To do

Aspen is one of our favorite places, and we can’t wait to share it with you. If you have some extra time, here are a few activities and adventures we recommend.

 

  • With so many beautiful trails, you can truly go on your own adventure.  There are trailheads all over the valley. Here is a list of our favorite Aspen hiking trails:

    • Smuggler - Moderate but quick

    • Rio Grande Trail - Easy and scenic

    • Ute Trail - Difficult but really quick

    • Aspen Mountain - Extreme and very long (approx. 3 hours)

    • Hunter Creek

    • Crater Lake*

    • Rim Trail* 

    • American Lake*

    • Cathedral Lake* 

    • Conundrum (hot springs)*

    • Lost Man Loop*

    *Transport to and from trailhead needed

  • Grab a bike and head out on your own or hire guides.  If you choose to go on your own, there are many great places to ride: Rio Grande Trail, down to Woody Creek Tavern for lunch, up to Pine Creek Cookhouse (e-bikes), or just cruise around town.  

    Rental Shops

    • Silver City Cycles - E-bikes - www.silvercitycycles.com

    • Aspen Bikes - E-Bikes, cruisers, scooters, and more - (970) 925-9169

    Guided Tours

  • Visit Aspen’s most iconic and one of the US’s most photographed locations - the Maroon Bells. Head to Highlands where you can hop on a bus to the Maroon Bells. Pack a picnic lunch and wander through the wilderness. Don’t forget to make reservations for the trip, clic here.

    Pop into the Highlands Ale House for lunch, a slice of pizza, or a drink before or after visiting the Maroon Bells. Willow Creek is also a nice option for a more refined lunch.

 

  • Take the Aspen Mountain gondola to the very top for hiking, frisbee golf, ladder ball, bocce ball, life-size chess, and more.

    Foot passes available in the ticket office just beneath the gondola.

  • Since 1998 it has been a local's tradition to stroll through the market buying Colorado-grown produce and Colorado-produced artisan products.

    Open on Saturdays from 8:30am - 2:00pm, the market offers fruits, vegetables, bread, meats, jams, and more as well as a food court for lunch or a snack.

    The market makes a U-shape from the corner of Galena & Hopkins Ave to Hunter St & then back again to the intersection of Hyman & Galena.

  • Contemporary art venue for visiting international shows & a biannual take on works by local artists. Admission is free. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop cafe!

    www.aspenartmuseum.org

  • ACES is an absolutely magical spot just slightly off the beaten path in Aspen. You will truly feel like you have been transported while walking this half mile loop around Hallam Lake. Keep an eye out for wildlife as it is always a great place to spot.

    www.aspennature.org

 
 

  • Drive or e-bike to lunch at Woody Creek Tavern for great food in a quirky local tavern.

  • Plan to drive or take the bus to Snowmass Village, around a 25 minutes drive from Aspen.

    • Lost Forest Ropes Course

    • Paintball

    • Alpine Slide

    www.aspensnowmass.com

  • Drive or e-bike to lunch at the stunning and remote Pine Creek Cookhouse.

    Plan for e-biking to take approx. 2 hours and driving 40 min from Aspen.

  • There are so many great spots up the pass to enjoy. You will need a vehicle to drive this scenic route.

    We love a day trip to the Grottos (pack a picnic and enjoy) or explore the Braille Trail, an easy walking path in complete serenity.

    This trail was created for the visually impaired to enjoy nature. All trail signs are also written in braille.