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.
Vista Trail
Gandy Gulch
Union Canyon
Antone Trail
Bionaz Gulch
Colorado River Valley
Barbers Gulch
Matchless Trail
Tie Camp Gulch
Pawnee Gulch
Splains Gulch
Mckenzie Gulch
Lenado Gulch
Little Sugarloaf Gulch
White Draw
Yates Gulch
Prospector Gulch
Sneve Gulch
Sayres Gulch
Thayer Gulch
Waterloo Gulch
Dustin Gulch
Holland Gulch
Lime Creek Canyon
Ruby Range
Timberline Trail
Spar Gulch
Waterfall Gulch
Trentaz Gulch
Johnny Draw
Gavin Gulch
Lulu Gulch
Main Range Trail
Bowers Gulch
Bowles Gulch
Slaughter Spring Gulch
Stray Horse Gulch
Layton Gulch
The Seven Hermits
Doctor Gulch
Bears Gulch
Dobson Gulch
Minnehaha Gulch
Kirby Gulch
Little Stray Horse Gulch
Little Evans Gulch
Crystal Canyon
Gordon Gulch
No Name Gulch
Besancon Gulch
Salsbury Gulch
Ironedge Trail
Hanson Gulch
The Grottos
Aspen Art Museum
Ute Gulch
Shingle Mill Gulch
Hawkinsville Gulch
Salt Creek Trail
La Plata Gulch
Hoovers Bend Gulch
Saloon Gulch
Grey Gulch
Excelsior Gulch
New York Mountain Trail
Lackawanna Gulch
Mount Massive Trail
Fry Gulch
Iwoa Gulch
Leeman Gulch
Slow Trail Gulch
Waverly Gulch
Association Gulch
Fish Pond Canyon
Stockyard Gulch
Cerise Gulch
Little Porcupine Gulch
Chapman Trail
Empire Gulch
Pigtail Gulch
Shippees Draw
Old Mans Gulch
Lake Charles Trail
White Quail Gulch
Dry Union Gulch
Mount Massive Golf Course
Granite Basin Trail
Piney Gulch
Beecher Gulch
Slim Jim Gulch
Fish Pond Gulch
Longs Gulch
Arbaney Gulch
Trail Riders Trail
East Fork Old Mans Gulch
Eccher Gulch
Bartlett Gulch
Wheatley Gulch
Stag Gulch
Hotels in Aspen