Aspen's Best Day Driving Trips

Our Local Expert Says:

Stream crossings in June and July can pose difficult crossings. Wildflowers in July/August are superb.

Description:

This is a moderate climb with a couple steep sections. This trail is good for hiking and backpacking. Fishing is fair in Independence Lake, Lost Man Lake, and Lost Man Reservoir. The trail is not a complete loop; it is a good idea to set up a shuttle. The narrative is from Lost Man Campground, follow in reverse if starting from the upper parking lot. The trail begins to the left of the bulletin board and quickly crosses a wooden bridge. At the 1/2 mile mark, the trail forks. Take the right (left goes to Midway Pass) and continue to Lost Man Reservoir and keep left around the reservoir. At approximately the 3-1/2 mile mark there is a junction, turn right (left goes to South Fork Pass). The trail gradually ascends to Lost Man Lake. From the lake the trail ascends steeply to the top of a pass and then descends steeply to Independence Lake. The trail descends gradually to Highway 82, about 4 miles to the trailhead. Directions: 1. Lost Man Campground: Drive 14 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82 to the parking lot directly across from Lost Man Campground. The trailhead begins on the left (north) side of the highway. 2. Last Switchback: Drive 18-1/2 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82 to the... read more

Description:

It is not often that the words casual and elegant can be used in the same sentence, but they definitely apply towards this Victorian restaurant. Located between the Hotel Jerome's main lobby and a hallway, it has an open feel. Yet the passing foot traffic never seems intrusive. The breakfast menu offers a nice twist to usual morning fare. Griddled Cornflake French Toast and hand-cut Corned Beef Hash are two of its ambitious examples. Angel Hair Pasta with Prawns and Venison Flank Steak are two of the stars of the lunch menu.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best milkshakes and malts this side of the Mississippi.

Description:

This novelty restaurant, which looks like something from the Eisenhower administration, is named after owner "Boogie" Weinglass, who was portrayed by Mickey Rourke in the film Diner. Old photographs and the obligatory Elvis Presley mementos line the walls. It is popular with tourists and is very kid friendly. If you are curious to know what a big burger looks like, order the Boogie Burger. Instead of a beef patty, it is a beef edifice, which weighs one whopping pound. For something lighter, opt for the Ahi sandwich or the Chicken Parmesan.

Our Local Expert Says:

Not a drive for the faint of heart! Check on conditions before 4-wheeling, as there has been avalanche blockage from winter in times past.

Description:

Schofield was an old mining town and is now a ghost town with a number of old buildings still standing. The first portion of the road passes through a narrow, steep canyon which contains a number of picturesque water falls. The Devil's Punch Bowl is a series of water falls ending in a deep pool of water. Schofield Park is a large, open meadow surrounded by the Majestic Peaks of the Elk Range. The East Fork Trailhead into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness can be accessed from this road.

This route should be attempt only by VERY SKILLED and EXPERIENCED FOUR-WHEEL DRIVERS in jeep-type, short-wheel based, high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. There have been SEVERAL FATAL ACCIDENTS on this road. Most accidents occur on the descent from Schofield Park to the Devil's Punch Bowl. One danger is due to drivers not drying out their brakes after a deep creek crossing before the steep descent to the Punch Bowl. A snow bridge, formed by winter avalanche deposition, crosses the road about half way between Crystal and Schofield Park. Some years the snow bridge does not melt sufficiently to allow passage. The segment from Schofield Park to Schofield Pass is easy, as is the drive from the pass...

Description:

In a swanky area, this local favorite snubs its nose at the chic and proudly embraces its dive bar feel. Formerly known as "Cooper Street Pier", the dining room remains rich with a "what-you-see-is-what-you-get" character. Six overhead TV screens make the place the closest thing Aspen has to a legitimate sports bar. Pool, darts and shuffleboard provide good drinking diversions.Burgers are the king of the menu. There are sandwiches and a great offering of barbecued ribs.

Our Local Expert Says:

Thrilling views of Colorado’s highest peaks are waiting at the top of Independence Pass. This fully paved mountain road is open to vehicles from early spring to mid-October.

Description:

Topping out at 12,095 ft, Independence Pass is one of the most spectacular mountain roads in America. Breathtaking scenery awaits on the myriad of switchbacks that wind from the Elk Range Mountains in Aspen over the enormous Sawatch Range, where Colorado's tallest peaks stand. There is a parking area at the summit for those who want to snap photographs of the amazing landscape or just take in the incredible panorama. Independence Pass is closed from mid-October to early spring due to heavy snowfall. When it is open, the well-maintained and fully paved road is accessible for all vehicles.

Our Local Expert Says:

Admire the spooky ruins and try to imagine working in high-altitude mines in the harsh Colorado winter—gold makes men do some crazy things!

Description:

Boomtowns came and went in the 1800s and Independence was one of the more famous ones. Created in the summer of 1879 when local prospectors hit gold veins, the ore extracted from mines equated to over $500,000 in the short 11 year life span of Independence. By 1890, nearly all of the operations were gone and only 5 structures remain standing in the ghost town. Admission is free and the road is only open in the temperate summer months, located 13.5 miles east (towards Indepdence Pass) of Aspen along Highway 82.