Sixteen miles of paved trail alongside the river, through canyon walls that don't look real. Flat enough that it doesn't feel like work, beautiful enough that you won't want it to end. Rent bikes at Canyon Bikes.
One of the most iconic hikes in Colorado. A steep 1.2 mile trail up to a stunning turquoise lake tucked into the canyon walls. Reservations are required and fill up fast — book yours at recreation.gov well before you arrive.
Aspen Snowmass — On the Mountains — Two mountains open in summer. Ride the Silver Queen Gondola up Aspen Mountain for views over the Elk Mountain Range and lunch at the Sundeck. Over in Snowmass, the Elk Camp Gondola takes you up to Lost Forest — alpine coaster, ropes course, climbing wall, hiking trails, disc golf, and a fishing pond — plus some of the best lift-accessed mountain biking in Colorado at the Snowmass Bike Park. Sightseeing tickets cover both mountains. If you want to get up on the mountain — for sightseeing or the bike park — reach out to Garrett for discounted tickets.
Take the shuttle from Aspen Highlands up to one of the most photographed spots in Colorado. Reservations are required and August fills up fast — book at visitmaroonbells.com before you leave home. You can also ride up — grab an e-bike at Four Mountain Sports, or hit up Garrett if you want a comp rental.
A Glenwood Springs-Aspen weekend wouldn't be complete without a stop at Hallam Lake, ACES' 25-acre nature preserve in the heart of Aspen. Free naturalist-guided hikes run daily through the summer at Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and the Maroon Bells — covering wildflowers, wildlife, ecology, and local history. One of those rare things that's free, unhurried, and genuinely worth your time. aspennature.org
The only naturally occurring vapor caves in North America, right next door to the Hot Springs Pool. Three underground rock chambers filled with natural mineral steam from the same source that feeds the pools. Reservations are required — book ahead at yampahspa.com.
Three natural hot springs pools tucked into the Crystal River Valley with Mt. Sopris looming above. One of our favorite spots in the valley. Book day passes at avalancheranch.com.
Best tacos in town! Go for lunch, stay for a drink. Open daily at 11am.
Where we'd go for a special dinner. New American, creative menu, dinner only starting at 4:30pm.
Right across from the train station. Cold beer, good food, exactly what you want after a day outside. Open at 11am daily.