections so slim that only a single automobile can squeeze by way of. Independence Move is ideal for many who love scenic drives; simply be ready to make the most of all of your finest 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 Move is well-combined with a go to to Twin Lake or a climb up Mt Elbert. In any other case, you would deal with Independence Move on the drive again to Denver for those who 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 can be far more up your alley. The pop-up venue is a big tent positioned 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 possibly can fairly actually watch one-man exhibits. The competition makes a speciality of internet hosting single-actor performs, though it’s also possible to catch particular talks and discussions.
One factor to notice is that the tent will get chilly (and infrequently too scorching). Layers are a should as you’re uncovered to the temperature and sometimes draughts throughout the performances. Nevertheless, we predict that this component provides to the dramatic enchantment of the exhibits.
8. Aspen Artwork Museum
Visiting Aspen Artwork Museum is likely 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 beautiful, and there’s no higher strategy to take all of it in. Paragliding is likely one of the most adventurous issues to do in Aspen, and we predict 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 chill out as a passenger and benefit from the trip whereas your information handles all of the tough stuff. Aspen Paragliding has been operating since 1990 and is likely one of the most trusted paragliding firms 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 beautiful scenes in Colorado. In winter, you may even have the ability to spot the skiers on the slopes under.
Trying to maintain the adventures going? Take a look at the actions that Blazing Adventures has on supply right here. Blazing Adventures makes a speciality of out of doors 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 isn’t any simple feat. The path runs for a formidable 42 miles and is usually tackled over two to 4 days. Health lovers 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 by way of both; you must also make time to swim or fish alongside the Roaring Fork River.
So, the place does Aspen come into this? Nicely, 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 case you love multi-day hikes, add a couple of days to your Aspen vacation to finish the path. It’s also 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 may be exactly what you want after climbing 42 miles.
The path itself cuts by way of Roaring Fork Valley. Anticipate to share the observe with horseback riders, canine walkers, and cyclists, and notice that horses have the precise of manner. Many individuals get pleasure from sections of the path with out tackling the complete 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 break up by 0.5 km. The Maroon Bells are positioned in a glacial valley within the Elk Mountains. They’ve quick grow to be 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 types the last 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 barely 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 little bit longer, at 3.2 miles a method.
The longest possibility is Crater Lake Path, at 3.6 miles, with a detour to Crater Lake and a wonderful 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.
Climbing on unfamiliar trails alone could be daunting, and transportation could be a problem for those who don’t rent a automobile. Blazing Adventures supply guided hikes across the Maroon Bells, so contemplate a guided stroll if you’re a little bit not sure. Lastly, bear in mind a digicam – regardless that footage by no means do it justice.
12. Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro
Talking of the Maroon Bells, Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro has among the finest views of the peaks. The small European-style cabin is perched on prime of a mountain within the Aspen Highlands Ski Resort. To entry your scenic high-quality eating expertise, you’ll must ski raise to the highest of the mountain after which discover the particular chair raise to succeed in the restaurant. Visiting is definitely one of the vital 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 stated that Cloud 9 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 wish to sit inside, play it protected and make a reservation. Nevertheless, it’s price bagging a desk exterior for those who neglect to make a reservation, simply bear 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 grow to be an enormous identify. 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 Firm names most of its beers after points of interest and areas round Aspen. You may pattern a Cloud 9 Saison, Independence Move, 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 wonderful nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary simply north of Aspen city middle. 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 might 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. In fact, the snow-capped mountains round Aspen are by no means out of sight and make a wonderful backdrop whilst you wander the park.
Lyrics and quotes aren’t the one inventive factor in John Denver Sanctuary. Keep in mind the Aspen Theatre group? Nicely, the theater tent is ready up in the midst of the John Denver Sanctuary and presents a wonderful 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 finest 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 for those who don’t ski and don’t really feel snug climbing lengthy distances? The Silver Queen Gondola is the reply.
