Top 8 Budget Activities in Aspen

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:

Beautiful alpine scenery and a great place to take visitors coming from lower altitudes who may not be able to deal with thin-air hiking just yet.

Description:

Summer is every bit as beautiful as winter in Aspen and the Silver Queen Gondola lets you see it all from the 11,212 ft. summit of Ajax Mountain. This relaxing lift ride takes you above the piney forest below to gorgeous alpine meadows, where wildflower season in late July is a photographer's dream. The Gondola is ideal for those who want to see the high altitude scenery but don't want to fizzle out their legs hiking thousands of vertical feet to do so.

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:

Hiking or biking, it's delightful!

Description:

This is a wonderfully appropriate name for a trail, for like the government itself, there are some things you like and other things that will cause you to foam in the brain. It covers 13 miles (21 kilometers) and, depending on your ability, takes two to five hours to complete. Single tracks, fire roads, stream crossings, mud, steep descents and thigh-burning climbs all combine to make for a great ride. It spills out at Iselin Park on Maroon Creek Road. From Snowmass, take Woods Road to Pine Lane. Follow it to where it dead-ends, pass through the gate and begin pedaling.

Our Local Expert Says:

A true niche hotel. Affordable, close to town and lifts, and nicely run. If you're on a budget, try it!

Description:

Tucked away on the west edge of town, this lodge has a variety of affordable no-frill rooms available. Choose from standard hotel rooms, or one- to two-bedroom condos. If you are really looking to save some cash, opt for the private rooms with shared bathrooms or the shared dorm style rooms. All the rooms are comfortable and a select bunch have fireplaces, full kitchenettes, and may feature breathtaking views of Shadow Mountain.

Our Local Expert Says:

Try the fish tacos at the bar with one of their kick-butt margaritas!

Description:

Trying to distinguish one Mexican restaurant from another is difficult. Most, if not all, serve big plates with six digit calorie counts. Su Casa, however, is refreshingly different for it emphasizes low calorie fare that does not sacrifice on taste. Despite the downstairs location, this restaurant has a lively atmosphere which at times feels like permanent Mexican style celebration. The menu serves the usual array of tacos, burritos and enchiladas. It also cooks specialty dishes like Carnitas, Camorones, and Chillies Rellenos. Salads such as the Yucatan, Avocado and Tostada are all generous in size.

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:

One of the most incredibly lovely valleys in the state!

Description:

The Castle Creek Area includes Conundrum Creek and Hot Springs, Ashcroft, Montezuma Basin, Taylor Pass, Express Creek, Castle Peak, American Lake, Cathedral Lake, Electric Pass, Little Annie Basin, Richmond Ridge and much more.

Some of the numerous recreation opportunities available in the Castle Creek Area include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, backcountry camping, fishing, four-wheel driving, scenic driving, sightseeing, mountain climbing, and viewing historic Ashcroft. Winter brings possibilities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

This area is located south of Aspen. It includes the Castle Creek Valley and its tributaries, such as Conundrum Creek and Express Creek as well as the Richmond Ridge area. Directions: Castle Creek Road - Drive 1/2 mile west of the Aspen Ranger District on Highway 82 to the round-a-bout and take the Castle Creek exit. Pass Aspen Valley Hospital and continue on Castle Creek Road. Castle Creek Road provides access to Midnight Mine, Little Annie Basin, Express Creek/Taylor Pass, Pearl Pass and Montezuma Basin Roads.