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Things to Do in Aspen

Things to Do in Aspen

Aspen Rocky Mountains, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

The Rocky Mountains create an incredible backdrop for outdoor activities year-round.

Mountain & Water Sports

Hiking and Trekking

Routes range from easy (Rio Grande Trail) to strenuous (Conundrum Hot Springs Trail). Carry water, layers, inform someone of your itinerary. Altitude affects difficulty.

Water Sports

World-class fly fishing on local rivers. Whitewater rafting/kayaking for various skill levels. Stand-Up Paddleboarding on calmer waters. Rentals are available.

Adventure Sports

Paragliding (tandem flights from Aspen Mountain). Rock climbing/bouldering (guided trips available). Extensive mountain biking trails. Via Ferrata (Snowmass) for guided climbing.

Winter & Wildlife

  • Wildlife Encounters: Common on hiking trails (elk, deer, marmots, pikas, birds). Give animals space, never feed them.
  • Cycling Routes: Road cycling on Rio Grande Trail. Mountain biking at Snowmass Bike Park and other trails.
  • Skiing/Snowboarding: Four world-class mountains (Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk) for all levels.
  • Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing: Extensive groomed Nordic trails. Backcountry skiing for experienced individuals (guides recommended).

Hiking Paths

  • Maroon Lake Scenic Loop (Easy)
  • Hunter Creek Trail (Moderate)
  • Ute Trail (Moderate/Strenuous)
  • Cathedral Lake Trail (Strenuous)

Water Activities

  • Fly Fishing Tours
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Kayaking Adventures
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Winter Fun

  • Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snowshoeing Trails
  • Guided Backcountry Tours

Safety Alert

High altitude conditions affect physical exertion. Stay hydrated, know your limits, and acclimatize gradually. Backcountry activities require professional guidance and equipment.

Cultural Immersion

Aspen's cultural experiences range from art workshops to live performances and festivals.

Workshops & Classes

  • Anderson Ranch Arts Center (Snowmass): Offers workshops in various art forms, including photography, painting, and ceramics. They also host public lectures and exhibitions.
  • Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES): Provides environmental education programs, nature walks, and workshops focused on the local ecosystem.
  • Community-based tourism initiatives: Less formal community tourism exists in Aspen. Supporting local businesses and artists directly benefits the community's well-being.
  • Language Learning Opportunities: Language learning is not a main focus for tourism here. English is the dominant language.

Cultural Performances

Aspen Music Festival and School Summer

A world-renowned classical music festival. Features hundreds of performances by students and faculty throughout the summer.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

Has contemporary ballet performances.

Wheeler Opera House

Hosts diverse performing arts events, including concerts, comedy, and film screenings.

Aspen Ideas Festival

A premier public forum (June/July) where leaders and thinkers discuss global issues.

Food & Wine Classic

A major culinary event in Aspen (June). Tickets are highly sought after and expensive. It features tastings, seminars, and demonstrations.

X Games Aspen

A major extreme sports competition held at Buttermilk (Winter). It draws athletes and fans from around the world.

Relaxation & Wellness

Aspen offers many options for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the mountain setting.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • The St. Regis Aspen Remède Spa: A luxury spa with extensive services, including an oxygen bar to help with altitude acclimatization.
  • O2 Aspen: Offers yoga, Pilates, and a range of spa services.
  • Many luxury hotels have on-site spas providing various treatments.
  • Yoga and meditation retreats: Several yoga studios in Aspen offer daily classes. Retreats may be offered at specific wellness centers or hotels for immersive experiences.

Hot Springs & Pools

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Located in Glenwood Springs, about a 1-hour drive from Aspen. Home to the world's largest mineral hot springs pool.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Also in Glenwood Springs, offering smaller, more intimate hot spring pools for a quieter experience.

Hotel & Condo Pools

Many hotels and condos feature outdoor pools and hot tubs. Some offer a resort-like atmosphere with pool service. No natural beaches exist.

Wellness Insights

Altitude Acclimatization

Some luxury properties offer oxygen-enriched rooms or access to oxygen bars to help guests acclimatize to Aspen's high elevation.

Mindfulness Practices

The peaceful mountain environment supports personal meditation and quiet reflection. Local studios also provide guidance.

Traditional Healing

Traditional healing practices are not a prominent feature in Aspen, with a focus on Western spa and wellness approaches.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Aspen’s nightlife ranges from intimate bars to lively music venues, offering diverse evening experiences.

Live Music & Performances

  • Belly Up Aspen: A nationally recognized music venue hosting diverse acts, from rock to hip-hop, in an intimate setting.
  • Wheeler Opera House: Hosts musical performances across various genres in a historic setting.
  • Many bars and restaurants feature local live music, especially during après-ski hours.
  • Aspen Community Theatre: has local theatrical productions.

Nightclubs & Bars

Bootsy Bellows

A trendy nightclub offering dancing and a lively atmosphere.

Caribou Club

An exclusive private members' club. Access for non-members is difficult.

Downtown Aspen Bar District

Many establishments are within walking distance, making it easy to move between venues for pub crawls.

Late-Night Hours

Restaurants and bars generally stay open until midnight or later, specifically on weekends and during peak season. Some nightclubs operate until 2:00 AM.

Après-Ski Scene

A strong tradition in Aspen. Many bars and restaurants offer special happy hour menus and lively atmospheres directly after the ski day. A social and culinary experience.

Event Tickets

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets
  • Aspen Saturday Market (Summer): A farmers' market with local produce, artisanal foods, crafts, and live music. Operates from mid-June to mid-October.
  • A chance to buy local and connect with food producers from the Roaring Fork Valley.
  • Local grocery stores (Clark's Market) for self-catering.
Luxury & Artisan Shopping
  • Luxury boutiques: Designer stores like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton are here.
  • Artisan workshops and crafts: Numerous art galleries with local, regional, and international artists. Craft shops with unique, handmade items.
  • Souvenir recommendations: Aspen-branded apparel, locally crafted jewelry, photography of the Maroon Bells, unique art pieces.

Ethical Shopping & Shipping Notes

Support local artists and businesses to contribute directly to the community. Look for products made in Colorado or the USA. Inquire about the origin and production practices of items. Many high-end stores offer shipping services. International visitors: Be aware of your home country's customs regulations and duty-free limits on purchases. U.S. Sales tax applies at purchase point; no VAT refund system exists.

Activity Planning Summary

Year-Round Activities

  • Skiing/Snowboarding in winter (November-April).
  • Hiking/Biking in summer (June-October).
  • Food festivals and culinary tours (GetYourGuide).
  • Art workshops and museum visits throughout the year.

Seasonal Highlights

  • Fall foliage drives (late September-early October).
  • Aspen Music Festival (July-August).
  • Winter X Games (January).
  • Outdoor dining and patio season (Summer).