Kels & Ian
Aspen Favorites
Maroon Bells
Visiting Maroon Bells is a fun for hiking or just looking at the scenery. It is one of the most photographed peaks in North America. There is a fee to get into the park and you also will have to take a bus from Aspen. They do not allow cars in during the day.
Aspen Farmers Market
Open on Saturdays from 8:30am - 3pm the market offers Colorado grown fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, jams and more as well as a food court for lunch or a snack. Enjoy live music while you peruse the local jewelry, ceramics and art for sale. The market makes a U-shape from the corner of Galena & Hopkins Ave to Hunter St & then again back to the intersection of Hyman & Galena.
Eat & Drink
EAT & DRINK Aspen, CO If you have time, stop by some of our favorite restaurants and bars! Our favorite restaurants: Meat & Cheese Kenichi Hometeam BBQ White House Tavern Clark's Woody Creek Tavern Our favorite bars: Belly Up Mi Chola The Living Room at the Hotel Jerome 7908 Public House Hooch
HIKING
There are a number of trails you can access from right in town or just a short drive away that range from easy to difficult. For our out of town guests, we recommend using Alltrails.com (click on 'view' link included below) before you head out on a hike for directions to trailheads, difficulty level, and distance. Many hikes are out of cell range, so it's crucial to be prepared with extra snacks, layers, and water if you are planning on hiking anything labeled "moderate" or harder. Some of our favorites include: American Lake (hard - 6.8 miles to the lake and back, but BEAUTIFUL and worth it) Cathedral Lake (hard - 5.4 miles to lake and back, also beautiful) Lower Hunter Creek Trail (easy, but can be as long as you want) Smuggler (easy/moderate - 2.7 miles and trailhead is located in town) Sunnyside (moderate/hard - 10.8 miles) Ute Trail (hard - this hike is only 1.6 miles but you gain 1,000ft quickly! trailhead is also in town, amazing views from the top)
INDEPENDENCE PASS
For panoramic views of the continental divide and good hiking go up Independence Pass. There is so much to do on Independence Pass which is why it's one of our favorite places to spend time in Aspen! It is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing, even if you want to go for a scenic drive. Our favorite hikes on the pass: Lost Man Trail Linkins Lake Trail Grizzly Lake New York Creek Trail Petroleum & Anderson Lake Trail Our favorite places to camp on the pass: Lincoln Creek Road (there are a bunch of camp sites down this road) Our favorite places to SUP (stand up paddle) on the pass: Northstar Preserve Twin Lakes
ASPEN MOUNTAIN GONDOLA
The peak of Aspen Mountain is 11,212 feet. Whether you are visiting in summer or winter a trip to the top of the mountain on the Silver Queen Gondola will include spectacular views and delicious food, and is a must while you are in town. Aspen Mountain boasts the world's highest official disc golf course, kids' activities, yoga, Saturday Classical Music and Sunday Bluegrass Concerts, amid miles of trails to bike and hike. Lunch is available for purchase at the Sundeck.