Things To Do
Whitewater Rafting & SUP Boarding
There is great rafting on the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers. It's so fun and scenic and you probably won't die. Check out Blazing Adventures or Blue Sky Rafting if you'd like to book a trip. They'll arrange for a pickup and provide you with a guide and all of the gear needed. Blazing Adventure also offers SUP boarding, kayaking, jeep trips, and sunset dinners on the mountain. Book early!: https://www.blazingadventures.com/
Hiking
There are endless opportunities for hiking in Aspen. Some options for Aspen include the Ute Trail up Aspen Mountain (hard), Smuggler Mountain (moderate), or a flat walk down the Rio Grande Trail or up The North Star Reserve (easy). Some great hikes near Basalt include Arbaney Kittle (moderate/hard), which is short but steep, and Thomas Lakes Trail (hard), which is a longer hike that brings you to alpine lakes at the base of Mount Sopris. Mushroom Rock (easy/moderate) is an easily accessible hike near Carbondale that takes you to a rocky outcrop with a great view. Or, a stroll down the Rio Grande trail (easy) is always a great and scenic option! Check out the All Trails app for more info on routes and distances. Also, be sure to bring extra water, snacks, be prepared for fatigue from the elevation and be aware that some areas lack cell coverage.
Fly Fishing
The Roaring Fork River is an excellent place for fly fishing. Check out Aspen Outfitting Company in Woody Creek or Basalt Fishing Expeditions to get a guide and rent your gear.
Rio Grande Trail Biking
The Rio Grande trail goes from Aspen to Glenwood Springs and is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy amazing views. This paved path runs along the Roaring Fork River and is great for road biking, running or walking. You can rent a regular bike or an e-bike from Basalt Bike and Ski in Willits, which is right near the hotels where we'll have room blocks. Jump on the trail near Willits and ride as long as you'd like! If you make it to Woody Creek, be sure to grab a margarita at the Woody Creek Tavern, the famous dive bar where Hunter S. Thompson used to raise hell. For more information on bike trails, including mountain and gravel biking, check out the MtnBike Project or Trail Forks apps. Or just ask Andrew, I'm full of questionable mountain biking advice! Basalt Bike and Ski has locations in Aspen, Willits and Carbondale where you can rent mountain or gravel bikes.
Hiking and Sundeck Drinks at Aspen Mountain
The Sundeck at the top of Aspen Mountain is a beautiful place to grab a drink and enjoy stunning views. You can take the Aspen Mountain gondola to the Sundeck (for a fee), or you can jeep or hike up if you are feeling adventurous. Take the bus or drive into town and head for the gondola plaza.
Brunch at Village Smithy
We love brunch at Village Smithy! Egg-cellent huevos rancheros and french toast. After brunch, you can bop and shop around Carbondale.
Snowmass Resort
Snowmass has a variety of activities during the fall. You can take the Elk Camp Gondola or hike up to the Elk Camp Restaurant for food, drinks, disc golf, a climbing wall and a mountain roller coaster. Or you can try your luck with downhill mountain biking! You can get to Snowmass by taking a bus to the Brush Creek Park and Ride and transferring to a SM bus. And you can visit aspensnowmass.com to purchase tickets for the gondola or any of the activities.
Independence Pass
If you've rented a car and don't mind narrow and windy roads, a drive up Independence Pass is awesome. This road winds out of Aspen on Highway 82 and tops out at over 12,000 feet on top of the Continental Divide. There's a parking area at the top where you can take in the scenery or go for a stroll. There is also the ghost town of Independence near the top, with preserved cabins.
John Denver Sanctuary
Aspen is great for dining and high-end shopping. After you've maxed out your credit card, be sure to check out the John Denver Sanctuary in Rio Grande Park. This beautifully landscaped area along the river features large stones engraved with Denver's lyrics. Take an up valley bus to Aspen and get off at Main St and Galena. The Sanctuary is a great place to relax and experience the Rocky Mountain high and the best part is that it's free!
Ashcroft Ghost Town
Ashcroft Ghost Town is a historical site up Castle Creek Road. You'll need a car or a bike to get up to the site, but once you're there you can take in amazing views among the aspen groves and preserved cabins. American and Cathedral Lakes trailheads are nearby, so you can enjoy a challenging hike. Pine Creek Cookhouse serves prix fixe lunches near the ghost town, so be sure to book a seating in advance.
Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are the most photographed mountains in Colorado for good reason. These stunning 14,000 foot peaks are located up Maroon Creek Road. To visit, you'll need to book a shuttle out of the Aspen Highlands base area or you can rent an e-bike and pedal up. You can hike around the lakes near the base of the mountains and take in the views. Be careful of the moose and be sure to book a shuttle way in advance if you want a ride up, since they fill up fast!
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Relaxing hot springs, with a view of the river. The best part - you can have a pina colada as you soak!
