Carli & Adam
Activities & Restaurants
e-Bike or hike the Maroon Bells
- The road up to Maroon Bells is closed to cars but you can reserve a seat on a bus from Aspen Highlands for the 15 minute scenic ride. - Buses leave from downtown Aspen (Ruby Park bus station) to Aspen Highlands on the :00 :20 & :40 of every hour. You must have pre-booked though a spot on a bus from Highlands to the Maroon Bells. Reservations: https://aspenchamber.org/plan-trip/trip-highlights/maroon-bells/reservations - The best option is to e-bike up the beautiful road (closed to cars) to Maroon Bells, park your bike, enjoy the trail and enjoy the easy ride back down to town. Both Aspen Velo, Blazing Adventures and Aspen e-Bikes will rent you an e-bike and point you in the right direction. Best to reserve at least a few days in advance and best to get out early to avoid the chance of a mid-afternoon monsoon rain shower.
Woody Creek Tavern - e-Bike, drive or taxi
Bike (downhill) to Hunter S. Thompson's fav spot for lunch and a beer. Hunter literally spent most of his days drinking at this Aspen institution. The beautiful trail follows the roaring fork river. If you don't drink too many beers its a good ride back for those in share. Lots of services will take you and your bikes back to town or rent E-Bikes which you can easily do the roundtrip. Look to Blazing Adventures or Aspen E-Bikes (see contact info below) to outfit you with a bike, drive OR call High Mountain Taxi for a lift both ways.
Blazing Adventures Aspen
The best outfitter for outdoor activities is Blazing Adventures. E-bike rentals ($110 for a full day rental), Kayaking, biking (mountain, road or e-bike), off road guided jeep tours, ect.
Aspen Velo
Great place to rent e-bikes. approximately $100 for 5 hour 1/2 day rental.
Maroon Bells E-Bikes
Maroon Bell E-Bikes is located in Aspen Highlands which is on the way from Aspen to the Maroon Bells. They have a $89 bike rate for 3 hours which should be enough to ride and do a short hike. Getting to Aspen Highlands is as easy as getting on a free bus from the city center, they leave every 10 to 15 minutes.
John Denver Sanctuary
Make sure to poke your head into the tranquil John Denver Sanctuary which is a city park. We were actually going to get married here 2 years ago... Its a short 5 to 10 minute walk from anywhere in town. Once you're there continue on the trail along the river for a short walk on a paved trail. It is next to the location of our welcome party on Friday evening so make sure to check it out.
Aspen Saturday Market
If you're in town on a Saturday you will have trouble not running in to the Aspen Farmers Market which runs from 830 to 2pm.
Ute Trailhead
The Ute is very well traveled trail that is a favorite for locals. This short but tough trail ascending the winding side of a mountain, before emerging onto a rock formation overlooking the city! Plan on 40 minutes up and 30 minutes down. The trail head is about a 10 minute walk through town.
Stand-up Paddle Boarding
Great way to spend a couple of hours is an easy stand up paddle (SUP) down the river through a nature reserve. You might even bump in to a moose! Blazing adventures will rent you a SUP and even drop you off and pick you and the board up. Best to plan on 2.5 hours door to door.
Fly Fishing - Aspen Flyfishing Inc.
Great 1/2 day trip on the famous frying pan river. Just amazing! Trips usually leave in the morning and you should expect the trip to take 4 to 5 hours door-to-door.
Rio Grande Trail
An easy paved trail along the river in Aspen, you can do quick walk or continue on for a multi-hour trip. For those who are biking this is how you get out to Woody Creek Tavern.
Aspen Golf Club
Ranked one of the best municipal public courses in the country the Aspen Golf Club is just on the edge of town. 18 holes is $180 or $120 for twilight.
E-bike - Aspen Bikes
Great place to rent e-bikes to head up to the Maroon Bells and/or to Woody Creek Tavern for lunch and a beer
East of Aspen Trail
One of Aspen's most gradual and scenic trails. This trail parallels the Roaring Fork River Southeast of Aspen for over 3 miles, out and back. Go for a short or long walk or hike. There is an interpretive wildlife-viewing stand along this trail at the North Star Nature Preserve.
Spring Cafe
Great place for breakfast and coffee!
Paradise Bakery & Cafe
If you're looking for a cup of coffee in the morning or a sweet at the end of the night, stop by this institution.
White House Tavern
Great spot with a patio to grab dinner or lunch. walk in only.
Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop
A great casual restaurant with a killer patio. walk-in only.
Casa Tua
Great italian spot for dinner or drinks at their back patio bar. Reservations a must.
Aspen Music Festival and School
The famous Aspen Music School holds their annual festival until August 21st.
Independence Pass
If you drive in to Aspen during the day make sure to take Independence Pass. You won't be disappointed! Its only about 20 minutes from town so worth a quick drive up if you have transportation. note the St. Regis and W hotels both offer free rental of their 'house SUVs' so you can do the short drive on your own.
Aspen Art Museum
This free museum is worth a quick visit for the always impressive installations but also for the view from their rooftop.
Native Roots Aspen
If you'd like to visit the best dispensary in Aspen, try Native Roots - mention the wedding and get 10% off your purchase.