Aspen ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Aspen, Colorado.
1. Maroon Bells
ICONIC MOUNTAIN PEAKS
Maroon Bells is one of the most photographed mountain scenes in Colorado, featuring spectacular twin peaks reflected in crystal-clear Maroon Lake. Visitors can access the area via a reservation-only shuttle bus during peak seasons, making it easy to experience this natural wonder. The surrounding area offers numerous hiking trails of varying difficulties, including the popular Maroon Lake Scenic Trail, perfect for experiencing the breathtaking alpine scenery.
2. Independence Pass
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Independence Pass is a spectacular alpine route that reaches elevations over 10,900 feet with thrilling drives and expansive views. The pass features scenic trails, ice caves, and remnants of historical ghost towns along its path. This seasonal road (typically closed in winter) connects Aspen to Leadville and offers numerous pullouts for photography and short hikes.
3. Silver Queen Gondola
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN LIFT
The Silver Queen Gondola provides a stunning ride from downtown Aspen to the summit of Ajax Mountain with panoramic views throughout the journey. At the top, visitors can enjoy dining options, hiking trails, and yard games during summer months. The gondola serves both winter skiers and summer sightseers, making it a year-round attraction for all ages.
4. Grottos Trail
NATURAL ICE CAVES
Grottos Trail offers a unique natural experience featuring ice caves and unusual rock formations carved by the Roaring Fork River. The relatively short trail makes it accessible for most visitors, including families with children. During hot summer days, the cool interior of the ice caves provides a refreshing respite from the heat while showcasing fascinating geological features.
5. The John Denver Sanctuary
MUSICAL GARDEN TRIBUTE
The John Denver Sanctuary pays homage to the beloved singer-songwriter who called Aspen home through a peaceful garden setting along the Roaring Fork River. Visitors can wander among large boulders engraved with Denver's lyrics and other inspirational quotes while enjoying native plantings and water features. The sanctuary serves as both a contemplative space and an environmental triumph with its wetlands that help filter storm water.
6. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail
EASY LAKESIDE HIKE
Maroon Lake Scenic Trail offers one of the most accessible ways to experience the majesty of the Maroon Bells reflected in the lake's pristine waters. The relatively flat, one-mile trail circumnavigates the lake and provides multiple perfect vantage points for photography. Wildlife sightings are common along this popular trail, with moose, marmots, and various bird species frequently observed by hikers.
7. Rio Grande Trail
VALLEY-LONG PAVED PATH
The Rio Grande Trail follows the former railroad corridor of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, stretching 42 miles from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. The paved multi-use trail accommodates walkers, runners, cyclists, and even cross-country skiers in winter months. Passing through diverse landscapes including riverside terrain, rural farmland, and suburban areas, the trail offers an excellent way to explore the Roaring Fork Valley.
8. Crater Lake Trail
CHALLENGING ALPINE HIKE
Crater Lake Trail extends beyond the Maroon Lake area, climbing through aspen groves to reach the stunning alpine Crater Lake nestled beneath the Maroon Bells. The 3.6-mile round-trip hike features moderate elevation gain and some rocky sections, rewarding hikers with spectacular mountain views. In summer, wildflowers carpet the surrounding meadows, creating a colorful backdrop against the dramatic peaks.
9. Independence Ghost Town
HISTORIC MINING SETTLEMENT
Independence Ghost Town stands as a testament to Colorado's mining history at an elevation exceeding 10,900 feet along Independence Pass. Established in the 1880s, the town's harsh conditions eventually led to its abandonment after a legendary winter where starving miners dismantled their homes to craft escape skis. Today, visitors can explore the remaining structures through self-guided tours that bring the area's rich history to life.
10. Aspen Art Museum
CONTEMPORARY ART SHOWCASE
Aspen Art Museum houses internationally renowned contemporary artwork within walking distance of downtown Aspen. The museum occupies a historic brick building along the popular Rio Grande Trail, creating a perfect blend of history and modern artistic expression. Free admission allows visitors to experience rotating exhibitions that feature both established and emerging artists from around the world.
11. Crystal Mill
PHOTOGENIC HISTORIC SITE
Crystal Mill stands as one of Colorado's most photographed historic structures, perched dramatically on a rocky outcropping along the Crystal River near the town of Marble. This 1890s wooden powerhouse once used a water turbine to power air compressors for local silver mines. Accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle, mountain bike, or on foot, the journey to this iconic landmark rewards visitors with both historical significance and spectacular scenery.
12. Holden/Marolt Museum
LOCAL MINING HISTORY
The Holden/Marolt Museum preserves artifacts from Aspen's mining and ranching eras dating back to the late 1800s. Located at the site of the 1891 Holden Lixiviation Mill just outside town, the museum provides a glimpse into the industrial processes that shaped the region. Self-guided and organized tours allow visitors to explore the extensive collection of tools, machinery, and everyday items that tell the story of Aspen before its transformation into a resort destination.
13. Wheeler/Stallard Museum
VICTORIAN-ERA TIME CAPSULE
The Wheeler/Stallard Museum is housed in a stately 1888 Queen Anne-style Victorian home built by Jerome B. Wheeler, one of Aspen's most influential historical figures. The first floor is furnished to reflect the lifestyle of wealthy residents during Aspen's silver mining heyday of the late 19th century. The second floor features rotating exhibits that explore various aspects of Aspen's rich cultural and historical heritage throughout the years.
14. Ashcroft Ghost Town
PRESERVED MINING COMMUNITY
Ashcroft Ghost Town offers visitors a glimpse into Colorado's silver mining boom through well-preserved buildings including a saloon, post office, and private residences. Located in the stunning Castle Creek Valley about 10 miles from Aspen, this National Register Historic Site was once home to around 2,000 residents in the 1880s before its rapid decline. Self-guided tours with interpretive signs allow visitors to step back in time and imagine life during the area's brief but prosperous mining era.
15. Pine Creek Cookhouse
BACKCOUNTRY DINING EXPERIENCE
Pine Creek Cookhouse offers a unique dining experience in a spectacular backcountry setting at the base of the Elk Mountain Range near Ashcroft. In winter, guests reach this log cabin restaurant by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or horse-drawn sleigh, while summer allows for direct vehicle access. The menu features gourmet alpine cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients, including wild game specialties served in a rustic-elegant atmosphere with panoramic mountain views.