Things To Do

Blazing Adventures Excursions

Through Blazing Adventures, a variety of private group trips have been planned to ensure that no one leaves without experiencing the best excursions available. We have provided a list of our favorite recreational activities, which are available for you to select from during your stay. Looking forward to getting everyone outdoors to explore this beautiful area! Please click on the link below for additional information and to book an excursion.

Recreation

If you are not able to participate in the group excursions, there are a ton of ways to explore the best of Aspen. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started...

Challenging Trails

Ute Trail - The Ute Trail is a steady uphill hike with switchbacks, and 1,000 vertical feet to a rock outcropping. The view of Aspen from the rock outcropping is spectacular. A mile long aerobic workout! 2 miles round trip. Aspen Mountain - Start at the base of the mountain and go up 3,000 vertical feet. This hike takes about 2+ hours, and is a strenuous, all uphill hike, but not difficult technically, and there are incredible views at the top! Reward your efforts with lunch at the Sundeck, before taking the free ride down in the gondola.

Moderate Trails

Smuggler Mountain Road - One of the most popular recreation areas in the immediate Aspen vicinity. Smuggler is busy with people hiking, running, mountain biking, or walking their dogs. It's a great local hike with wonderful views of downtown Aspen and the surrounding area. Approximately 1.5 miles up to the overlook / viewing platform, this hike is convenient, reasonable and will take only 1-2 hours round trip. Easy to get to - just ask your hotel for directions. Grottos - Located off of Independence Pass, this short, uphill hike is a great location for a picnic. Explore the ice caves or jump into the freezing natural pools if you're feeling daring.

Scenic/Leisure Trails

Rio Grande Trail - Beautiful path through the woods with little to no incline. Walk or bike as far as you would like along the 8 mile trail from town to Woody Creek Tavern where you can enjoy margaritas and nachos! Though be aware that the return trip is slightly uphill. Independence Pass - A twisty, mountain highway with amazing views, this is the highest paved pass in the country. Drive to the top and get out for a short, easy hike on the Continental Divide. Maroon Bells - One of Aspen's main attractions, at 14,000 feet above the glacial Maroon Valley, these beautiful peaks offer one of the most spectacular views and are the most photographed peaks in North America. Maroon Lake is an easy, flat hike. From this lake, there are multiple options for extending your hiking adventure. The road to the Maroon Bells is also a popular cycling route with a steady eight-mile climb. Buses run daily and bikes can be rented from a number of outfitters.

Additional Activities

Horseback Riding - Enjoy a guided horseback ride through the spectacular Maroon Creek Valley from the stables at T Lazy 7 Ranch to riding through the fields and banks of Maroon Creek. Other areas for horseback riding include the trailhead in Old Snowmass or Hunter Creek trialhead. Contact Maroon Creek Outfitters or Capitol Peak Outfitters. Golfing - The Roaring Fork valley boasts several beautiful Golf Courses; the courses accommodate all levels of play. Contact Aspen Golf Club. Whitewater Rafting on Slaughterhouse - This river peaks in June and is a true Class IV experience. Features some of the most technical boulder gardens in Colorado. Continuous paddling required and previous experience recommended. Contact Aspen Whitewater Rafting. Stand Up Paddle Boarding - Aspen’s newest passion is the sport of stand up paddling (SUP) in the river.  Paddle up or down the lazy river at Stillwater.  It is an amazing thrill and an incredible core workout. Contact Aspen Bike Rentals.

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In and Around Town

Downtown Aspen has plenty to offer beyond the mountain and outdoors - whether shopping, dining, or enjoying the nightlife, guests should save plenty of time for strolling around town. Shopping - In Aspen shopping is a sport all of its own. Aspen's pedestrian malls are the perfect place for a leisurely shopping excursion where one can find fine art, clothing and gear. The main shopping areas are along Hyman, Cooper, Durant and Mill Streets. There's also an impressive Farmers Market open on Saturdays between 8 AM - 3 PM, located on East Hopkins between Hunter and Galena. Silver Queen Gondola - Take a trip to the top of Aspen Mountain on the Silver Queen Gondola. Enjoy spectacular views and a delicious meal at the Sundeck restaurant. Open on the weekends from 10 AM - 4 PM and accessible from downtown Aspen. Aspen Art Museum - Contemporary art museum located in the heart of downtown Aspen.

Dining and Nightlife

Aspen has a great restaurant scene and the food is fantastic. Here are a few of our favorite spots... Breakfast: Poppycocks, JUS Aspen, Aspen Over Easy, Peach's Corner Cafe, Hickory House, BB's Kitchen Lunch: White House Tavern, Ajax Tavern, Pine Creek Cookhouse, Woody Creek Tavern, Meat & Cheese, Clark's Oyster Bar, 520 Grill Dinner: Matsuhisa, Acquolina, Cache Cache, Pinons, Aspen Kitchen, Jimmy's, L'Hosteria, Wild Fig, Campo De Fiori, Bosq, Jing, Grey Lady Dessert: Paradise Bakery, Ajax Donuts at The Popcorn Wagon Happy Hour/Nightlife: Bootsy Bellows, Escobar, Eric's Bar/Su Casa, J-Bar, Aspen Public House, HOPS Culture, Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar, Grotto, Aspen Tap, Zane's Tavern, Belly Up

Please Be Advised

Since Aspen is located at 7,908 ft above sea level, it is a unique environment. A high altitude climate means being closer to the sun. So, remember to use sunscreen and sunglasses, even on a cloudy day. Summer in Aspen begins in June and ends Labor Day Weekend. Daytime temperatures can reach into the 80s, but evenings can drop to the 40s. Rain showers may occur in the afternoons, but they do not last long. Fall in Aspen is very dry and daytime temperatures in September can reach into the 70s, but can drop to freezing overnight. Due to rapid weather change, dress in layers. High altitude means thin air, so take it easy upon arrival, and allow your body to adjust. O2 boosts are available at Rescue Lounge and One Love Aspen. Also, Carl’s pharmacy sells non-medical-grade oxygen boosters. To prevent altitude sickness, drink a lot of water. Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration. Also, altitude increases the effects of alcohol, so be aware of your consumption.