Introduction
Aspen, Colorado is often referred to as a “ski bum’s paradise”. With its pristine mountain peaks and vast forests, Aspen has long been considered one of the best places for skiers and snowboarders alike. However, this famously beautiful town isn’t just about winter sports; it also offers plenty of things to do all year long! Whether you’re looking for some outdoor fun or an art museum visit, Aspen has something for everyone in its charming downtown area.
Maroon Bells
According to the US Forest Service, the Maroon Bells are a pair of 14,000-foot peaks in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of White River National Forest, Colorado, United States. Rising above Lake Maroon and downstream from Maroon Lake in Pitkin County; they are approximately twenty miles southwest of Aspen. The mountains were named for their appearance when viewed from up close. The sunlight behind them makes it appear as if they are either a brilliant orange or red color; thus leading to why they are known as “The Maroon Bells.”
Rio Grande Trail
The Rio Grande Trail is a hiking trail located in the Colorado Rockies. The trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. It’s a great place to hike during the spring, summer, and fall seasons but snow may make it inaccessible in the winter months.
The trail stretches through the Rio Grande National Forest of Southern Colorado and offers some of the best views of one of North America’s most famous rivers: The Rio Grande River (also referred to as “Rio Grande”).
Visitors can start their trip at either end of this long-distance path that runs between two points along its namesake river: one starting point lies next to Alamosa; another begins south near Del Norte; both termini are accessible via US Highway 160/CO State Highway 114.
Aspen Highlands
Aspen Highlands is one of the oldest ski areas in Aspen, Colorado. It has a reputation for being one of the best places for skiing and snowboarding in North America. The mountain was built on top of a large mesa, which gives it incredible views as you traverse down runs that range from beginner to expert-level difficulty.
You can choose from three different ski schools: Aspen Mountain Ski & Snowboard School (for ages 6+), Aspen Highlands Ski & Snowboard School (for ages 7+), or Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard School (for ages 4-12). All lessons are taught by certified instructors who are committed to teaching young people how to be safe on skis or snowboards while also having fun! They offer private and group lessons as well as multi-week sessions during school breaks if your child wants more time on the slopes than just one day off from school each week during winter break from classes like math, science, reading comprehension etcetera…you know what I mean? Anyway back to our point here about kids taking lessons at Highlands; there’s no not toot if there were then maybe we’d suggest doing something else instead. Maybe go hiking instead?”
John Denver Sanctuary
Located outside of Aspen, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of John Denver. The sanctuary offers guided tours, a gift shop with official merchandise from the Sanctuary, and educational programs for all ages.
Independence Pass
Independence Pass is the highest paved road in Colorado, and it’s open from late May to mid-October. It’s located between Aspen and Twin Lakes, which is an ideal base for exploring Independence Pass on foot or mountain bike. The pass gains about 3,000 feet in elevation over a distance of 12 miles as it climbs from 9,200 feet to 12,100 feet (the highest point in the state). You can start at either end of the pass; if you choose to start at its southern terminus near Aspen Highlands or Snowmass Ski Area (which are both resorts), take a shuttle ride up the steep initial portion of the road before you begin your journey.
The view from Independence Pass is breathtaking: Mountains rise on all sides as far as you can see into valleys filled with lush fields of wildflowers and forests of pine trees that shimmer under summertime sunlight. There are several trailheads along this route where mountain bikers will find plenty of challenge—and even more reward—in tackling some hard climbs up steep switchbacks that lead over 12 miles through rugged terrain (you may want to plan so you don’t run out of water). Hikers will also enjoy exploring these rocky slopes when conditions are dry enough not only because they offer great views but also because there are plenty of opportunities for seeing wildlife such as elk herds grazing nearby during summer months when the snow melts off quickly due to sudden changes in weather patterns caused by climate change.”
Wheeler Opera House Tours
Wheeler Opera House is a historic opera house in Aspen, Colorado listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The venue is used for music, dance, and theatre performances.
