What We Love About Aspen Colorado
From its world-renowned ski resorts to its five-star hotels, fine dining restaurants, and luxury shopping district, Aspen and Snowmass offer an experience unlike any other destination in Colorado.
Popular activities in Aspen include –
Skiing and Snowboarding: Aspen is known for its world-class ski resorts, including Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. These resorts offer a variety of runs for all skill levels.
Hiking and Biking: In the summer months, Aspen offers many trails for hiking and biking, including the Maroon Bells, a pair of peaks in the Elk Mountains that are among the most photographed peaks in North America.
Music and Arts Festivals: Aspen hosts several music and arts festivals throughout the year, including the Aspen Music Festival, the Aspen Ideas Festival, and the Aspen Food & Wine Classic.
Maroon Bells Scenic Area: The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and photography. The two peaks, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, are among the most photographed mountains in North America.
Aspen Art Museum: The Aspen Art Museum features contemporary art from around the world, with a focus on artists who are not yet well-known in the United States.
Ghost Towns: Aspen is surrounded by several ghost towns that offer a glimpse into the history of the area. Some popular ghost towns to visit include Ashcroft and Independence.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: Take a hot air balloon ride over the mountains and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Snowmobiling: In the winter months, take a snowmobile tour through the backcountry and enjoy the scenery.
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies: The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies offers guided nature walks, birdwatching, and other educational programs.
About Aspen Colorado History
Like many mining communities, the town eventually became incorporated in 1879 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. Today, the town of Aspen is a thriving ski community known for being one of the top winter playgrounds for the rich and famous.
Fun Things to Do Near Aspen Snowmass Coloraodo
Aspen and Snowmass Festivals
Aspen Food & Wine Classic: This annual event in June is a three-day celebration of food and wine, featuring cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and seminars by top chefs and winemakers from around the world.
Aspen Music Festival and School: This summer-long festival in June through August features more than 400 concerts and events, including performances by some of the world’s most renowned classical musicians.
Aspen Ideas Festival: This annual event in June brings together leaders from diverse fields, including politics, science, and culture, for a week of discussions, presentations, and networking.
Aspen Film Festival: This annual event in September showcases new and exciting films from around the world, with screenings and events held throughout Aspen.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet: This dance company performs throughout the year at the Aspen District Theatre and the Harris Concert Hall, featuring both classical and contemporary works.
Jazz Aspen Snowmass: This music festival in September features top jazz, blues, and soul performers from around the world, along with workshops and educational programs.
Winter X Games: This annual event in January brings together top athletes in extreme sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, for competitions and exhibitions.
Winterskol: This annual celebration in January features fireworks, parades, and other winter-themed activities, including snow sculpting and a snowflake dog race.
Aspen Ideas Health: This new event in June brings together health leaders to share ideas and innovations in health and medicine.
Best Hiking Trail Near Aspen
Maroon Lake Scenic Trail: This easy, 1-mile trail takes you from the Maroon Lake parking lot to a scenic overlook of the Maroon Bells, two of the most photographed peaks in North America.
Crater Lake Trail: This 3.6-mile round trip trail is moderately difficult and takes you through aspen groves and meadows to Crater Lake, with stunning views of Maroon Bells along the way.
Hunter Creek Trail: This 6-mile round trip trail is moderately difficult and takes you through a lush, forested canyon to an overlook of the Roaring Fork Valley.
Smuggler Mountain Trail: This 3.8-mile round trip trail is moderately difficult and takes you up Smuggler Mountain for panoramic views of Aspen and the surrounding mountains.
Cathedral Lake Trail: This 5.6-mile round trip trail is moderately difficult and takes you through aspen groves and meadows to Cathedral Lake, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Lost Man Trail: This 8-mile round trip trail is moderately difficult and takes you through high alpine terrain with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Conundrum Creek Trail: This 17.2-mile round trip trail is a strenuous hike that takes you through aspen groves and meadows to Conundrum Hot Springs, a series of natural hot springs located at the base of a glacier.
Capitol Creek Trail: This 9.6-mile round trip trail is a moderately difficult hike that takes you through a scenic valley to Capitol Lake, with stunning views of Capitol Peak along the way.
American Lake Trail: This 6.2-mile round trip trail is a moderately difficult hike that takes you through aspen groves and meadows to American Lake, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
East Maroon Creek Trail: This 8.4-mile round trip trail is a moderately difficult hike that takes you through a scenic valley to Crater Lake, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks along the way.
Directions To Aspen Snowmass Colorado
Denver to Aspen Co (3 Hr 20 Min)
Colorado Springs to Aspen (3 Hr 31 Min)
Crested Butte to Aspen Co (2 Hr 31 Min)
Telluride to Aspen (4 Hr 5 Min)
Grand Junction to Aspen Co (2 Hr 8 Min)
Aspen Colorado Gifts and Apparel