The Silver Queen Gondola is incredible because it makes Aspen Mountain accessible for everybody. Whether or not you’re touring with youngsters 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 recognize the novelty of racing up a mountainside.
On the prime, we suggest 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, for those who aren’t a skier, you must take advantage of being in ski territory.
You’ll be able to ebook 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 simple 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 likely one of the finest sporting venues within the city. Between the views and high-quality amenities, visiting is definitely among the finest 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 beautiful 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 totally 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 beautiful mountain views. You’ll be able to simply ebook 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 you need 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 tip of the golf season, particularly in snowy locations like Aspen. Nevertheless, the Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership has a incredible resolution: a Golf Stimulator. Utilizing the top-of-the-range, newest expertise, you possibly can play on over fifty totally different programs and obtain suggestions in your approach. Who knew you would head on a winter getaway to Aspen and return even higher at snowboarding and golf?
Aspen Frequent 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.
Tips on how to get to Aspen
One of the best ways to get to Aspen is to fly to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport or Denver Worldwide Airport. Flying into Denver is the preferred possibility, as it’s cheaper, has extra frequent flights, and is finest 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 contemplate including an in a single day keep in Denver since there are many issues to do within the metropolis.
Getting round Aspen
As a small mountain city, Aspen is hardly troublesome to get round. Most locations are accessible on foot, particularly in Downtown Aspen. A dependable bus service additionally operates across the city and the broader Aspen space. Don’t fear about renting a automobile except you wish to take day journeys to distant trails and points of interest.
When the snow disappears, many individuals cycle round Aspen. It could be price seeing in case your lodging rents out bikes or visiting a motorbike rental retailer within the city middle.
Greatest time to go to Aspen
Colorado is likely one of the US’s finest winter getaways. In case you like winter sports activities, we suggest visiting Aspen whereas there’s snowfall. The ski season runs from November to April. Nevertheless, we suggest visiting Aspen in March for the very best snowboarding expertise. The again finish of the season is a little bit cheaper and quieter, and you’ve got extra daylight for snowboarding.
In fact, Aspen is an ideal all-year-round vacation spot for an lively vacation – stuffed with climbing trails, horseback using, and mountain climbing whereas the snow melts. If winter sports activities aren’t your factor, discover Aspen throughout the spring shoulder season. Could is the quietest month, and you must 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 below are our prime suggestions on the very best locations to remain in Aspen.
Finances: St. Moritz Lodge
St. Moritz Lodge could also be a self-described ‘easy lodge’, however its excessive quantity of optimistic evaluations speaks volumes. Guests can get pleasure from 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 out of doors pool, chill out within the scorching tub, and begin each morning correctly with a complimentary breakfast. St. Moritz Lodge is each snug and handy.
Mid-range: Aspen Sq. Condominium Resort
Aspen Sq. Condominium Resort is a superb mid-range lodging possibility in Aspen. The property presents condos, which vary from studios to three-bedroom items. The condo-only format means you’ll at all times have homely facilities like a kitchen and a comfortable seating space. You additionally get entry to a gymnasium and enterprise middle. Nevertheless, the profitable issue of the Aspen Sq. Condominium Resort is its out of doors amenities.
Benefit from the heated out of doors pool all yr spherical, swimming lengths with snow-capped mountain views. Alternatively, take it simple and soak in one of many two out of doors scorching tubs whereas having fun with the views.
Luxurious: The Little Nell
The Little Nell is luxurious lodging at its most interesting. The stylish resort presents ski-in/ski-out amenities – good for snowboarding lovers 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 bogs and balconies with metropolis or mountain views. And sure suites embrace non-public jacuzzis and steam showers, so you possibly can splash out on additional luxurious in order for you.
In search of a VRBO property as a substitute of a traditional resort 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 out of doors adventures. You’ll be able to chill out surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and White River Nationwide Forest. Decide a climbing path or ski slope of your selection and let the contemporary air do the remainder. We all know that you just’ll have a incredible time in Aspen.