Things To Do In Aspen, CO
Aspen has more entertainment and attractions than one could possibly experience in just one Aspen vacation but these are the Aspen attractions we recommend you should not miss! After a day of skiing and riding the mountains that are one of the main attractions in Aspen, CO make sure you save some energy for these:
Ride Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola to see fantastic views looking down on Aspen and at the top (11,212-ft.) look out over the Elk Mountain range surrounding Aspen. From here you can hike, play Frisbee golf, play on the climbing wall or catch some rays at the Sundeck Restaurant. Enjoy delicious food and drink while being entertained on by the Bluegrass Sunday bands that rotate every Sunday.
Ajax Tavern, located at the base of Aspen Mountain, comes to life at lunch (11:30pm) and sizzles for après ski and dinner until 10 p.m. each evening, year round. Cocktail hour is all about Ajax Tavern’s luscious cheese fondue, decadent Ajax truffle fries and other gourmet fare; all complemented by delicious drinks a perfect view of Aspen Mountain.
The Maroon Bells are truly majestic in the tight rocky wilderness they preside over and are one of the most photographed mountains in the country. The only way to get the Bells is to take the Maroon Bells Bus Service. See times of bus departures and tickets.
Once you arrive at the Bells you can either hike around the Maroon Lake which sits at the base of the mountains or you can hike to Crater Lake. Crater Lake is a moderate hike which is 1.8 miles long. From the parking area, follow the trail to and around Maroon Lake. Be watching for a sign on your right that says: Crater Lake. Follow that trail into the aspen trees. At about the 3/4 mile mark, you’ll be able to see Crater Lake off to your left. Keep on the trail and it’s just a short hike to the lake. It’s a great idea to bring a picnic and always be prepared for bad weather that can sneak up quickly along with bringing water and sunscreen and wearing good hiking shoes.
If you know anything about the late Gonzo author Hunter S. Thompson then you will want to check out his old hang-out at the Woody Creek Tavern located outside of Aspen. This is a great funky place that serves up some awesome bar tavern type food and some of the best burgers in the valley. You can easily ride your bike for a yummy post ride meal or get an après ski drink in the winter! Learn more.
See the top of the world (or at least the top of the Continental Divide!) Drive this amazing and very narrow pass to see amazing views and get to some very high altitude hikes. Drive to the East side of Aspen and Highway 82 climbs steadily towards the Sawatch Range in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, and reaches a high point of 12,095 feet at Independence Pass. Park at the visitor pull off and you can walk around and get the feel of the rough above tree line tundra.
Grab your favorite friends, blanket and picnic goodies and head to Snowmass Mountain to enjoy free live music from big name bands every Thursday all summer long! See the music line-up!
The best way to take in the sites and sounds of Aspen is to walk around town. Walk Main Street Aspen east to Galena then take a right to enjoy the Cooper Street walking mall, then end up at the Mill Street water fountain. This is a favorite for kids and adults alike. The fountain creates a random pattern for the 12 streams of water shooting straight up in the air at different heights, a pattern that will never repeat in 1.000 years!!! The kids love running through it on a hot summer day, as well as your daring drunks late at night.
Venture into the wild open wilderness of the Castle Creek Valley in the beauty of the white winters. Take a sleigh ride up to the base area where the Ashcroft Ski Touring and the Pine Creek Cookhouse are located (about 1 1/2miles) or get on your snowshoes or cross country skis! Enjoy the miles of excellent cross country ski terrain for all levels. These groomed trails wrap around the old Ashcroft Ghost town, remnants of the once booming mining town. After having fun in the winter wonderland reserve your dinner at the Pine Creek Cookhouse to enjoy gourmet meals in the rustic yet accommodating cabin. Call our concierge to book this perfect Aspen activity: (800) 222-7736.
No lift lines, no crowds, just the exhilaration of skiing some of the Rocky Mountains' finest powder snow in a spectacular setting. Choose from different guides and vendors but most tours take you on the backside of Aspen Mountain to explore untouched powder and backcountry conditions.
Experience a whole different kind of transportation- racing through the trees in a sled pulled by excited beautiful sled dogs! Tours are offered in the morning, afternoon and twilight with an option of enjoying gourmet lunch or dinner with the Krabloonik gang!
Wintersköl meaning "toast to winter" has been celebrated since January 1951. Rejoice the peerless Nordic lifestyle of the Aspenites. Four days of celebration filled with on-mountain activities, parades, a canine fashion show, Soupsköl competition, live music, WinterFest, and fireworks! Don't miss this classic Aspen celebration.
Paradise Bakery is a yummy treat on a cool winter day. Grab a hot chocolate and a warm cookie after your perfect day of skiing or boarding, or warm up after shopping around Aspen! Located on the corner of Galena and Cooper Ave. or in the Snowmass Village Mall.
The Aspen Art Museum is a non-profit presenting the newest, most important evolutions in international contemporary art. Our innovative and timely exhibitions, education and public programs, immersive activities, and community happenings actively engage audiences in thought-provoking experiences of art, culture, and society. Learn more.
Since 1889 the Wheeler Opera House has been Aspen's community performance venue. It is a historic and premier venue for concerts, performances, films, opera and more!
The stage, balcony seating and classic decor will take you back in time while seeing a top-notch performance! See their schedule of events.
The Belly Up Aspen has been open since 2005 with a crowd capacity of 450 people with tiered levels so no matter where you are you get up close and personal to the performers! Belly Up has hosted many musical talents from around the world including: Jane’s Addiction, Wu Tang Clan, Thievery Corporation, Ben Harper, B.B. King, Gov’t Mule, SEAL, ZZ Top, Xavier Rudd, Chris Isaak, G Love, Blues Traveler, Steel Pulse, Method Man and Redman, Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Ky-Mani Marley, Lucinda Williams, Snoop Dogg, Tiësto, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joe Cocker, Wyclef Jean, Ice Cube and many, many more. See their up coming performances.
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