Aspen

An upscale mountain town renowned for world-class skiing, summer festivals, and pristine alpine scenery in the Maroon Bells region. The charming downtown features galleries, restaurants, and outdoor activities that attract visitors year-round.

Things to do

• Maroon Bells Hiking — Trek to Colorado's most photographed peaks with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging summit attempts, offering stunning alpine vistas year-round.
• Aspen Mountain Skiing — Experience world-class skiing with 675 acres of terrain, from beginner slopes to challenging backcountry, served by modern lift systems.
• Downtown Gallery Walking Tour — Explore over 70 galleries featuring contemporary art, sculpture, and local artists throughout Aspen's charming Victorian-era downtown.
• Aspen Music Festival — Attend world-renowned classical music performances and concerts held throughout summer at multiple venues downtown and in the mountains.
• Castle Creek Scenic Drive — Drive this picturesque canyon road lined with aspens, historic cabins, and mountain streams leading to remote high-country views.
• Fly Fishing on the Roaring Fork River — Wade pristine mountain waters to catch native cutthroat and brown trout in a stunning alpine setting with professional guide services available.

Food to try

• Rocky Mountain Lamb — Locally sourced lamb dishes prepared with seasonal mountain herbs and served at upscale restaurants throughout downtown Aspen.
• Wild Game Specialties — Elk, venison, and bison dishes highlight Aspen's culinary tradition, often prepared with alpine vegetables and wild mushrooms.
• Farm-to-Table Mountain Trout — Fresh-caught Rocky Mountain trout prepared simply or with creative preparations using locally foraged ingredients at Aspen's finest restaurants.
• Aspen Brewing Craft Beer — Local brewery featuring Colorado-style craft beers with names and flavors inspired by the surrounding peaks and mountain culture.
• Hut-to-Hut Meal Experiences — Guided backcountry adventures where visitors hike to mountain huts for gourmet meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress for Elevation — Weather changes rapidly at 8,000+ feet elevation; bring layers even in summer as mornings and evenings are cool year-round.
• Aspen Etiquette — While upscale, Aspen maintains a relaxed mountain culture where outdoor gear is acceptable casual wear even in restaurants and galleries.
• Arrive Early for Popular Trails — Maroon Bells and other iconic hikes require early morning arrivals or shuttle reservations, especially during summer and fall foliage season.
• High Altitude Acclimatization — Most visitors should spend the first day acclimating to the 8,000-foot elevation and drink extra water to prevent mountain sickness.