Best Things to See and Do in Aspen

Our Local Expert Says:

Bring your A-game to Aspen Mountain—the whole town will be watching as you rip down the slopes.

Description:

Aspen Mountain is truly a local mountain--several runs end right on the streets of downtown Aspen. A modest 8 lifts service 76 trails and most of the terrain is geared towards strong intermediate and expert skiers and riders. Three restaurants are directly on the mountain so you don't have to slow down to curb your hunger. Those who want to showcase their skills are advised to challenge the Little Nell run, whose terminus is directly in downtown Aspen. If you impress the locals, take a bow and get back on the mountain!

Our Local Expert Says:

Want to ski with the locals in a BIG way? Do The Bowl!

Description:

This area is more of a spine than a mountain, yet it still offers 112 trails. It is a favorite of locals because 47 percent of the trails are expert rated and many feature outstanding mogul runs that soften up nicely in the sun. Even if you are not up for trying an expert run, a chairlift ride to the summit is worth the stunning view of the Maroon Bells. Beginners and intermediates can find trails to their liking on the lower half of the mountain. The mountain is serviced by four lifts and three restaurants.

Our Local Expert Says:

Get to the trailhead before the road closes at 8:30 AM in the summer to get the perfect photograph of the alpenglow sunrise on the Maroon Bells.

Description:

This popular trail is a photographer's delight, with stunning views of the fabled Maroon Bell peaks (along with nearby Pyramid Peak). On quiet days, Maroon Lake acts like a natural mirror and the effect is especially pronounced at dawn and twilight. As the trail circumnavigates the lake, ambitious hikers can take alternate trails towards West Maroon Pass for a longer day of hiking. Terrain around the lake is flat and good for kids and families. Directions: Drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82 and turn left onto Maroon Creek Road at the roundabout. Keep right and continue 9 1/2 miles to the Maroon Lake Parking Area. From mid-June through September, the Maroon Creek Road is closed from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and you will need to take a shuttle bus from Ruby Park in Aspen. The bus includes an informative guided tour of the valley. Contact the Roaring Fork Transit Agency at 970-925-8484 for more information.

Description:

World-renowned chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, whose gourmet Japanese food has filled stomachs in New York, London and Los Angeles to high praise, is now working his magic in Aspen. The interior is so stark and simple that it somehow drips with style. Seating options include table, booth or sushi bar. It is not often that one can say that everything on the menu is outstanding, but this restaurant is one of the rare exceptions. Specialty dishes include mussels in a spicy garlic sauce, and Tuna Tataki. It also offers an array of sashimi options. Open hours change with each season; call the restaurant for more information.

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:

Make sure to say "Hello" to Seppy; she'll make your visit unforgettable!

Description:

For over 60 years, this family ranch has been leading vacationers into the pristine Colorado backcountry via horseback. Located only five minutes from Aspen, it offers guided day trips, including one to the famed Maroon Bells. The truly adventurous can arrange for two to three day pack trips, which include cooked meals by the staff. During the winter, jingle through the snow on a sleigh ride pulled by a Belgian draft horse; laughing all the way is optional. Dinner, live music and dancing offered, too. Reservations are required for all rides.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Get a free, firsthand look at a boomtown mansion from the late 1800s—a great stop for history buffs.

Description:

For a fortunate few, Aspen's silver boom meant more wealth than they knew what to do with. Jerome Wheeler was one such lucky soul, who built the impressive Queen Anne style mansion for his family in 1888. Despite the opulent setting, Wheeler's wife wanted nothing to do with the impressive home and it remained partially occupied until purchased by Edgar and Mary Stallard in 1905. The Aspen Historical Society acquired the estate in 1969 and now offers free admission to the elegant manor, complete with furnishings and art from the 1880s to the modern day. Open Tuesday-Saturday 1PM- 5PM.

Our Local Expert Says:

Nature's stairmaster! Don't attack if you want a leisurely hike or bike. It's uphill! Locals do it for exercise on a near-daily basis, but don't let 'em kid you!

Description:

If you are seeking a mountain bike trail that does not require driving out of town, pedal up to this old mining road. The opening two miles (3.2 kilometers) of loose-graveled switchbacks dominate the ride until you reach the Iowa mine. From there you can either bounce back down, or continue on for the Hunter Creek Loop, which covers just under eight miles (13 kilometers) and returns you to Aspen via Red Mountain Road. Follow residential Smugglers Mountain Road until you reach the well-marked trailhead.