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Aspen is the closest there is to an ideal alpine town in the United States. Nestled centrally in the White River National Forest and surrounded by Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and Elk Mountain range, Aspen is a top skiing destination and one of the most charming mountain towns in the world. It’s a cozy retreat, boasting fairytale surroundings all year round, from colorful wildflowers that come alive in the summer to orange-yellow aspen leaves that signal the arrival of fall.
Located just under 200 miles west of the state capital, Denver, Aspen attracts world-famous celebrities and dignitaries who love its premier ski resorts and come looking for winter fun. But that is just the tip of the iceberg; there is a lot more in this beautiful town that keeps tourists streaming in. From upscale shopping, fine dining, outdoor exploration, and winter hiking to mountain biking, Aspen has something for everyone. Here is the ultimate guide to experiencing this must-visit Colorado town.
What To Know Before Visiting Aspen
Aspen was initially established in 1879 as a silver-mining town before becoming a ski destination around the 1940s. Its original name was Ute City (from the Ute Indians), but the name was changed in 1880, inspired by the abundance of aspen trees thriving in the area.
The town sits at a 7,908-foot elevation and is surrounded by four main mountains: Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands. These offer fantastic skiing opportunities of different difficulty levels during winter, something Aspen is recognized for the world over.
Aspen occupies a high position in the global skiing destination hierarchy, hosting prestigious events such as the World Alpine Skiing Championships and Winter X games. Skiing aside, the town is also home to other popular events like the Aspen Jazz Festival, which attracts huge crowds.
The town has a population of just over 7,000, and its high elevation sees relatively chilly winter temperatures. Fortunately, the abundant sunshine and dry climate in Colorado make the conditions more tolerable, especially with the right gear.
Aspen is sometimes considered a playground for the rich and famous; Its glamour as a resort city brings in high-profile visitors. This has considerably improved other sectors of the area’s economy, including arts, dining, and real estate.
Best Time To Visit Aspen
The best time tourists can visit the town is between December and February. The pristine slopes of Aspen are coved in fresh white snow and ready to take the punishment from skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers.
The high season welcomes guests in numbers coming to revel in all kinds of winter fun and celebrate the Christmas holidays. With a high demand for lodging and accommodation, hotel prices are at their highest. However, tourists may get a good deal if they plan a few months prior.
Aspen boasts two high seasons, and the second falls between June and August. The temperatures hover around the high 70s, resulting in warm and comfortable weather to be outside and exploring the mountains. While summer is also a high season in Aspen, it is slightly less expensive than the winter high season.
The cheapest time to visit the city is from September to November. Those not ready to break the bank for a vacation stay can sneak into Aspen in the off-season and enjoy subsidized hotel rates.
September and November are also the least crowded times in town. Aspen switches to slow gear, and tourists who value their own company have free rein to roam the city without too much competition.
Meanwhile, the worst time for tourists in Aspen is between April and June. Most visitors have departed, and locals prefer to spend most of their time indoors. As such, the town seems deserted, and some attractions are closed.
The skiing season is between late November and mid-April for those who travel to Aspen specifically to ski.
Best Ways To Get Around Aspen
Aspen is a relatively small mountain town that tourists should have no trouble navigating. Most of its attractions are close to one another, so walking, hiking, biking, and snowshoeing during winter are all viable and convenient options.
Catch the bus
Getting on the bus is probably the best way to move around, making it easy for locals and tourists, considering its expansive network. The Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) runs the city’s bus system, with routes connecting Aspen to Rifle, Snowmass Village, and Woody Creek.
Tourists will be happy to know that RFTA operates fare-free to Snow Mass Village and Woody Creek but will have to pay when going to Glenwood Springs. Most buses are conveniently equipped with racks for bikes ($2), skis, and snowboards.
- Fare: $2-$8 depending on the stop
- Schedule: Daily 6:53 am - 7:53 pm at 30-minute intervals
Get on a bike
The Roaring Fork Valley area, where Aspen is located, is impressively bike-friendly, and residents ride their bikes in the summer and winter. This is thanks to the multiple paved paths, bike lanes, and trails connecting the town to Snowmass Valley, Woody Creek, and even Basalt.
The Rio Grande Trail is a 40-mile path from Aspen to Glenwood Springs with a mostly paved surface perfect for cyclists. Travelers can check the WE-Cycle bike-share program for a bike.
