Aspen Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Aspen is a picturesque town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and vibrant culture. Known for its world-class ski resorts, Aspen is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, but it also offers a wealth of activities and attractions throughout the year.

One of the main draws of Aspen is its exceptional skiing and snowboarding opportunities. With four renowned mountains in the area – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass – visitors can enjoy a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to take lessons or an expert seeking a challenging run, Aspen has it all.

Beyond skiing, Aspen offers a plethora of outdoor activities. During the warmer months, hiking and mountain biking trails abound, allowing visitors to explore the stunning alpine landscapes. The Maroon Bells, two majestic peaks located just outside of town, are a must-see for nature lovers. These iconic mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for hiking and photography.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Aspen's charming downtown area is brimming with art galleries, boutique shops, and world-class restaurants. The town's rich cultural scene is further enhanced by its numerous music and film festivals throughout the year. The Aspen Music Festival and the Aspen Ideas Festival attract renowned artists and intellectuals from around the world, making it a hub for intellectual and artistic exchange.

History buffs will appreciate Aspen's fascinating past as a mining town. The Wheeler Opera House and the Hotel Jerome, both historic landmarks, offer a glimpse into the town's storied past. Additionally, the Independence Pass, a scenic drive that reaches an elevation of over 12,000 feet, provides a chance to explore the area's mining history while enjoying breathtaking views.

Alternative names: Settled: 1879Population: 6.9 thous.Area: 3.88 mi²Maximum elevation: 8460 ftMinimal elevation: 7660 ftCoordinates: 39°11'19"N, 106°49'12"W

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ColoradoUnited States

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Aspen Top Attractions

Aspen Attractions - What to See and Explore

Aspen offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Wheeler–Stallard House, Ashcroft, Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum, Crater Lake. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • History museum • Queen Anne architecture
Wheeler–Stallard House
The Wheeler–Stallard House is located on West Bleeker Street in Aspen, Colorado, United States. It is an 1880s brick structure built in the Queen Anne architectural style, and renovated twice in the 20th century. In 1975 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
City • Museum
Ashcroft
Ashcroft, originally known as Castle Forks City then Chloride until 1882, was a mining town located ten miles south of Aspen, Colorado, United States. A few buildings remain standing as a testament to the town's past.
Museum
Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum
The Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum is located on the former Holden Mining and Smelting Company facility on the western edge of the city of Aspen, Colorado, United States. It consists of one remaining building and the remains of some others.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Crater Lake
Crater Lake is a mountain lake in the Elk Mountains, Pitkin County of the US State of Colorado. It lies just northeast of the Maroon Bells and just northwest of Pyramid Peak.
Park • Opera • Concerts and shows
Wheeler Opera House
The Wheeler Opera House is located at the corner of East Hyman Avenue and South Mill Street in Aspen, Colorado, United States. It is a stone building erected during the 1890s, from a design by Willoughby J.
Museum • Art museum • Modern art museum
Aspen Art Museum
Founded in 1979, the Aspen Art Museum is a non-collecting contemporary art museum located in Aspen, Colorado. AAM exhibitions include drawings, paintings, sculptures, multimedia installations and electronic media.
Park • Downtown Aspen
Ski Lift No. 1
The former Ski Lift No. 1 begins on Aspen Street in Aspen, Colorado, United States, and climbs up the slopes of Aspen Mountain. It was built in the late 1940s on the site of Aspen's first ski lift, known as the Boat Tow.
Romanesque architecture • Church
Aspen Community Church
Aspen Community Church is located at the intersection of East Bleeker and North Aspen streets in Aspen, Colorado, United States. It is a stone building erected in the late 19th century.
Library • Downtown Aspen
Pitkin County Courthouse
The Pitkin County Courthouse is located on East Main Street in Aspen, Colorado, United States. It is a large brick building erected in the late 19th century that serves as offices not just of Pitkin County's courts but its other governmental agencies, and the Aspen police.
39°11'38"N • 106°49'44"W
Aspen Historical Society
Museum • Historical and heritage tours • Tours
Cemetery • The East End
Ute Cemetery
Ute Cemetery, known as Evergreen Cemetery in the 19th century, is located on Ute Avenue in Aspen, Colorado, United States. It is a small, overgrown parcel with approximately 200 burials. In 2002 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bridge
Maroon Creek Bridge
The original Maroon Creek Bridge is a steel trestle along State Highway 82 at the western boundary of Aspen, Colorado, United States. It was designed by George S.
City hall • Downtown Aspen
Aspen City Hall
Aspen City Hall, known in the past as Armory Hall, Fraternal Hall, is located at the intersection of South Galena Street and East Hopkins Avenue in Aspen, Colorado, United States. It is a brick building dating to the 1890s. In 1975 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Park • Reportedly haunted
Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park, also known as the Henry Webber House or the Webber–Paepcke House, is located on West Bleeker Street in Aspen, Colorado, United States. It is a brick structure erected in the 1880s, one of the few such homes in the city. In 1987 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
39°11'42"N • 106°49'16"W
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
Park • The West End
Bridge • Centennial
Sheely Bridge
The Sheely Bridge, originally known as the Carbondale Bridge, carries pedestrian traffic across the Roaring Fork River at Mill Street Park in Aspen, Colorado, United States.
39°11'27"N • 106°49'12"W
Emporium And Flying Circus
Museum • Shopping
Tours • Centennial
Smuggler Mine
The Smuggler Mine is located on the slopes of Smuggler Mountain, on the north edge of Aspen, Colorado, United States. It is the oldest operating silver mine in the Aspen mining district, and one of the few still operating from Aspen's early boom years.
Museum • Art gallery • Art museum
Baldwin Gallery
The Baldwin Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in Aspen, Colorado established by Richard Edwards in 1994. The gallery features a variety of mainly American but also international contemporary artists and works including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video and installation-based work.

