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.
Ironedge Trail
Matchless Trail
Main Range Trail
Hoovers Bend Gulch
New York Mountain Trail
Dustin Gulch
Pioneer Gulch
Barbers Gulch
Salsbury Gulch
Brewster Gulch
Rustler Gulch
Layton Gulch
Waverly Gulch
Sawyer Lake Trail
Iwoa Gulch
Pawnee Gulch
Piney Gulch
Little Willis Gulch
Granite Basin Trail
Thayer Gulch
Suicide Gulch
Trentaz Gulch
Rule Gulch
Mary Jane Gulch
Sayres Gulch
Association Gulch
Lake Charles Trail
Lime Creek Canyon
Queens Gulch
Minnehaha Gulch
Excelsior Gulch
Mayer Gulch
Twobit Gulch
Prospector Gulch
Mountain Boy Gulch
Fitzpatrick Gulch
Yates Gulch
Timberline Trail
Hanson Gulch
Slaughter Spring Gulch
The Grottos
Slim Jim Gulch
East Fork Old Mans Gulch
Waterloo Gulch
Bartlett Gulch
Wheelbarrow Gulch
Stray Horse Gulch
Fish Pond Canyon
Colorado River Valley
Aspen Art Museum
Bennet Gulch
Little Porcupine Gulch
Marion Gulch
Cerise Gulch
Ruby Range
The Seven Hermits
Arbaney Gulch
Low Pass Gulch
Conroy Gulch
Shingle Mill Gulch
Lenado Gulch
Slow Trail Gulch
Chapman Trail
Vista Trail
Salt Creek Trail
Bowers Gulch
Ute Gulch
Stag Gulch
Star Trail
Little Stray Horse Gulch
Kirby Gulch
Half Moon Trail
Antone Trail
Fry Gulch
Bionaz Gulch
Splains Gulch
La Plata Gulch
Sterner Gulch
Mcnasser Gulch
Trail Riders Trail
Yoder Gulch
Munsey Ruby Stock Driveway
Dayton Gulch
Sugarloaf Gulch
Besancon Gulch
Beecher Gulch
Sunset Gulch
Redstone Museum
Hawkinsville Gulch
Oversteeg Gulch
Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum
Hiking Trail
Crystal Canyon
Brooklyn Gulch
Hockett Gulch
Lackawanna Gulch
Dry Union Gulch
Boran Gulch
Porcupine Gulch
Hotels in Aspen