Aspen
Aspen may have a reputation as a world-class winter haven, but this charming and sophisticated town is anything but a one-hit-wonder. As winter fades into spring, then summer, then fall, the skiers and snowboarders are replaced with hikers and bikers. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts are drawn to the open space and rugged splendor of the Colorado Rockies.
This mountain town juxtaposes outdoorsy adventures with luxury and sophistication, as you will experience in the town's foodie-inspired restaurants, chic bars, stylish shops, and romantic hotels, like the Hotel Jerome and St Regis.
Aspen consistently ranks in the top three ski destinations in the United States. With more than 25 feet of snowfall each year, it is home to Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and four ski areas.
Annually, about one and a half million people visit the City of Aspen, yet the town never feels crowded and touristy. During the warmer months, they are hiking the mountain trails or riding horses through the backcountry, including Independence Pass, the White River National Forest, and Roaring Fork River.
Aspen's Location
Located about 200 miles southwest of Denver and roughly 250 miles from Colorado Springs, Aspen was a former silver mining boomtown that rebranded itself as a resort destination. The majority of the town's 7,000 residents work in the hospitality industry.
Private flights to Aspen deliver visitors to the Aspen/Snowmass Regional Airport, situated just a few minutes outside town. The closest international airport is in Denver, about four hours away by car.
Aspen Attractions
There are endless outdoor activities in Aspen, from downhill and cross country skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, paragliding, and rock climbing. In the off-season, many of the ski resorts offer lift rides so you can see the vast Rocky Mountain wilderness from a unique vantage point. It is one of the best ways to see the fall foliage.
Aspen has tons of Old West history and modern appeal. The historic Wheeler Opera House is a must-see landmark. Contemporary art is on display at the Aspen Art Museum, another major attraction in Aspen. Every July, Aspen hosts the Aspen Music Festival, and the Aspen FilmFest each October showcases a selection of independent and foreign films for lovers of the cinematic arts.
Mount Elbert Trail
Burke Gulch
Belford Gulch
Brooklyn Gulch
Walrod Gulch
Barbers Gulch
Hockett Gulch
Blue Creek Trail
Excelsior Gulch
Half Moon Trail
Pigtail Gulch
New York Mountain Trail
Vallejo Gulch
Gordon Gulch
Tie Camp Gulch
Rule Gulch
Bionaz Gulch
The Seven Hermits
Keno Gulch
Elk Mountains
Marble Museum
Mount Massive Trail
Evans Gulch
Squaw Gulch
Yates Gulch
Lenado Gulch
Crystal Canyon
West Fork Old Mans Gulch
Redstone Museum
Grey Gulch
Bowman Gulch
Sunset Gulch
Little Sugarloaf Gulch
Fitzpatrick Gulch
Thayer Gulch
Longs Gulch
Gandy Gulch
Bowers Gulch
Trail Riders Trail
Dayton Gulch
Leeman Gulch
Sterner Gulch
Sheephead Gulch
Hiking Trail
Hotels in Aspen