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.
Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum
Little Evans Gulch
Trail Riders Trail
Colorado River Valley
Aspen Art Museum
Vista Trail
Ute Gulch
Brooklyn Gulch
Iwoa Gulch
Shippees Draw
Bears Gulch
Fish Pond Canyon
Little Willis Gulch
Yates Gulch
Johnny Draw
Walrod Gulch
Kirby Gulch
Gleason Gulch
Hiking Trail
Wheatley Gulch
Suicide Gulch
Dobson Gulch
Pioneer Gulch
Piney Gulch
Salsbury Gulch
Stockyard Gulch
Baxter Gulch
Conroy Gulch
Pawnee Gulch
Marble Museum
Hawkinsville Gulch
Boswell Gulch
Bionaz Gulch
Salt Creek Trail
Wheelbarrow Gulch
Slow Trail Gulch
The Seven Hermits
Williams Mountains
Mule Gulch
Munsey Ruby Stock Driveway
Shingle Mill Gulch
Association Gulch
Cerise Gulch
Gerard Gulch
Pigtail Gulch
Trentaz Gulch
Saloon Gulch
Beecher Gulch
Hanson Gulch
Lake Charles Trail
Temple Gulch
Low Pass Gulch
Eccher Gulch
Mount Massive Trail
Thayer Gulch
Spar Gulch
East Fork Old Mans Gulch
New York Mountain Trail
Mcginley Gulch
Brewster Gulch
Layton Gulch
Doctor Gulch
Monitor Gulch
Sugarloaf Gulch
Little Stray Horse Gulch
Slaughter Spring Gulch
Main Range Trail
Lackawanna Gulch
Besancon Gulch
Bartlett Gulch
Dayton Gulch
Sawyer Lake Trail
Mckenzie Gulch
Iowa Gulch
Star Trail
Hockett Gulch
Hewitts Gulch
Old Mans Gulch
Waterfall Gulch
Grey Gulch
Ruby Range
Redstone Museum
Bowles Gulch
Mary Jane Gulch
Leeman Gulch
Boran Gulch
Peekaboo Gulch
Sheephead Gulch
Mountain Boy Gulch
Oversteeg Gulch
Lime Creek Canyon
La Plata Gulch
White Quail Gulch
Fish Pond Gulch
Rule Gulch
Mount Massive Golf Course
Gordon Gulch
Dustin Gulch
Antone Trail
Hotels in Aspen