Aspen Travel Guide

Plan the ultimate trip to Aspen with our travel guide, featuring top attractions, hiking trails, activities, food and drink scene, lodging options, and more.


Introduction to Aspen

Located in the Northwestern region of Colorado, the charming town of Aspen is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of the United States. Known for its world-class skiing resorts, iconic alpine scenery, and a rich cultural heritage, Aspen attracts tourists from all over the globe. While the winter season is the prime time to visit this stunning destination, Aspen has plenty to offer all year round, including thrilling outdoor activities, unique attractions, and vibrant nightlife.

List of Places to Visit in Aspen

Here are the top attractions to include on your trip to Aspen:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wheeler Opera House: Dating back to 1889, this iconic opera house has been a significant landmark of Aspen. It offers a year-round program of live music, theater performances, and screenings.
  • Aspen Historical Society: Discover the rich cultural history of Aspen, Colorado, at the Aspen Historical Society. The museum offers a diverse collection of artifacts, exhibits, and guided tours that offer a glimpse into the past.
  • Maroon Bells: This is a pair of peaks located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area. They are one of the most visually stunning sites in the whole of the United States.

Natural Attractions of Aspen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Aspen Mountain: This is one of the four skiing resorts in Aspen, and it offers 76 ski runs for skiers of all skill levels. If skiing isn’t your thing, the resort offers summer activities that include hiking, paragliding, and more.
  • Aspen Art Museum: The museum offers a stunning collection of contemporary art and frequently exhibits temporary exhibits that run the entire gamut of the arts.
  • Independence Pass: The highest road in the Colorado mountains, Independence Pass reaches 12,095 feet, offering stunning views that are hard to beat.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Aspen

Aspen boasts a fantastic network of hiking and biking trails, ranging in length, difficulty, and terrain. Here are some of the best routes:

  • The Maroon Bells: The Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is perfect for leisurely hikes and suitable for families with small children. For more experienced hikers, the Crater Lake Trail offers stunning views of the Bell’s peaks.
  • Smuggler Mountain Trail: This is an easy hike with some of the most amazing views of the city of Aspen and surrounding mountains.
  • Hunter Creek Trail: This is a moderate hike and a favorite among locals. The dense foliage, rivers, and waterfall provide a serene escape for outdoor lovers.

Best Things to Do in Aspen: Activities and Tours

Aspen is home to a wide range of fun activities and engaging tours, including:

  • Aspen Music Festival and School: One of the most significant classical music celebrations in the world, known for its exceptional faculty, students, and performances.
  • Aspen Paragliding: Get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding mountains and meadows by going paragliding — a thrilling activity that all adventure enthusiasts will love.
  • Food Tours of Aspen: Discover Aspen’s vibrant culinary scene by taking a guided food tour, sampling the most exquisite and unique food in the town.

Week-Long Itinerary for Aspen

For a fun-filled week in Aspen, consider a schedule that includes the following:

Day Activity
1 Hike to Smuggler Mountain Trail, Afternoon stroll in downtown Aspen
2 Bike ride to Maroon Bells, Visit Aspen Art Museum
3 Soak up sun and fun at the Snowmass beach, Golfing at Snowmass Club
4 Guided tour of the Wheeler Opera House, Explore the Aspen Historical Society
5 Outdoor adventure - go whitewater rafting, Visit the Crystal Mill
6 Shopping in downtown Aspen, Food tour of the town
7 Sightseeing of Aspen from the sky, Attend a Music Festival and School concert

Food and Drink Scene of Aspen

Aspen has a dynamic food and drink scene, offering some of the best new American cuisine around. The following are the must-try dishes and local beverages that define the town:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Colorado Lamb: One of the most popular culinary dishes in the area, with succulent lamb steaks cooked to perfection and served with locally sourced vegetables.
  • Oliebollen: A traditional Dutch treat, deep-fried balls of dough dusted with powdered sugar.
  • Aspen’s Golden-Mashed Potato: A side dish served in many of the town’s best restaurants, including Grateful Deli.

