Aspen

How to Get There

From Denver (198 mi): Take N Broadway and W 8th Ave to W 6th Ave/6th Ave. Freeway. Follow I-70 W to CO-82 in Glenwood Springs. Take exit 116 from I-70 W. Follow CO-82 to N Galena St in Aspen.

Overview

Aspen is a mountain town in the Elk Mountains along the Roaring Fork River at nearly 8,000 feet, founded as a silver mining camp in the 1880s Colorado Silver Boom and named for the aspen trees. It is now a glamorous year-round resort, known for four ski mountains, the Aspen Institute and Music Festival, and celebrity visitors, with an upscale downtown of boutiques and restaurants and, as elsewhere, sky-high housing prices.

Highlights

• Skiing: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass, all on one lift-ticket system
• Maroon Bells: among the most famous mountain views in Colorado, a short drive from town (shuttle or reservations required in summer)
• Independence Pass: a high scenic drive east to Twin Lakes, closed in winter
• Culture: the Aspen Art Museum, the Wheeler Opera House, and summer festivals

Things to Do

Experience the Luxury and Natural Beauty of the Rocky Mountains

Aspen is one of Colorado's most iconic mountain towns, renowned for its world-class skiing, stunning alpine scenery, vibrant arts and culture scene, and year-round outdoor recreation. Located in the heart of the Elk Mountains at over 7,900 feet in elevation, Aspen combines historic charm with luxury amenities and serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Rocky Mountains.

Explore Downtown Aspen

The historic downtown district features beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, upscale shopping, art galleries, restaurants, museums, and cultural venues. Visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets, visit local boutiques, and experience the lively atmosphere that has made Aspen a premier mountain destination.

Ride the Silver Queen Gondola

One of Aspen's most popular attractions is the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain. The ride carries visitors to over 11,000 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views of surrounding peaks, alpine meadows, and the Roaring Fork Valley. During summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, dining, and live events at the summit.

Enjoy World-Class Arts and Culture

Aspen is home to the Aspen Music Festival and School, the Aspen Art Museum, and numerous cultural events throughout the year. Concerts, film festivals, lectures, and performances attract visitors from around the world.

Visit Maroon Bells

Just outside Aspen lie the Maroon Bells, often considered the most photographed mountains in North America. These twin peaks rise above Maroon Lake and offer extraordinary opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography, especially during fall when golden aspens blanket the surrounding slopes.

Top Trails

Maroon Lake Scenic Trail

Length: Approximately 1 mile loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This accessible trail circles Maroon Lake and provides iconic views of the Maroon Bells. It is one of the most popular and photographed walks in Colorado.

Crater Lake Trail

Length: Approximately 3.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

Beginning at Maroon Lake, this trail climbs through forests and rocky terrain to Crater Lake, offering spectacular views of the Maroon Bells and surrounding wilderness.

Hunter Creek Trail

Length: Approximately 6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

Starting near downtown Aspen, this popular hike follows Hunter Creek through forests and meadows while providing panoramic views of Aspen Mountain and the Roaring Fork Valley.

Smuggler Mountain Trail

Length: Approximately 2.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: About 700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

A favorite local hike, this trail climbs to a scenic overlook above Aspen, offering outstanding views of the town, surrounding mountains, and Independence Pass region.

Geography

The city sits along the southeast (upper) end of the Roaring Fork Valley, along the Roaring Fork River, a tributary of the Colorado River about 40 miles (64 km) south of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It is surrounded by mountain and wilderness areas on three sides: Red Mountain to the north, Smuggler Mountain to the east, and Aspen Mountain to the south.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for aspenchamber.org, fs.usda.gov, Aspen, Colorado, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.