Things to See and Do in Aspen by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Aspen.

Active

Aspen Mountain
Aspen
Winter sportSki areaDowntown Aspen
Aspen Highlands
Aspen
Winter sportSki area
Buttermilk
Aspen
Winter sportSki area

Other categories

Museum Park

Day trips

Aspen – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Aspen, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Crested Butte Mountain Resort (Crested Butte), Hanging Lake (Glenwood Springs), Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (Glenwood Springs).

21 milesS
Winter sport, Ghost town, Ski area
Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Crested Butte
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders alike. Located in the charming town of Mount Crested Butte, Colorado, this ski resort is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, exceptional...
35 milesNW
Natural attraction, Body of water, Park
Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs
Hanging Lake is a lake in the U.S. State of Colorado. It is located in Glenwood Canyon, about 7 miles east of Glenwood Springs, Colorado and is a popular tourist destination.
37 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is an adventure park located above Glenwood Springs, Colorado, about 160 mi west of Denver. Prior to 2003, only cave tours were available until a major expansion took place.
37 milesNW
Hot springs
Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs
The Iron Mountain Hot Springs is a therapeutic, natural hot springs resort located on the banks of the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
42 milesNE
Lake, Hiking, Outdoor activities
Eagles Nest Wilderness, Vail
The Eagles Nest Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located in the Gore Range near Vail, Copper Mountain, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Heeney, in Summit and Eagle Counties, Colorado.

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Best Time To Visit Aspen

Learn when is the best time to travel to Aspen weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and September are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, February, August and December.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, April, May, June, October and November. Most of it rains in March, July, August and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Best Ways to Experience the Place

Food & drink

Cuisine

A guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Aspen?

The top attractions to visit in Aspen are:

What is the best time to visit Aspen?

June, July and September are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, February, August and December. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Aspen Travel Guide

Facts and practical information

Aspen Attractions - What to See and Explore

Things to See and Do in Aspen by Category

Active

Other categories

Aspen – popular in the area (distance from the center)

Best Time To Visit Aspen

Best Ways to Experience the Place

Food & drink

Cupcake

Slider

Fajita

Cheesesteak

Cheeseburger

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Aspen?

What is the best time to visit Aspen?