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

The City of Aspen is in a remote area of the Rocky Mountains' Sawatch Range and Elk Mountains, along the Roaring Fork River at an elevation just below 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above sea level on the Western Slope, 11 miles (18 km) west of the Continental Divide.

Founded as a mining camp during the Colorado Silver Boom and later named Aspen for the abundance of aspen trees in the area, the city boomed during the 1880s, its first decade. The boom ended when the Panic of 1893 led to a collapse of the silver market. For the next half-century, known as "the quiet years", the population steadily declined, reaching a nadir of fewer than 1000 by 1930. Aspen's fortunes recovered in the mid-20th century when neighboring Aspen Mountain was developed into a ski resort, and industrialist Walter Paepcke bought many properties in the city in the 1950s and redeveloped them.

In the late 20th century, the city became a popular retreat for celebrities.

Aspen remains popular as a year-round destination for locals, second-home buyers and tourists. Outdoor recreation in the surrounding White River National Forest serves as a summertime counterpart to the city's four ski areas. Demand for real estate has made Aspen one of the most expensive places in the country to buy a home.

The city's character has transformed dramatically in recent decades by skyrocketing property values and the proliferation of second homes, increasingly shutting low- and middle-income workers out of the city and creating a large pool of commuters from nearby bedroom communities such as Snowmass, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs. At the same time, in stark contrast to its historic character, the city has emerged into international fame as a glitzy playground of the wealthy and famous. Aspen has become a second and third home to many international jet-setters. Many people from the U.S. and abroad vacation in Aspen, especially during the winter.

The downtown has been largely transformed into an upscale shopping district that includes high-end restaurants, salons, and boutiques.

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.

Sources: Aspen Chamber Resort Association information regarding downtown attractions, Aspen Mountain, cultural events, outdoor recreation, and visitor experiences. https://www.aspenchamber.org
Additional information verified through U.S. Forest Service and Aspen recreation resources covering Maroon Bells, Crater Lake Trail, Hunter Creek Trail, Smuggler Mountain Trail, hiking opportunities, and Rocky Mountain recreation near Aspen. https://www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver

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 "Aspen, Colorado", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0