- Rates: Free for the first 30 minutes or less, $.50 for pedal bikes, and $5 for e-bikes per minute (after the first 30 minutes)
For longer trips and adventures, rent a bike from the several rental shops in town like Aspen Sports and Aspen Meadows.
Head out on foot
Aspen is one of those places that don’t need a car to move around. Walking is among the best ways to explore the town activities, with shops, museums, art galleries, and watering holes waiting to be discovered.
The streets are appropriately marked and feature high-tech crosswalks and low car speed limits to keep pedestrians safe.
The Aspen Pedestrian Mall in the downtown corridor is closed off to vehicles, giving pedestrians free rein.
Drive a car
Those used to the comfort of a vehicle can always rent a car at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, where rental agencies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz can be located.
A car will also come in handy for accessing off-road trailheads, distant campgrounds, and other outdoor attractions.
Get a taxi
Lastly, guests can catch a cab, available throughout Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley Region seven days a week.
Taxi services like High Mountain Taxi are accessible from the airport, with more options like Lyft and Uber a phone call away.
Where To Stay In Aspen
The mountain town of Aspen is well-prepared to cater to the lodging needs of the crowds descending upon it in the winter and summer.
From luxury ski resorts with sophisticated amenities for high-maintenance celebrities to affordable Airbnb for solo travelers and comfortable vacation rentals suited for large families.
For Luxury:
- Address: 845 Meadows Road, Aspen, CO 81611, United States
- Rates per night: $1269 for 2 guests
- Amenities: Airport transfer, free parking, pool friendly, pet friendly, gym, free WIFI, bar/lounge, fitness center, business center, concierge services, laundry services, hair salon, outdoor pool, coffee machine, spa.
- Address: 315 East Dean Street, Aspen, CO 81611, United States
- Rates per night: $1699 for 2 guests
- Amenities: Outdoor and indoor pools, wellness center, spa, fitness center, room service, bar/lounge, tennis, bicycle rental, restaurant, free WIFI, concierge service, meeting/banquet facilities, ski equipment rental (on-site)
For Value:
- Address: 333 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611, United States
- Rates per night: $145 for 2 guests
- Amenities: outdoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna, TV, small refrigerator, fitness center, private bathroom with tub/shower combo, business center, complimentary WiFi, coffee machine, free airport shuttle, fitness room, steam room.
- Address: 355 South Monarch Street, Aspen, CO 81611, United States
- Rates per night: $224 for 2 guests
- Amenities: Fitness center, room service, restaurant, business center, bar/lounge, flat-screen TVs with on-demand service and cable, umbrellas, Keurig coffee makers, high-speed WiFi, wet bars, makeup mirrors, outdoor pool, free airport shuttle, humidifiers, iPod docking stations, and hairdryers
For Family:
- Address: 550 South Spring Street, Aspen, CO 81611, United States
- Cost per night: $1549 for 5 guests
- Amenities: Fitness center. Outdoor pool, restaurant, room service, coffee machine, free WiFi, free airport shuttle, valet parking, bar/lounge, tea/coffee maker
Top Neighborhoods In Aspen
Aspen’s amazing ski resorts make it one of the most popular towns in the state. With tourism and real estate being the major drivers of the local economy, several neighborhoods have cropped up, and each offers a unique personality.
Central Core
Central Core is a neighborhood in the city within walking distance of all the action in the downtown area, including premier shopping stores, gourmet restaurants, and ski slopes. Shopaholics can find big-name brands like Prada, Gucci, and Chanel in the area or the City Market grocery a few blocks away.
Accommodation options in Central Core include condos, penthouses, and townhouses and the high units provide generous views of the Red Mountain, Roaring Fork Valley, Aspen Mountain, and Independence Pass. Overall, the neighborhood oozes an upbeat vibe worth experiencing.
West Aspen
This family-friendly suburb comprises single-family homes, old townhouses, and newly built homes. The area has a historical charm that mixes well with the modernity of the newly introduced amenities.
Tourists can enjoy touring West Aspen to check out the old houses or savor scenic views of the Buttermilk and Aspen ski resorts and the Hunger Creek Valley.
Alternatively, they can hop on a bike to test the trail from the Cemetery Lane neighborhood to downtown. Several opportunities for outdoor fun, like hiking, angling, and water rafting, will make for a fun adventure.
