Location: Aspen
Top Things to do in Aspen
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Aspen, United States
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. Maroon Bells
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Isabel C
Awesome tour. Great ranch! Very nice! Great experience. For the first time you do this, Maroon Bells tour is a great tour. You can have 2 people ride on 1 or each have their own. You can definitely have one drive to the mid point, where you have not chocolate. While sitting on the back You can enjoy the view. There are stops we make along the way, giving time to take pictures. Then when driving back while switch out drivers on the ride. One thing, my thumb was tired from holding down the gas. Great time and I would do it again, probably again sharing the ride.
2. T-Lazy-7 Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 296 reviews
Back in the early 1900s, Had and Lou Deane were a colorful pair who raised cattle, horses, and a family on their rustic mountain ranch just outside of Aspen. Their parents and grandparents were Aspen’s founding fathers and earliest settlers. Today T-Lazy-7 is as busy as ever with the fourth and fifth generations of the Deanes running the ranch. Guests enjoy this mountain paradise for weddings and events, while recreational enthusiasts take part in snowmobile tours, horseback riding and fly fishing. T-Lazy-7 Ranch’s past is as rich as its future is bright, and we’re looking forward to many more years of wonderful mountain memories ahead.
Reviewed By MDMason50 - South Lyon, Michigan
Excellent trip for 12 people, most of whom had never ridden snowmobiles before. Beautiful views and scenary. John and Merch were fantastic guides and I would highly recommend adding this trip to your Aspen itinerary.It's fantastic to hear that your experience was beautiful! Thanks so much for taking a tour with us. We can't wait to have you back! Till we meet again, T-Lazy-7 Ranch
3. Independence Pass
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Wandermuses - Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Al Naturale! Perfect time of the year to contemplate nature’s seasonal changes and explore the mountains landscape before the snow fall accumulates. Observe wild life getting ready to hunker down for the heavy winter months. Travel light and pack for extreme weather conditions when exploring outdoors.
4. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 365 reviews
Reviewed By madbrown - Denver, Colorado
The lake is beautiful, crystal clear water, with the gorgeous mountains in the backdrop. We come every fall to see the Bells and the changing leaves and this view never disappoints. this hike is really nice and easy. so great for people with younger kids, or older people or people just wanting an easy hike.
5. Rio Grande Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
The first thought that came to my mind when I encountered the Rio Grande Trail in Colorado was: Why doesn't every state, particularly Illinois, have one of these? As someone who thinks bicyclists tread too much on pedestrians and automobile drivers, the Rio Grande Trail is the answer. Completed in 2008, it is the longest rail-trail in the state of Colorado and acts as the central spine in a growing trail network. It follows the Roaring Fork River and links Glenwood Springs with Aspen, a distance of 42 miles with a gentle incline of roughly 2,100 feet through the windswept beauty of sagebrush and scrub oaks, richly scented forest of ponderosa and spruce, open meadows, jagged mountains and historic ranch buildings. Not to mention bald eagles soaring overhead and herds of elk grazing along the way. The paved trail serves an average of 85,000 users annually...road bikers, mountain bikers, hikers, joggers, walkers, even in-line skaters. No motorized vehicles of any kind are permitted on the trail. Dogs are permitted with a leash. More good news: there are plans to extend the trail beyond Aspen, through Kebler Pass, over McClure Pass, to Crested Butte, a distance of 74 miles. The scenery is breath-taking.
6. The John Denver Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 539 reviews
Reviewed By roberttO761OL - Towson
We always go to the John Denver Sanctuary in the summer for Plays at the Aspen theater. It is surrounded by mountains and is beautiful
7. Aspen Highlands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
A local favorite, the Highlands specialize in steep trails but also offer easier trails for novices.
Reviewed By SLCFlyingD - Salt Lake City, Utah
Skiing at Aspen Highlands is a wonderful experience. The terrain at this resort is slightly more challenging than the neighboring resorts. Mother Nature didn't provide much snow on this visit but it was still a great mountain to ski. Aspen Ski Company also operates several other resorts in the area and I really appreciate their commitment to the environment and to diversity.
8. Silver Queen Gondola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
For great views of the surrounding area, hop aboard this popular gondola that takes 18 minutes to get to the top of Aspen Mountain. Summer 2015 Hours Daily: June 20 - September 7, 2015 Weekends: May 23-25, 30-31; June 6-7, 13-14; September 12-13, 19-20, 26-27; October 3-4 Silver Queen Gondola Hours: 10 am - 4 pm (last ride down at 4:30 pm)
Reviewed By Jill H - North Carolina
She's a beauty!!! And the places she will allow you to see! Aspen, if only the cosmetic surgery of your visitors weren't there in any way to diminish your natural beauty!! You used to be my favorite place.... but when Cartier, Harry Winston and all those other brands came driving in in their Ferraris, well, and then all the locals moved even farther down valley, well, I have found other places and gondolas whose beauty to enjoy.
9. Buttermilk Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Buttermilk is one of the best places in Aspen to learn to ski, brush up on your skills or just relax and take in the stunning scenery.
Reviewed By MikhailF999 - Sydney, Australia
Buttermilk Mountain is one of 4 mountain in Aspen. t has slopes for every level: beginner, intermediate, advance (no double black runs though). The terrain is not too tough, so one may get a relaxed skiing, if s/he wished. A number of pleasant green runs along Western lift provides a possibility to have a rest during the day. Views from top are incredible and do not forget to visit Cliffhouse restaurant at the top. Buttermilk has less total area for skiing among Aspen group. However, there was not enough snow in the region during Jan-Feb 2018. and I found that in this poor snow conditions to my view, Buttermilk had better snow cover in comparison with 3 other mountains in the area.
10. Aspen Mountain / Ajax
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 511 reviews
Known as "the athlete's mountain," expert skiers flock to its challenging slopes.
Reviewed By Betty A
Even if you don’t ski, take the gondola to the top of the Mountain to view the most beautiful site of Aspen. Good choice of menu items to eat indoors or out. Weather permitting, lots of activities for children and adults. Music playing jugglers photographers dogs barking balloon makers and artists Obviously if you were a skier you’re about to commence a wonderful run
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