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.
Sugarloaf Gulch
Bartlett Gulch
Second Gulch
Lime Creek Canyon
Little Evans Gulch
Temple Gulch
Horton Gulch
Ironedge Trail
Arbaney Gulch
Iwoa Gulch
Empire Gulch
Beecher Gulch
Mount Massive Trail
Nelson Gulch
Peekaboo Gulch
Aspen Art Museum
Third Gulch
Willis Gulch
Splains Gulch
Keno Gulch
Redstone Museum
Munsey Ruby Stock Driveway
Fish Pond Gulch
Antone Trail
Tenderfoot Gulch
Dry Union Gulch
Excelsior Gulch
Bionaz Gulch
Crystal Canyon
Mule Gulch
Iowa Gulch
Low Pass Gulch
Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum
Longs Gulch
Thayer Gulch
Fall Creek Trail
Lake Creek Trail
Yates Gulch
Suicide Gulch
Buck Gulch
Hoovers Bend Gulch
Spar Gulch
Mount Massive Golf Course
Lackawanna Gulch
Hotels in Aspen