Smuggler
Smuggler is a vibrant neighborhood at the foot of Smuggler Mountain and just a few minutes from the downtown district. The area is surrounded by a forest of Aspen trees that enhance the air and atmosphere. A visit to Smuggler offers tourists great views of Aspen Mountain and Mt. Sopris.
There are also multiple outdoor activities, such as biking, snowboarding, and hiking. The nearby Rocky Mountains ensure access to rivers, creeks, trails, and even campsites worth exploring.
Where To Eat In Aspen
Visitors keen on exploring the Aspen dining scene will not be disappointed. While the mountain town is more famous for its skiing activities, several restaurants and eateries offer everything from casual dining with local dishes to fine dining featuring gourmet meals.
Breakfast:
Bonnie’s is a cozy restaurant in the middle of the mountain where tourists flock for a sumptuous first meal of the day. The atmosphere is calm yet welcoming, and the wooden design reminds guests of old-day Aspen.
Some of the favorites on the menu include pancakes and bacon for breakfast and a steak sandwich for lunch. Tourists planning to ride the gondola can stop by Bonnie’s for a quick breakfast to shake off the chill before getting on the ride.
- Address: 675 E Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611-2001
- Business hours: Open during winter only (November 24, 2022–April 10, 2023)
Mawa’s Kitchen is a French-inspired spot specializing in tasty meals like croquet madames, croissants, and poached eggs with hollandaise sauce for breakfast.
Run by chef Mawa McQueen, the unique menu features interesting dishes that take from her life experiences. It’s a comfortable place that will be ideal for breakfast on the mountain.
- Address: 61 Wood Road Snowmass Base Village, CO 81615
- Business hours: Monday – Sunday (8 am – 9:30 pm)
Lunch and dinner:
This local eatery has served the residents of Aspen delicious meals since 1980. Situated halfway between the city and Snowmass, it will come in handy for tourists on an excursion outside the city limits.
Some signature meals on the menu include wings, burgers, nachos, pork chops, lobster rolls, and oysters.
- Address: 2858 Upper River Rd, Woody Creek, CO 81656
- Business hours: 11 am – 10 pm daily
To taste Italian cuisine in Aspen, guests can head to Acquolina for an authentic Italian dish. With ample seating space, the upscale restaurant can easily accommodate groups and families.
Choose from a list of nearly 20 kinds of pasta and dishes like chicken Milanese or flavored pizzas.
- Address: 415 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611-1931
- Business hours: 5 pm – 10 pm daily
Drinks:
This American bar at the foot of the gondola is where Aspen residents go for some fun after a long day full of activities. It features a spacious outdoor deck where patrons gather and make merry while enjoying the views.
Ajax Tavern comes to its own before sunset and is ideal for large groups. Aside from the drinks, the spot also serves tasty meals like truffle fries to hungry clients.
- Address: 685 E Durant Ave Aspen, CO 81611
- Business hours: Daily 11:30 am - 10 pm
Things To Do In Aspen
There is no shortage of fun things to do in the small town of Aspen, especially for extroverts and lovers of open spaces. There is a wealth of outdoor activities available to keep travelers busy.
Ski on Aspen’s iconic slopes
Aspen’s main draw is the many skiing opportunities on its four world-famous slopes, and the best part is that each offers a totally different experience.
Aspen Mountain was the first to put the city on the map when skiing was introduced. It is the perfect playground for experienced skiers and features various runs from blue to double-black diamond.
Beginners will get a nice initiation on the slopes of Buttermilk, which is less difficult and as charming as it sounds. The largest of the four mountains is Snowmass, while the last, Aspen Highlands, offers advanced runs on deeper snow. The area is relatively quieter and more popular with the locals.
Ride on the Silver Queen Gondola
The Silver Gondola is among the top things to do for tourists in Aspen, and the best part is that it’s not a reserve for skiers. This exciting ride, accessible at the city center, takes guests straight to the summit of Aspen Mountain, spoiling them with sweeping aerial views of the surrounding mountain scenery.
The Silver Queen Gondola rises 11,200 feet to the Mountain’s sundeck. Yoga sessions are common at this elevated platform and prove to be fulfilling against the amazing backdrop of sprawling mountains with jagged peaks.