Local Beverages

  • Aspen Brewing Company: A local microbrewery that serves some of the town’s best craft beers, including Dirty Blonde, Pyramid Peak Porter, and others.
  • Woody Creek Distillers: This distillery specializes in producing high-quality, hand-crafted vodka, gin, and whiskey.

Where to Stay in Aspen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Aspen has an array of lodging options to cater to the needs and budgets of all travelers, whether you’re looking for luxury or on a budget, here are some of the best places to stay in Aspen:

  • The Little Nell: A five-star hotel offering world-class service, stunning views, and exquisite dining options.
  • Limelight Hotel: A favorite among families, the hotel provides family-friendly amenities, including a heated outdoor pool and hot tub.
  • St. Moritz Lodge & Condominiums: A budget-friendly option that caters to backpackers and budget travelers. The lodge features a communal kitchen for guests to use.

What to Buy in Aspen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Aspen is home to a vast collection of unique and hand-crafted art pieces, jewelry, and souvenirs to take home as a memory. Here are the top options:

  • Aspen Leaf Jewelry: Jewelry made from genuine aspen leaves dipped in silver or gold is a popular souvenir.
  • Aspen Art Museum Souvenir Store: A wide array of books, handmade jewelry, and notebooks made by Aspen’s local artists.
  • Colorado Wine: Colorado is known for producing excellent wines, and a bottle of the state’s premier vintage makes for an excellent souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Aspen

Aspen’s culture and customs are heavily influenced by the town’s history and stunning mountainside surroundings. Its people are friendly, laid-back, and open-minded, welcoming travelers with open arms.

Best Time to Visit Aspen

Aspen has an array of activities to offer all year-round, making it a fantastic destination for all seasons. If skiing is your thing, visiting from December to April is ideal. Summers are great for outdoor activities, festivals, and warm weather, making them perfect for those who dislike cold weather, while Autumn offers excellent weather for outdoor adventures.

Do’s and Don’ts of Aspen

Do:

  • Respect the natural surroundings; Aspen is famous for its outdoor attractions, so if hiking or camping, try to keep the wilderness as natural as possible.
  • Embrace the outdoor culture; the town is full of adventure enthusiasts, and getting outside is a must for all visitors.

Don’t:

  • Engage in any wildlife hunting or feeding.
  • Do not park your car on the streets until you check for parking permits.

Safety and Health

Safety should be a top priority when visiting Aspen. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Aspen

  • If you’re hiking, always carry a map, water, and bear spray.
  • When going skiing, make sure that you are wearing appropriate gear and that you’re aware of avalanche warnings.

Health in Aspen

  • Altitude sickness can be a concern for some people visiting Aspen, so make sure to take appropriate measures to avoid it, including drinking plenty of water, taking breaks, and avoiding strenuous activities during your first few days in the area.

Getting to Aspen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Aspen is located approximately 220 miles west of Denver and 850 miles from Los Angeles. Here are some options for getting to Aspen:

  • Air travel: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is only five miles away from the town center, with daily flights from Los Angeles, Denver, and Chicago.
  • Bus: Taking the bus to Aspen is cheap and eco-friendly, with companies like Greyhound and Roaring Fork Transportation Authority offering daily services.
  • Car: Driving to Aspen can be a scenic and fun option, especially during the fall when the leaves are changing.

How to Get Around in Aspen

Aspen provides good public transit options, with an efficient bus system that runs through town and to surrounding towns. If you prefer more freedom, renting a car or bike is also available.

Where to Go Next from Aspen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Aspen is surrounded by plenty of fascinating nearby destinations and excursions, including:

  • Glenwood Springs: Known for its natural hot springs, Glenwood Springs is located just a short drive away from Aspen and is a must-visit destination.
  • Durango: Located a four-hour drive away from Aspen, Durango is known for its scenic views and nearby Mesa Verde National Park.
  • Crested Butte: Just a two-hour drive from Aspen, Crested Butte offers endless outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

Conclusion

Aspen, Colorado, is undoubtedly a unique destination that offers an incredible range of cultural, natural, and outdoor attractions and activities. With a welcoming community, a vibrant food and drink scene, and a diverse selection of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, you are sure to make memories that last a lifetime in Aspen.

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