Top Tourist Attractions in Aspen

Best Things To Do in Aspen, Colorado

Are you looking for what to do in Aspen?

You might have a list of things to do in Aspen and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. Places like Maroon Bells and Independence Pass will make sure your dream destinations are ticked off. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

With so many world-famous sites and attractions to visit, deciding on the best things to do in Aspen can be a daunting task. Visiting selective places and carrying the best memories is the best alternative. Don’t rush to see all of the attractions in Aspen on your first trip itself.

Aspen is the type of city that you will love to visit again and again. Every time you revisit Aspen you can keep unfolding the different sides of it. This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Aspen getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Aspen with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Aspen

Here is the list of things to do in Aspen and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Maroon Bells

    4.9 (785 Votes)
    Maroon Bells

    View Point, Peak

    Maroon Bells are the two peaks in the Elk Mountain range. These peaks are the epitome of the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The scenic beauty surrounding these peaks is one of the most widely photographed in North America. These peaks are the most frequented tourist spot in Aspen. Spring, summer and fall seasons see nature trails and hiking near these peaks. In winter, the road to these peaks i...Read more

  2. Independence Pass

    4.9 (548 Votes)
    Independence Pass
    The Independence Pass connects Aspen with its eastern neighbours. The iconic pass is situated on Highway 82 at an elevation of around 12 thousand feet. This route is full of scenic views of the mountains and valleys in Aspen. This is supplemented by the many nature trails and biking routes that surround the pass. There are rock climbing activities taking place here in the summer. Overnight camp...Read more

  3. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail

    Maroon Lake Scenic Trail Image
    ©

    Hiking Trail

    On your way to Maroon Peak, make it a point to go on the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail. This is one of the most popular trails near Aspen. The lake reflects the high Maroon peaks in its azure waters and is a prime spot for fly-fishing in the summer. The trees surrounding this lake display their rich auburn colours in the fall. The trek begins near the parking area for commercial vehicles and buses a...Read more

  4. T-lazy-7 Snowmobiles

    4.7 (406 Votes)
    T-lazy-7 Snowmobiles

    Outdoors, Entertainment, Adventure

    Outdoors in Aspen mean only one thing, the T-Lazy-7 Ranch just out of the main town. This ranch specialises in outdoor activities for both the summer and winter seasons. The ranch was opened for visitors in 1938 and has been a major tourist attraction ever since. Activities offered here include snowmobile tours, horseback riding in the summer, fly-fishing and other retreats. The ponds around Ma...Read more

  5. Aspen Mountain

    Aspen Mountain

    View Point, Skiing

    The Aspen Mountain is the most famous ski arena in town. The mountain is situated at an elevation of around 12 thousand feet and it is one of the oldest ski arenas in Aspen. A wide range of snow activities take place on this mountain in winter. Besides the traditional skis, there are powder tours in the luxurious snowcats that take you to the back of the mountain. Private lessons are offered to...Read more

  6. Silver Queen Gondola

    Silver Queen Gondola

    Entertainment, Rides

    The Silver Queen Gondola is a scenic ride from the foot of the Aspen Mountain to its top. From inside the ride, you can see the mesmerizing views of the Elk Mountain range. The top of the Aspen Mountain is a centre for many activities. In summer, you can go hiking on the numerous trails or for one of the nature walks to explore the beauty of the mountain. The world’s highest official disc...Read more

  7. Buttermilk Mountain

    Buttermilk Mountain

    Outdoors, View Point, Adventure Sport, Skiing

    Buttermilk Mountain is best known as the location of the Winter X Games held in Aspen every year. This mountain has three skiing tracks of varying difficulties that test the skills of those who dare to venture on them. Training is also offered to beginners and amateurs. Family members can train together and enjoy a good training session. There are around six parks on and below the mountain wher...Read more

  8. Rio Grande Trail

    Rio Grande Trail

    Biking Trail

    One of the more scenic, peaceful and environment-friendly ways to move between Aspen and Glenwood Springs is by hiking on the Rio Grande Trail. The 42-mile trail was previously a railway line between the two winter towns that was converted when the line fell out of operation. The trail is accompanied by the Roaring Fork river for almost all its distance. At some points, the trail intersects the...Read more

  9. Crater Lake Trail

    4.8 (191 Votes)
    Crater Lake Trail

    Trail

    The 1.8-mile dirt and rock section from Maroon Lake to the Crater Lake is the known as the Crater Lake Trail. This trail passes through aspen groves and rock formations to reach the Crater Lake. This moderately difficult trek is a very popular spot for hikers visiting Aspen. The trail originates near the Maroon Lake parking area. Once you cross the groves and the scree fields, you will come acr...Read more

  10. Grottos Trail

    4.8 (369 Votes)
    Grottos Trail

    Cave, Trail

    The Grottos Trail in the Independence Pass is one way of chewing out the ice caves near the historic pass. There are numerous waterfalls and cascades on the length of this trail thanks to its proximity to the Roaring Fork. Families often come here for hiking and picnics. The trail is divided into three areas. The shortest trail goes into the woods near the river, emerging onto a waterfall and p...Read more

  11. Castle Creek Road

    Castle Creek Road Image
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    Trail, Road

    The 13-mile Castle Creek Road is a must-visit if you want to see the beauty of Aspen and its surrounding areas. This road passes through some of the most scenic places in the Colorado mountains. The local will recommend you hire a bike and drive along this scenic route. All along the road, there are hiking trails, backpacking options, fishing, camping and biking routes. In winter, you will find...Read more

  12. Aschroft Ghost Town

    4.5 (17 Votes)
    Aschroft Ghost Town
    The ghost town of Ashcroft was formerly the home of around 2000 residents and a thriving mining village. In the 19th century, the silver mine in this village ran out of its ore and the people tried to find other means of livelihood but failed. The opening of the Rio Grande Railway Line in Aspen sealed the fate of abandonment for Ashcroft. Today, there are only the empty buildings that remain as...Read more

  13. Hunter Creek Trail

    Hunter Creek Trail

    Trail

    Aspen’s favourite nature walk is the Hunter Creek Trail. Broadly divided into two parts, the upper trail and lower trail, the most frequented part of the hike is the 2.4-mile-long patch to the northwest bridge. This is a very good trail for running or riding a mountain bikes. Most of it is covered with dirt and rocks so there are hiking activities in both the upper and lower end of the tr...Read more

  14. Aspen Center For Environmental Studies

    4.8 (48 Votes)
    Aspen Center For Environmental Studies

    Park, Educational Site

    Aspen is blessed with nature’s bounty and one institution in the city that is dedicated to preserving the natural diversity is the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. The programs undertaken by this institution include sustainable agriculture to feed the citizens and visitors to Aspen, prescribed wildfire burns to maintain ecological balance and spreading awareness among residents abo...Read more

  15. Cathedral Lake Trail

    4.9 (56 Votes)
    Cathedral Lake Trail

    Trail

    The Cathedral Lake Trail is one of the more adventurous hikes near Aspen. The total length of the trail is 5.6 miles and it is one of the difficult hikes thanks to its steep elevations just a few minutes into the trail. Despite the obstacles, this trail is quite popular among the locals in Aspen. There are hundreds of aspen and fir trees in groves around this trail that add to the beauty of the...Read more

Aspen
Ask question in category

  • Where is the closest lodging for an early start for a hike from Maroon Belle Lake?

    Answer Report Abuse

    • You will find numerous lodging options on the E Main Street like Molly Gibson Lodge, Hotel Aspen, Limelight Hotel, Hotel Gerome and various others which are located near Maroon Bells. 

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