The Gondola played a huge part in popularizing Aspen when it was constructed in the 1980s.
Guests can admire the awesome wildflowers that take over the vegetation in summer or head to the sundeck restaurant to enjoy a nice meal with panoramic views below.
Buy the “Sightseeing Package” ticket in the summer, which costs a little more but allows visitors a 3-day chairlift ride to enjoy the sights from above.
- Hours: 9 am – 3:30 pm; Last ride down 4:00 pm
- Ticket prices: $46 for adults and $34 for kids if purchased online
Take a dip in Glenwood Hot Springs
A visit to the famous Glenwood Springs is the perfect way to experience one of the largest mineral hot springs in the world. Located just north of Aspen, this incredible natural phenomenon offers soothing aqua therapy, proving to be a crowd favorite since back in the day.
Some of its more famous past visitors include former president Theodore Roosevelt and the iconic mafia boss Al Capone. A swim in the mineral-rich water at sunset is an experience of its own.
Explore the local art scene at Aspen Art Museum
Art lovers will find their cup of tea at the city’s museum for arts. The building, designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, features a unique box-like shape with a woven cover and stands out as a famous landmark in the area.
The museum displays various international contemporary art on rotation, with sculptures and pieces inspired by natural landscapes. Visiting the museum makes for a laid-back indoor activity for those who prefer quieter and less strenuous pastimes.
- Operation hours: Monday (closed), Tuesday-Sunday (10 am – 6 pm)
Soak in the scenic views from Maroon Bells
A visit to Maroon Bells in the southwest of the town will make tourists understand why it’s among the most photographed mountains in North America. The picturesque mountain slopes with two 14,000-foot peaks kissing the sky at the horizon provide a picture-perfect background that anybody will fall in love with, especially with the reflections on Maroon Lake.
Multiple trails are available where guests can access the site and find the ideal spot to snap away. But those who like to make the most of the moment will be fine just breathing in the fresh mountain air and savoring the views.
- Parking fees: $5 per hour
Maroon Bells get very crowded, so head there early morning to avoid the competition.
How To Spend The Perfect Day In Aspen
Anybody would wish to spend more time experiencing the beautiful Aspen, but if there was only a day available, here is how to make the most of it.
Start the day with a trip to Maroon Bells to catch North America’s most photographed site before the crowd grows. The Rocky Mountain backdrop is also great for hiking or even picnicking.
Catch a cab towards Independence Pass and explore the winding Highway 82 with interesting stops at Grottos ice caves and Independence Ghost Town.
Afterward, head over to the Silver Queen Gondola and catch a ride to the summit of Aspen Mountain for a delicious meal at the Sundeck restaurant while enjoying the picturesque mountain views.
Later on, get on a bike and head to The Rio Grande Trail for some light exercise, and let it lead you all the way to Glenwood Springs. If the journey seems longer than expected, refuel at Woody Creek Tavern and work your way back to the city.
Upon recovering from the adventure, check out the downtown region and explore the pedestrian malls and ice cream shops while interacting with fellow tourists. Finish the day off at one of the many watering holes before retiring to the hotel.
FAQ
Q: Is Aspen worth visiting if you don’t ski?
Aspen offers a lot of fun activities, even for non-skiers. Smuggler Mountain is perfect for sightseers and dog lovers, while The Rio Grande Trail is a worthy escape for hikers and bikers.
There are several museums, restaurants, and shopping experiences to discover in the city. No matter the time of the year, Aspen is an ideal destination for warm and cold-weather travelers.
Q: Is it better to visit Aspen or Denver?
Even though Denver is the state capital, most people tend to gravitate towards Aspen because of the luxurious skiing and its iconic Maroon Bells.
Denver does offer a greater variety of recreational spots. So, why not get the best of both worlds with a trip from Denver to Aspen?
Q: How many days are enough in Aspen?
Considering the multiple activities and attractions in the city, tourists will need at least one week to really get the most out of their visit. From skiing to hiking and sightseeing, spare enough time to really experience all the beauty of this storybook mountain town.
Q: Which is more luxurious Aspen or Vail?
Aspen is definitely more luxurious than Vail. Real estate prices are the second-highest in Colorado, and multiple luxurious resorts and high-end restaurants host many celebrities on romantic getaways who visit Aspen.
Vail is still worth visiting for its skiing, though!