16 Finest Issues to do in Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is a small mountain city with a giant character and a good larger popularity. The city is understood 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 outside lovers all yr spherical. When the snow disappears, you could have horseback driving, mountain climbing, biking trails, and mountaineering 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 count on to do in Aspen. Nevertheless, Ashcroft Ghost City is well some 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 an alternative, the Aspen Historic Society opens the city up for guests yearly between June and October.

You may discover outdated historic buildings, together with the outdated publish workplace, Blue Mirror Saloon, and a former lodge constructing. Ashcroft Ghost City is a novel alternative to step again and immerse your self in Previous Western historical past. Ashcroft Ghost City is a unbelievable attraction if you happen to’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 wood public buildings is form of creepy and enjoyable.

The city is situated on Citadel 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 individuals biking, which we came upon is simply an hour and a half a method. Not unhealthy for a time out.

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 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 dwell music occasions and performances coincide along with your journey. Catching a present is a unbelievable technique 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 may all the time bask in an informative exploration of the Opera Home, not only a efficiency. And, as an additional tip for dwell music lovers, Aspen Music Competition runs between late June and August. Summer season is filled with concert events and performances, so verify that schedule as properly if you happen to’re visiting Aspen throughout this era.

3. Go snowboarding

You may’t go to one of many US’s finest snowboarding locations with out snowboarding. Going snowboarding is well among the best issues to do in Aspen, and, as we stated, you could have 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 take a look at every possibility individually.

• Aspen Mountain (previously Ajax Mountain) is for skiers with expertise underneath their belt. The runs are average to troublesome, so count on 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 a wide range of slopes and cross-country snowboarding, making it an incredible ski space for inexperienced persons 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 knowledgeable 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. In order for you adrenaline, the Highlands is the place you’ll discover it. And even higher? You solely must stroll a number of miles alongside Maroon Creek Highway 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 watched that it’s for knowledgeable skiers solely. The mountain truly caters to all ranges exceptionally properly, although, and even inexperienced persons can take pleasure in steadily zipping by means of Aspen timber on light ski slopes.

So, which of those ski areas will you select? The selection is yours, however we liked Snowmass one of the 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 rapidly see why. The path is filled with surprises, together with waterfalls and funky ice caves. A bit of the observe resembles a darkish gray model of Antelope Canyon. You’ll scramble by means 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 quite a bit 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 average health – simply bear in mind 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 suggest both getting there early within the day (earlier than 9 am) or late within the day (after 6 pm) as this path is actually 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 instructional aspect 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 slightly 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 classes. 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 middle and is an effective way to spend a number of hours.

6. Independence Move

Visiting Independence Move means that you can 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 may tick off standing on the Continental Divide, visiting the Rocky Mountains, and exploring some of the scenic locations in Aspen – all in a number of hours.

Don’t be fooled although; Independence Move can be one heck of a drive. The highway zig-zags up the mountain, with hairpin turns and sections so slim that only a single automotive can squeeze by means of. Independence Move is ideal for many who love scenic drives; simply be ready to make the most of all of your finest driving expertise. 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 could possibly sort out Independence Move on the drive again to Denver if you happen to fly into Denver Worldwide 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 Home appeared a bit too formal, Aspen Theatre will likely 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 hundreds – no matter which efficiency you attend.

Previous performances have included Gypsy and Jersey Boys. There’s additionally an annual Solo Flights Competition each September, the place you may fairly actually watch one-man reveals. The pageant focuses on internet hosting single-actor performs, though you may also 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 infrequently draughts through the performances. Nevertheless, we predict 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 up to date artwork within the area, internet hosting exhibitions and shows of worldwide and native artists. You may 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 type, 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 technique to take all of it in. Paragliding is without doubt 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 inside the space, and also you’ll take to the skies with an authorized pilot. This implies you loosen up as a passenger and benefit from the journey whereas your information handles all of the difficult stuff. Aspen Paragliding has been operating since 1990 and is 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 circumstances. You’ll gently glide previous among the most gorgeous scenes in Colorado. In winter, you would possibly even be capable of spot the skiers on the slopes under.

Seeking to maintain the adventures going? Try the actions that Blazing Adventures has on provide right here. Blazing Adventures focuses on outside adventures that get your adrenaline pumping. You possibly can even proceed your ‘flight theme’ with a scorching air balloon journey.

10. Stroll the Rio Grande Path

The Rio Grande Path isn’t any straightforward 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 take pleasure in unmatched views alongside the path. You’ll primarily comply with Roaring Fork River, however you’ll have snow-capped mountain views and wildlife galore – so maintain your eyes peeled. Don’t simply march by means of both; you must also make time to swim or fish alongside the Roaring Fork River.

So, the place does Aspen come into this? Effectively, 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 a number 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 could be exactly what you want after mountaineering 42 miles.

The path itself cuts by means of 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 the whole size, so you need to discover it fairly busy.

11. Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells are essentially 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 turn out to be a sought-after day journey vacation spot amongst guests to Aspen. Maroon Bells are most famed for the enduring shot of the 2 mountains with a reflective lake between them, which kinds the last word alpine postcard picture.

Questioning 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 may hike Maroon Lake Scenic Path, which is simply a mile lengthy. You possibly can additionally sort out Maroon Creek Path for a mix of lakeside views and alpine meadows. The Maroon Creek Path is slightly 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 stupendous 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 essentially the most difficult.

Mountaineering on unfamiliar trails alone might be daunting, and transportation might be a difficulty if you happen to don’t rent a automotive. Blazing Adventures provide guided hikes across the Maroon Bells, so contemplate a guided stroll in case you are slightly not sure. Lastly, keep in mind a digital camera – 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 best 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 positive eating expertise, you’ll must ski carry to the highest of the mountain after which discover the particular chair carry to succeed in the restaurant. Visiting is well some 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 in search of 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 secure and make a reservation. Nevertheless, it’s price bagging a desk exterior if you happen to neglect 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 any case.

13. Aspen Brewing Firm

You actually can discover breweries in essentially 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 person’. Many awards later, Aspen Brewing Firm has turn out to be 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 possibly can 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 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 might discover peace, meditation, and solace in nature. You may 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 whilst you wander the park.

Lyrics and quotes aren’t the one inventive factor in John Denver Sanctuary. Bear in mind the Aspen Theatre group? Effectively, the theater tent is ready 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 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 if you happen to don’t ski and don’t really feel comfy mountaineering lengthy distances? The Silver Queen Gondola is the reply.

The Silver Queen Gondola is unbelievable because it makes Aspen Mountain accessible for everybody. Whether 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 one of the best views concurrently. The journey 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 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 keep in mind. And, if you happen to aren’t a skier, you need to benefit from being in ski territory.

You may 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 each day (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 possibly can simply pop by for a spontaneous expertise.

16. Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership

Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership is without doubt one of the finest sporting venues within the city. Between the views and high-quality amenities, visiting is well among the best issues to do in Aspen – particularly in case you are a golf or tennis fanatic.

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 totally 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 may simply e book a tennis courtroom on-line or ring to order a slot. If not, it’s price dropping in to see if a courtroom is free with out reserving. If you must wait, simply be ready to deal with your self to a meal on the membership’s restaurant, Pink Mountain Grill.

Winter often spells the top of the golf season, particularly in snowy locations like Aspen. Nevertheless, the Aspen Golf & Tennis Membership has a unbelievable answer: a Golf Stimulator. Utilizing the top-of-the-range, newest expertise, you may play on over fifty totally different programs and obtain suggestions in your approach. Who knew you could possibly head on a winter getaway to Aspen and return even higher at snowboarding and golf?

Aspen Frequent FAQs

Now that we’ve coated 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.

Learn 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 automotive 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 automotive except you wish to take day journeys to distant trails and points of interest.

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

Finest time to go to Aspen

Colorado is without doubt one of the US’s finest winter getaways. In the event 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 one of the best snowboarding expertise. The again finish of the season is slightly 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 lively vacation – stuffed with mountaineering trails, horseback driving, and mountain climbing whereas the snow melts. If winter sports activities aren’t your factor, discover Aspen through the spring shoulder season. Could is the quietest month, and you need to have lots of the mountaineering 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 one of the 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 constructive evaluations speaks volumes. Guests can take pleasure in dormitory rooms, personal rooms, and condos. For versatile and budget-friendly lodging, St. Mortiz Lodge is well one of the best in Aspen.

You may dip within the heated outside pool, loosen up within the scorching tub, and begin each morning correctly with a complimentary breakfast. St. Moritz Lodge is each comfy and handy.

Mid-range: Aspen Sq. Condominium Lodge

Aspen Sq. Condominium Lodge is a wonderful mid-range lodging possibility in Aspen. The property affords condos, which vary from studios to three-bedroom items. The condo-only format means you’ll all the time have homely facilities like a kitchen and a comfortable seating space. You additionally get entry to a fitness center and enterprise middle. Nevertheless, the profitable issue of the Aspen Sq. Condominium Lodge is its outside amenities.

Benefit from the heated outside pool all yr spherical, swimming lengths with snow-capped mountain views. Alternatively, take it straightforward and soak in one of many two outside scorching tubs whereas having fun with the views.

Luxurious: The Little Nell

The Little Nell is luxurious lodging at its best. The stylish resort affords 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 may bathe in an outside spa tub or swim within the heated outside pool. All rooms characteristic marble loos and balconies with metropolis or mountain views. And sure suites embrace personal jacuzzis and steam showers, so you may splash out on additional luxurious in order for you.

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

Ultimate Ideas

There are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Aspen. Its location is dreamy for anybody who loves outside adventures. You may loosen up surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and White River Nationwide Forest. Decide a mountaineering path or ski slope of your selection and let the recent air do the remaining. We all know that you just’ll have a unbelievable time in Aspen.