Aspen
Aspen may have a reputation as a world-class winter haven, but this charming and sophisticated town is anything but a one-hit-wonder. As winter fades into spring, then summer, then fall, the skiers and snowboarders are replaced with hikers and bikers. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts are drawn to the open space and rugged splendor of the Colorado Rockies.
This mountain town juxtaposes outdoorsy adventures with luxury and sophistication, as you will experience in the town's foodie-inspired restaurants, chic bars, stylish shops, and romantic hotels, like the Hotel Jerome and St Regis.
Aspen consistently ranks in the top three ski destinations in the United States. With more than 25 feet of snowfall each year, it is home to Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and four ski areas.
Annually, about one and a half million people visit the City of Aspen, yet the town never feels crowded and touristy. During the warmer months, they are hiking the mountain trails or riding horses through the backcountry, including Independence Pass, the White River National Forest, and Roaring Fork River.
Aspen's Location
Located about 200 miles southwest of Denver and roughly 250 miles from Colorado Springs, Aspen was a former silver mining boomtown that rebranded itself as a resort destination. The majority of the town's 7,000 residents work in the hospitality industry.
Private flights to Aspen deliver visitors to the Aspen/Snowmass Regional Airport, situated just a few minutes outside town. The closest international airport is in Denver, about four hours away by car.
Aspen Attractions
There are endless outdoor activities in Aspen, from downhill and cross country skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, paragliding, and rock climbing. In the off-season, many of the ski resorts offer lift rides so you can see the vast Rocky Mountain wilderness from a unique vantage point. It is one of the best ways to see the fall foliage.
Aspen has tons of Old West history and modern appeal. The historic Wheeler Opera House is a must-see landmark. Contemporary art is on display at the Aspen Art Museum, another major attraction in Aspen. Every July, Aspen hosts the Aspen Music Festival, and the Aspen FilmFest each October showcases a selection of independent and foreign films for lovers of the cinematic arts.
Barbers Gulch
Hoovers Bend Gulch
Suicide Gulch
Rule Gulch
Hanson Gulch
Dry Union Gulch
Piney Gulch
Slow Trail Gulch
Gerard Gulch
Splains Gulch
Sunset Gulch
Dewey Park Gulch
Beecher Gulch
Mountain Boy Gulch
Stag Gulch
Little Willis Gulch
Ute Gulch
Hawkinsville Gulch
Shippees Draw
Brooklyn Gulch
Rustler Gulch
East Fork Old Mans Gulch
Grey Gulch
Antone Trail
Iwoa Gulch
White Quail Gulch
Galena Gulch
Little Porcupine Gulch
Belford Gulch
Boswell Gulch
Besancon Gulch
Half Moon Trail
New York Mountain Trail
Association Gulch
Fitzpatrick Gulch
Gleason Gulch
Munsey Ruby Stock Driveway
Salsbury Gulch
Empire Gulch
Monitor Gulch
Old Mans Gulch
Marble Museum
Matchless Trail
Peekaboo Gulch
Little Stray Horse Gulch
Gavin Gulch
Mcnasser Gulch
Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum
Cerise Gulch
Trentaz Gulch
Chapman Trail
Dustin Gulch
Sayres Gulch
Mary Jane Gulch
Saint Kevin Gulch
Marion Gulch
Thayer Gulch
Bionaz Gulch
Waterfall Gulch
Star Trail
Sheephead Gulch
West Fork Old Mans Gulch
Waterloo Gulch
Sawyer Lake Trail
Bowers Gulch
Johnny Draw
Mount Elbert Trail
Dayton Gulch
Doctor Gulch
Boran Gulch
Hiking Trail
Wheelbarrow Gulch
Pigtail Gulch
Colorado River Valley
Fish Pond Canyon
Lake Charles Trail
Fish Pond Gulch
Manganese Gulch
Granite Basin Trail
Spar Gulch
Mayer Gulch
Main Range Trail
Little Evans Gulch
Little Sugarloaf Gulch
Slaughter Spring Gulch
Stray Horse Gulch
Mount Massive Golf Course
Conroy Gulch
Bowman Gulch
The Seven Hermits
Oversteeg Gulch
Lenado Gulch
Mount Massive Trail
Prospector Gulch
The Grottos
Slim Jim Gulch
Williams Mountains
Chapman Gulch
Bowles Gulch
Hotels in Aspen