When someone says Aspen, the first thought that comes to mind is double black diamond skiing trails. Aspen, Colorado is most famous for its skiing opportunities, but the area offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. Here are six great things to do in Aspen, Colorado, and the surrounding area.
Winter Sports
Aspen is a ski town first and foremost in the public’s perception. Aspen Mountain and the Aspen Highlands may be what put Aspen on the map, but its advanced slopes deter many would-be enthusiasts.
Fortunately for the public, you don’t have to be a rich celebrity or athlete to enjoy the ski slopes around Aspen. Snowmass Village, run by Snowmass Vacations, offers short-term and long-term vacation rentals at the popular Snowmass Ski Resort. Snowmass is the largest ski area in Aspen, comprised of more than 3000 acres of skiable terrain, more than 150 miles of trails, and a wealth of recreational opportunities. For families and beginners, Buttermilk’s gentle trails are a good first stop, though the area is better known for the Winter X Games hosted here for more than a decade. Stay in Aspen, though, if you want to attend one of the premier snowboarding schools in the United States.
Hiking in Aspen, Colorado
Aspen’s recreational opportunities are year-round. Hiking in the Maroon Belle peaks and the Rocky Mountains is a popular pastime here. If the name sounds familiar, it is because these 14,000-foot twin peaks are frequently featured in screen savers and calendars. The Rio Grande trail is the easiest hiking path in Aspen, which explains why it is the most popular. It starts on Puppy Smith Road by the town’s post office. The Grottos Trail starts off Highway 82 and is gentle enough to take your children and stop for a picnic along the way.
Tours of Aspen
Independence Pass is a scenic road that goes along the Continental Divide. The twenty-mile drive on this scenic road is reason enough to rent a car in Aspen. Aspen Brewing Beer opened in 2008; the craft beer brewer provides tours and sells beer to the public. Visitors are invited to take a ride on the Silver Queen Gondola to get a bird's’ eye view of Aspen, the slopes, and the wilderness around the town. The 14-minute ride takes you from downtown Aspen up to the summit of Ajax. If you stay at the summit for a while, recreational opportunities range from yoga on the Sundeck to playing golf at the highest golf course in the United States. The gondola runs daily from June to September, while it runs regularly on the weekends in May and October. It is closed during ski season.
Colorado Entertainment
The Wheeler Opera House opened in the late 1800s, and it continues to host concerts, movies, and other performances. The Aspen Art Museum is a local gem, and too few don’t know about the John Denver Sanctuary located in the nearby Rio Grande Park. The Aspen Music School hosts the Aspen Music Festival each year. The school keeps the arts alive by hosting music recitals and high-definition screenings of the Metropolitan Opera. Theatre Aspen is the only professional theater in Aspen, and it puts on productions year-round. In the summer, many performances take place under a large outdoor tent called The Hurst.
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs refers to a natural hot spring and the town that grew up around it a short distance from Aspen. Glenwood Springs has caves open to the public that aren’t as heavily trafficked as the Cave of the Winds, as are the local hot springs. The local rivers support fishing and whitewater rafting companies.
Wildlife Viewing
Nature lovers should stop by the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. The research center sits in a wildlife sanctuary and offers both classes and tours through the wilderness refuge. Hiking and general tours are usually free, though you will be charged for classes held on-site.
Aspen’s biggest attraction is the wealth of winter sports hosted in the area, but there is so much to do that you’ll have a good time no matter when you visit.
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