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.
Elk Mountains
Sugarloaf Gulch
Empire Gulch
Chapman Gulch
Dayton Gulch
Stray Horse Gulch
Slim Jim Gulch
Saint Kevin Gulch
Lackawanna Gulch
Dewey Park Gulch
Splains Gulch
Evans Gulch
Little Willis Gulch
Hardscrabble Gulch
Waterfall Gulch
Vallejo Gulch
Dobson Gulch
Bull Gulch
Beecher Gulch
Johnny Draw
Arbaney Gulch
Salt Creek Trail
Bowles Gulch
Hanson Gulch
Lulu Gulch
Gavin Gulch
Mary Jane Gulch
California Gulch
Burke Gulch
Blue Creek Trail
Mount Massive Trail
Lake Creek Trail
Hewitts Gulch
Saloon Gulch
West Fork Old Mans Gulch
Brooklyn Gulch
Eccher Gulch
Mount Elbert Trail
Chapman Trail
Pioneer Gulch
Aspen Gulch
Trail Riders Trail
Star Trail
Williams Mountains
Hotels in Aspen