Courtney & Daniel
Things to Do
Maroon Bells
Maroon Bells is 10 miles from Aspen city limits. If you leave before 8 am you can drive up to the Bells parking lot. After 8 am the park entrance closes to personal vehicles but there is a free shuttle from town that takes you Aspen Highlands where you catch the Bells bus to the lake and trail head. Dan and I have biked all the way there and also taken the bus. It's a great full day activity especially if you stop at the Butchers Block beforehand and pick up a sandwich from Jack. You can either walk around the lake at the base or hike as far as you want up into the White River national forest.
American Lake
American Lake Trail is one of our favorite hikes. About 6 miles round trip and featuring a beautiful crystal blue mountain lake at the top. The trail head is accessed by driving up Castle Creek Road, about 20 minutes from downtown Aspen. Not to be missed if you are looking for a challenge and lots of variation in terrain.
Smuggler Mountain Trailhead
Smuggler is a favorite Aspen habit. If you want a quick and easy workout, with beautiful views of Ajax and the valley all the way up, hop up this trail/road. It's about a half-hour hike to the lookout deck, and if you want to keep going there is an amazing connecting network of trails that go further into the mountains. Also, highly shreddable for all our fellow mountain/ebike riders.
Aspen Bike Tours & Rentals
These are the bros that will get you fixed up on some heady rides (i.e. - this is a bike rental shop). They have road bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes for the old farts. John O'Donnell is a frequent customer, so mention his name and you'll get a good (bike) seat. Places to Bike Rio Grande Trail: Bike out to the Woody Creek Tavern for a margarita. It's a relatively flat easy 16 miles round trip. Maroon Bells: Take a picturesque moderate ride up to the Maroon Bells. It is around 22 miles round trip from town and~~ 1600 ft climb. Lenado to Four Corners: A great single-track climb, with opportunities to explore the old mining town of Lenado and to hook up with other trails for a longer ride. Ashcroft: Take Castle Creek Road out to Ashcroft for a beautiful 24 mile ride. Make sure to save time for lunch at Pine Creek Cookhouse (near the top of the ride).
Hunter Creek Trail
This is a favorite in-town hike - and one that features a lot of shade on a hot afternoon as you wind your way creekside up into the beautiful Hunter Creek Valley. Aside from potential celeb sightings, this trail boasts some of the best scenery out - ya heard?
Pine Creek Cookhouse
Up a long valley called Castle Creek that flows between the backside of Ajax and Aspen Highlands you will find Pine Creek Cookhouse. Courtney and Dan have ridden bikes up here many times with Court's fam, and the food/brews/views are well worth the exertion. If you drink too much up there, no problem - just try to squat at the Koch Brother's expansive estate. Just kidding, if you trespass there you'll likely get killed by a drone or something. Also drivable for all you non-bike riders.
The Grottos
Located a third of the way up Independence Pass, this short, riverside hike to spectacular pools is a great location for a picnic. Explore the ice caves or jump into the freezing water if you're feeling daring.
Rio Grande Trail
Beautiful, FLAT and paved path through the woods along the Roaring Fork River. A short convenient connector links the Meadows Resort to this trail. Walk or bike as far as you please and if you travel 8 miles north, you’ll reach Woody Creek Tavern (home of Ross’ favorite margarita). If you head south, you'll reach town and the stunning John Denver Sanctuary. Great for strollers.
Sunnyside Trail
An AJ favorite! A single-track trail with lots of switchbacks, beautiful views, Aspen tree groves and wild flowers. Approximately 2 miles to the radio tower on top for a quick hike… or continue the 12-mile trail which meanders all the way back to town via Hunter Creek. In hot weather, best done in early morning or late afternoon.
Independence Pass
If you have a car, don't miss this scenic 20 mile drive to the top of Independence Pass (12,095 ft), which also marks the Continental Divide. Lots of trails, campsites, and picnic spots are also accessed along this route.
Silver Queen Gondola
For gorgeous views of the surrounding area, hop on the gondola at the base of Aspen Mtn (Ajax) for an 18 minute ride to the top. Food and drink available at summit as well as scheduled nature walks and music.
John Denver Sanctuary
A short distance from the Hotel Jerome, this contemplative spot along the Roaring Fork offers a beautiful perennial garden and walking path through huge boulders engraved with John Denver lyrics.
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
Aspen's stellar nature center, a 25 acre site on Hallam Lake just a short walk from the Hotel Jerome. Check out the website for daily programs for both children and adults, and lose yourself in a pristine setting.
Aspen Historical Society
The Aspen Historical Society operates the Wheeler/Stallard Museum (walking distance from Aspen Meadows), the Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum, and both the Ashcroft and Independence Ghost towns. All are favorite sites and well worth visiting if you want to delve into Aspen's legendary past as a significant silver mining town.
Aspen Art Museum
Aspen's contribution to the contemporary art world, designed by Shigeru Ban, and featuring a rooftop cafe with stunning views of Aspen Mountain.
Aspen Golf Club
Ranked among the country's top municipal golf courses, the Aspen Golf Club provides a challenging 18 hole course with a gorgeous mountain backdrop. There are also several private clubs nearby that we can help you get access to if golf is your thing.
Maroon Bells Guide & Outfitters
Experience their signature overnight excursions featuring gourmet lunches, dinners and libations from this adventure outfitter at T-Lazy-7 Ranch.
O2 Aspen | Yoga | Pilates | Spa | Shop
Local's favorite studio for yoga, pilates, and aerial exercises, complimented by facials, waxes and massages. If you love workouts, also check out CycleBar Aspen and Pure Barre for variety.
Elk Mountain Anglers
Fish the gold medal trout waters of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan rivers for the angling experience of a lifetime with the most knowledgeable guides in the valley! Whether you like to wade, float, or explore a private pond, these guys make it a fun adventure for all ages.
Elk Mountain Whitewater
Whether you prefer serene floating in NorthStar Nature Preserve on a SUP, or the thrill of rafting class IV water through Slaughterhouse Falls, these guys will show you what whitewater is all about in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Led by locals who grew up running the rivers and are eager to share their passion with newbies and veterans alike.
Bauhaus in Aspen
The centennial of the revolutionary German art school is also being celebrated this year in Aspen, to honor the Bauhaus artist and designer Herbert Bayer, who lived in Aspen from 1946 to 1975. He left his signature on many buildings and locations in Aspen, including the Aspen Meadows Resort. You can read all about his legacy at https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/07/travel/the-bauhaus-in-aspen.html and https://www.departures.com/art-culture/bauhaus-herbert-bayer-aspen-culture.