The opera house was built in 1879 by architect Henry M. Congdon and named after Aspen’s first mayor George E. Wheeler. It was originally called the Club House and was used as a meeting place for local miners during the Colorado Silver Boom era at the end of the 19th century.[3]
In 1906 it was converted into an opera house with a seating capacity of 500 people.[4] The building also featured an orchestra pit which could be raised to stage level when needed[5]. During this period all men were required to wear hats while attending shows at Wheeler Opera House; women were not allowed inside unless accompanied by their husbands or fathers.[6]
Mill Street Fountain
For an iconic Aspen experience, the Mill Street Fountain is a must-do. This public art installation was designed by Jim Campbell and dedicated in 1978. It sits at the heart of town on Mill Street Plaza, right across from City Hall, and is made of granite and bronze. The fountain features three figures: an Indian hunter, trapper, and miner.
The artist was inspired by the local legend that Aspen’s first permanent settlers were members of the Ute tribe who came from Colorado’s San Juan Mountains looking for food after their hunting grounds were decimated by disease brought to them by white traders.
Aspen Mountain
Aspen Mountain is a ski area in Aspen, Colorado. It is the smaller of two mountains that make up Aspen/Snowmass, the other being Snowmass Mountain. The mountain has a summit elevation of 11,316 ft (3,442 m).
Aspen Mountain was originally developed by Walter Paepcke and others who intended to create a winter sports destination through their purchase of timberland along Aspen Creek and Million Dollar Highway. They ultimately were able to build this destination as they owned the land outright which meant no lease payments or taxes to pay on it when they were finished building on it. This enabled them to build higher quality facilities than would have been possible if they had been required to pay rent or taxes while they were working on their property; thus giving them more incentive towards creating something truly special rather than merely mediocre since there was no need for a profit margin of these projects since no landlord was demanding one from them!
Aspen Art Museum
The Aspen Art Museum is a museum of modern and contemporary art that’s located in the heart of Aspen. The museum was founded in 1972 and is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to the art of our time.
The Aspen Art Museum offers guided tours, where you’ll learn about some of their most popular pieces, including Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych (1963) and David Hockney’s A Bigger Splash (1967). There are also special events that take place throughout the year, including live music performances and art workshops for kids.
The Silverqueen Gondola
The Silver Queen Gondola is a convenient way to get to the top of Aspen Mountain. This gondola takes you from the valley floor up to the top, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Aspen, the Maroon Bells, and Roaring Fork Valley. The ride is free and you can also disembark at any point during your journey.
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES)
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is a nonprofit environmental education organization that offers a wide range of educational programs for children and adults. Located in Aspen, Colorado, ACES has been educating people about the environment since 1979. The center offers numerous outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and skiing.
ACES has been educating people about the environment since 1979.
ACES offers many different educational programs from nature hikes to classroom lectures.
Snowmass Ski Resort
The Snowmass Ski Resort is a ski area in the central Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Located in Snowmass Village, an unincorporated community that is part of Pitkin County, it has four mountains: Snowmass, with its eponymous village; Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands (which share a lift ticket), known collectively as The Massif; and Buttermilk Mountain. The resort has a total of 721 acres (3.0 km²).
The resort hosts the annual X Games every summer along with many other concerts and events throughout the year.
Ajax Tavern and Little Nell Hotel Bar
Ajax Tavern
Ajax Tavern is one of Aspen’s most historic bars and can be found on Main Street. It’s known for its cheap beer and friendly atmosphere. The tavern has been around since the 1860s, so it’s well worth a visit if you’re in town for any length of time.
Little Nell Hotel Bar
The Little Nell Hotel Bar is another historic bar located on Main Street (it’s right next door to Ajax Tavern). While this place might not appeal to people who enjoy the hustle-and-bustle nature of a rowdy night out, those seeking some quiet drinks will find themselves at home here. The decorating style inside is very “old school” with lots of antiques and other artifacts from previous eras scattered around the room—almost like a museum exhibit were plopped down in the center of town by mistake! This bar doesn’t offer happy hour specials or live music as an excuse for staying open later than most others in Aspen; instead, they pride themselves on being able to serve customers whatever drink they ask for without being rudely cut off by an overzealous bouncer before the last call.”
Takeaway:
Aspen is a great place to visit in the winter. It’s also a great place to visit in the summer, fall, and spring.
Conclusion
Aspen is a beautiful town, and the best way to experience it is by exploring its natural surroundings. The city offers an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking and biking that you can enjoy with your friends or family.
