19 Best Places to Visit in Aspen You Just Cannot Miss

Since you have selected this place to be the next on your bucket list, you must be aware that Aspen, Colorado, is well-known worldwide for its ski resorts! Even summer and spring are good times for a visit for obvious reasons! The lands of Aspen are bestowed with the blessing of beauty, and you should pack your bags and plan a trip here if you are tired of the monotony of city life. There are various options like hiking, bikes, and golf courses in Aspen which will keep you busy during the vacation and confer you loads of giggles and excitement.

There are also boutiques and shops that are excellent for picking up some gifts on your way back home. From listening to live music on the sky deck to enjoying outdoor activities, you will never run out of ideas about what to do at Aspen. We welcome you to Colorado Mountain Town, where you can enjoy engaging activities that refresh your mind and give you fresh air. Shall we look at the best places to visit in Aspen below?

Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Best Places to visit in Aspen

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1. Explore the Maroon Bells

Maroon Bells are the most stunning hilltop and provide a picturesque view of the horizon. It is a part of Elk Mountain, situated only ten miles from the town of Aspen. You can hike to Maroon Lake or even take a bike.

2. Silver Queen Gondola – Aspen Mountain, CO

You will not only find Gondolas during the buy ski months but also available during the summers. You can obtain a bird-eye view of the stunning town as you ride the gondola. These take you to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy lunch at Skydeck.

3. Exploring Snowmass Village, Co

Ninety miles of the Snowmass hiking trail poses the opportunity to enjoy the most in town. Fly fishing and white water rafting along the way are popular sports activities on Forest Lake. You can climb up the hills and include the Alpine Coaster. Snowmass Village is an offbeat location that is ideal for enjoying some peace.

4. Rio Grande Trail - Colorado Trails

If you are in Colorado, you cannot miss out on the opportunity to hike in the hills. The Rio Grande Trail is suitable for beginners and is surrounded by lush green forest, fresh air, and breathtaking view. The Roaring Fork River flows alongside.

5. Driving Independence Pass in Colorado

The summer months are the best to explore the Independence Pass. It is a route from Leadville to Aspen that covers 20 miles. You travel the path and reach the top, which is an ideal location for camping or picnicking.

6. The John Denver Sanctuary (Aspen)

The late singer John Denver was in love with the town of Aspen, and to show honor to this remarkable man, the Sanctuary was opened here. It is located close to the Roaring Fork River, and inscriptions are engraved on these huge rocks inside the premises.

7. Colorado Ghost Towns You Can Visit

You will be intrigued that there are two ghost towns outside Aspen! Silver was discovered in Ashcroft, where twenty saloons and a schoolhouse once used to be. Now it is run by the Aspen Historical Society.

Colorado Ghost Towns - Places to Visit in Aspen

The other town of Independence was founded in 1880, and it was here where gold was found. After 1889 the dwellers moved to Aspen, making Ascroft and Independence the two ghost towns nearby. You can catch a glimpse of them if you are at Aspen.

8. Experience Aspen Brewing Company and Nearby Attractions

If you are in Aspen you will never fall short of restaurants and breweries in town! The Aspen Brewing Company is an excellent place in the town that promises local craft beer. The outdoor setup allows the visitors to enjoy a breezy summer afternoon sipping on their drink.

9. The Historic Wheeler Opera House

The Wheeler Opera House was constructed in the 1890s and flaunted its architectural excellence and brilliant artwork. This is a famous landmark in town, and you should include it in your sightseeing trip. Live music and performances are conducted here for the visitors.

10. Aspen Highlands

This is one of Aspen's most challenging hiking trails, and if you are fond of mountain climbing and rocky elevation, then this trip is meant for you. As you climb the hill, the scenic view is also advantageous and will inspire you to reach the top.

11. Explore the Aspen Mountain

It was the Mountain of Aspen that made the town so famous! Everyone got to know about this little town on the map, and the hikers spotted their paradise. If you are a die heart fan of mountain climbing, go for it!

12. Glenwood Springs, in the Rocky Mountains

So you are in Roaring Fork Valley and have not visited Glenwood Springs yet? Well, we can't let that happen! This popular hiking spot is situated northwest of Aspen, about 40 miles. You can indulge in fishing and whitewater rafting in this region. You can even look at the cavern, which will leave you smitten.

13. Buttermilk Ski Area

This is the perfect place to take your kid skiing! They will have a fun time, and it is a safe spot where your little ones can freely enjoy smooth skiing. Private skiing and snowboarding are also available! The slopes are curvy and smoother for beginners, and trainers are always present. But that is no reason to think that every ski lover will get bored here. The 22-foot superpipe and the X-game-inspired course are also present here.

14. Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

You will locate a research center that is located North of Main Street. It is also a wildlife sanctuary that aims to spread awareness about the preservation of Aspen's natural resources and beauty. The wildlife workshops are conducted here to protect the local flora and fauna of the town. You can indulge in winter snowshoe walks as you admire the variety of birds perched on the branches.

15. A Downtown Aspen Walking Tour

The best of Aspen is only felt in the downtown regions! Here you will get the experience of vibrancy and a taste of the feisty essence of the town. The local markets are buzzing with life, and such a great option to spend your evening shopping and then enjoying your meal in one of the local restaurants.

16. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail (Aspen)

As you hike to the Maroon Peak, a lake view is indispensable. You shall be taken aback by the stunning and pristine water nestled amidst the hills. The two-mile path following the Creek Road provides a spectacular view to tourists.

Maroon Lake Scenic Trail - Places to Visit in Aspen

17. T-Lazy-7 Ranch and Snowmobiles

If you are heading to the Maroon Bells, then not far away from the venue is the T-Lazy-7 Ranch which is an outdoor playground that allows all kinds of adventurous activities. Snowmobiling in winter and horse riding in the summer are the two most common activities in the park. Fly fishing is also practiced here at T-Lazy-7.

It also raises eggs, honey, and beef for business. You can get rental cabins or housing where you can also include lunch. The view of the White River National Forest makes this place even more stunning.

18. Driving The Scenic Castle Creek Road

You will see peaks, valleys, and canyons as you drive down Castle Creek Road. This is the road that takes you to Ashcroft, the ghost town. However, before you reach the ghost town, you can thoroughly enjoy the road and the incredible scenery.

19. Epic Hikes Near Aspen

You will receive several opportunities to embark on a hiking trip as you visit Aspen! Do not miss out on these chances. There is Maroon Bell with the Colorado Rockies as the backdrop or the Grottos Trail, which is only a half-mile loop trail but a fun and exciting one.

FAQs-

1. Is there anything to see in Aspen if you are a non-skier?

Even if you are a non-skier, there are easy trails that you can embark upon. There are even other sightseeing locations that you can explore.

2. What is Aspen famous for?

Aspen is a famous hiking spot, and four skiing areas surround the town.

3. What is there to do in Aspen?

Hiking to Maroon Bell or Independence Pass is a beautiful idea in Aspen. There is the Rio Grande Trail for beginners.

4. Which is the best month to go to Aspen?

December to February is the best part of the year when you can head to Aspen. The smooth slopes and the wonderful atmosphere provides you with the best ambiance and setup for enjoying the best of the town.

Final Words-

Are you looking for some adventure or the best places to visit in Aspen? Then Aspen, Colorado is the next spot! You get to hike to your heart's content and enjoy the ambiance of greenery around. Whether you visit the town in snowy winter or pleasant summer, you will have loads of fun.