Location: Aspen
Top Things to do in Aspen
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10 Free Things to do in Aspen That You Shouldn't Miss
Everyone knows Aspen as a top-notch winter resort town. But outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy it in the summer, too, when the mountains become a perfect setting for hiking, biking and horseback tours. Some may be surprised to find it’s a top romance destination—but after all that outdoor exercise, who wouldn’t want to repair to a luxurious hotel room or a cozy, firelit bar?
Restaurants in Aspen
1. Castle Creek Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
This mountain road offers a smooth mountain bike ride to Aspen, Colorado.
Reviewed By davidhV8108PG - Incline Village, United States
Everyone goes to Maroon Bells, we prefer this bike ride. Grade is easier and much less traffic. I road a road bike and wife was on an electric bike. The scenery is magnificent and their is not much traffic with a very good road surface. Also world class hiking from at the end of the canyon. An additional reward is Pine Creek Cookhouse. Great view and food is very good. Also descent back down to Aspen is world class.
2. Grizzly Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
A three-mile hike through scenic woods leads you to sparkling Grizzly Lake, an ideal spot for a picnic.
3. Buckskin Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By OSU_Fan1967 - Dublin, United States
Awesome hike that is truly worth every step that it takes to get to the pass. Leave early and get to the pass by noon to avoid hiker traffic and potential weather issues. We utilized the reservation system and drove our personal car directly to the trail head - you need to arrive between 7:30-8:00 AM which is ideal and puts you well ahead of the shuttle buses. Be ready to take a lot of photos on this hike!
4. American Lake Trail
5. Lost Man Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Coastman3 - Palo Alto, United States
Great hike that goes up a lovely mountain valley from Lost Man Reservoir to Independence Pass. The last half mile is quite rocky, but it is a wonderful mountain hike. Watch out for late afternoon thunder storms which are common this high up.
6. Rio Grande Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By AshleyVirtue
My husband and I just walked the Rio Grande Trail all the way from the John Denver Sanctuary (that was our starting point and a GORGEOUS and inspirational way to start the walk) to Woody Creek Tavern, about 8 miles away. It was a long walk but stunning. Most others we saw were biking the trail. I think very few people walk it. The first mile and a half of the trail were the most scenic. You're in Aspen walking right between the rushing river and some gorgeous real estate. If you're only interesting in walking about 3 miles I recommend starting at the JD Sanctuary (we spend about 45 minutes there, relaxing, taking pictures and reading the inspirational quotes and lyrics written on the rocks) and walking for a mile and half and then turning around and heading back. If you're up for a grander adventure, you can walk the whole 8 miles to Woody Creek Tavern where you'll want to catch an Uber/Lyft or Taxi back to Aspen (about $18). We, of course, had to stop in the Tavern and have a beer or two, and a bowl of chips before catching our ride. : )
7. Independence Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,695 reviews
Reviewed By 688juddc - Aspen, United States
Everyone should check out the Continental Divide and Independence Pass - also a fantastic bicycle ride up from the Aspen side - best early in the day or in the off-seasons, due to narrow sections and sometimes heavy traffic. There are a lot of places to pull off and admire the scenery, take pics, or go for a little hike - especially alongside the creek, at the Grottos - where there's a plunge pool (not safe in times of heavy water runoff). Also several camping sites exist closer to the Aspen side where the scenery is all amazing...
8. Ute Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By cerminarolambc - Seattle, United States
The trailhead offers a few parking spots. Once you get on the trail, you know you're in for a workout. Steep switchbacks, tight singletrack, heavy foliage. Your reward is at the very end of the hike, with stunning, bird's-eye views of the city, surrounding valley and mountains.
