Top 12 Things To Do in Aspen

More than 1.5 million people visit this world-renowned mountain resort town every year. And it’s no wonder; from the four world-class skiing areas, to the breathtaking Rocky Mountain beauty, to the high-end mountain culture, Aspen is the gift that keeps on giving.

Whatever your vibe may be, Aspen is chock-full of amazing experiences guaranteed to keep you coming back for more. We’ve narrowed down some of our top “To-Dos” during your trip to Aspen, so you can be sure you’re getting the best experience.

Aspen Snowmass is the kind of winter escape that feels bigger than life; four mountains, two charming towns, and 5,700+ acres to explore and enjoy–talk about a winter wonderland! With just one lift ticket, you unlock access to all four resorts!

Snowmass is the biggest of the four (with 3,300+ acres and 96 trails), the most family-friendly, and is great for mixed-ability groups. It’s known for expansive groomers, long cruisers, and plenty of variety for skiers and snowboarders alike. It’s also the best home base for snowshoeing; ACES runs a guided 2-hour scenic snowshoe tour on the mountain.

Aspen Mountain/Ajax is Aspen’s iconic mountain that towers over downtown. Built for confident skiers and riders who want a steeper, more technical day, Ajax is the classic Aspen experience. Please note that it has no green (easy) runs, so be sure to steer clear if you are a beginner.

Aspen Highlands offers big mountain energy and advanced terrain that’s perfect for experts, with the legendary Highland Bowl as its crowning glory. Highland Bowl is revered by skiers worldwide for its unforgettable terrain, jaw-dropping views, and steep runs; it’s essentially a rite of passage for expert skiers and riders. This is the mountain you pick if you want a tell-everyone-about-it kind of experience.

Buttermilk is a mountain playground beloved by all, and is the perfect mountain for beginners just learning to ride. It has a variety of green routes, perfect for first timers, terrain park for slopestyle and halfpipe lovers, and several uphill routes for those nordic skiers looking for a serious workout. This is also the mountain that’s home to the iconic annual X-Games.

You can buy the Aspen Snowmass lift ticket (that gives access to all four mountains) directly from here. There are also season passes that give access to the four mountains; Premier, Alpine, Valley, and Uphill.

If you want an easy but unforgettable experience, the Silver Queen Gondola is a can’t miss. This scenic ride starts right at the heart of downtown Aspen, takes 15 minutes, and whisks you up more than 3,000 feet to the top of Aspen Mountain (11,212 feet). During the ride, you will enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Elk Mountains, Roaring Fork River, and the gorgeous surrounding Rocky Mountain wilderness. Once you get to the top, you’ll step out into sweeping sky views and fresh alpine mountain air with the sundeck restaurant right there for you to fuel up amidst breathtaking scenery.

First opened in 1986, the Silver Queen Gondola was built to seamlessly connect Aspen’s culture with its wild mountainous soul, and it more than delivers that magic today. It stretches 2.5 miles from base to summit and serves as a year-round adventure getaway.

In summer and fall, sightseeing tickets (starting at $39) open up hiking trails, mountaintop dining, disc golf, giant chess, and even live music. Once winter lands, the Gondola becomes your getaway to world-class skiing, offering direct access to 75+ trails.

Tip: Times and tickets vary by season, so be sure to check ahead of time!

The Maroon Bells is the kind of place that makes you stop and ask yourself, “is this real?” It’s the most photographed place in Colorado and it’s easy to see why. Here, two iconic bell-shaped 14,000 feet peaks (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak) rise above Maroon Lake creating an absolutely stunning postcard-perfect scene.

Because the Maroon Bells are so popular, access is carefully managed, particularly during the peak months. As such, it’s best to plan ahead and ride the shuttle, or book parking reservations. You should also expect some private vehicle restrictions during certain times of the day during peak season (May-October). For a stress-free visit, it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the evening, and make sure you dress in layers because mountain-weather can change quickly.

Once you’re there, the fun is refreshingly simple; you can wander the easy maroon lake scenic loop, hike just under 4 miles to Crater Lake, or simply soak in the stunning scenery as you get some gorgeous photos in. Just be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife (most likely moose and deer), and if you come across any wildlife, always give them plenty of space.

Now this is a hike that feels like that Colorado Rocky Mountain magic; 1.9 miles looping around Maroon Lake with nonstop views of the stunning Maroon Bells and the breathtaking surrounding wilderness. This easy family-friendly trail wraps around the shoreline and wanders across the creek that feeds the lake, offering spectacular views on top of spectacular views. It’s the perfect scenic stroll for those “I can’t believe I was there” photos.

Some practical things to keep in mind; the trail is at high elevation (around 9,500-10,000 feet) so take it slow, drink plenty of water, and layer up (mountain weather loves surprising you!). As mentioned above, this is one of the most popular destinations in the summer and fall, so you also need to plan accordingly to even get to the trailhead. During peak season, private cars aren’t allowed in without a parking permit. Book the shuttle so you don’t have to worry about trying to snag a timed-entry parking pass.

Some portions of the trail are wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly while some sections are uneven, so keep that in mind while planning your trip.

In winter, the road is closed and becomes a cross-country ski route about six miles from the trailhead, reaching the loop then turns into a roughly 12-mile round trip on skis.

Note: Dogs are not allowed on the Maroon Lake Loop Scenic Trail to help protect the area’s wildlife habitat.

Independence Pass is one of those classic Rocky Mountains routes that makes you want to pull over every few minutes just to take it all in. This 32-mile stretch crosses the continental divide between Leadville and Aspen, climbing to a breathtaking 12,095 feet. This scenic route winds past massive aspen groves and wide open alpine valleys, all while offering several gorgeous lookout points. Plan for anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on how often you stop (it will likely be more than you think).

Although beautiful, this is still a steep mountain pass. The road is narrow and continuously winding, with only a few guardrails so please stick to the speed limit and drive with caution. It’s typically open from late May to late October and closes in winter, so make sure you check conditions before you go.

Also prepare for busy summer weekends, so plan ahead if you want to avoid the crowds.

The aptly named John Denver sanctuary is one of those places that invites you to slow down and take it all in. Truly a sanctuary, this serene public garden was created to honor John Denver, the internationally acclaimed songwriter who lived in Aspen for much of his life. It honors Denver’s deep love for the Rocky Mountains and Colorado’s wild beauty, which inspired many of his songs.

The heart of the sanctuary is the song garden where native river boulders are engraved with his most beloved lyrics and are arranged in a circle around a stunning blue spruce. The circle symbolizes the circle of life while the spruce represents Denver’s spirit. Both meaningful and beautiful, it’s the perfect spot for a serene stroll, a picnic, or even just some quiet hours of reflection.

The sanctuary is open from dawn to dusk and is always free to enter, though donations are greatly appreciated. Keep in mind, there’s no onsite parking, but you can use the nearby Rio Grande plaza garage.

Tip: Listen to “Rocky Mountain High” and “Starwood in Aspen” to really understand how John saw Aspen.

Lovers of history, this one’s for you! Ashcroft Ghost Town whisks you away from the modern day and takes you straight into Colorado’s silver mining past. Silver was discovered in the town of Ashcroft in 1880, making the town spring up almost overnight. Within just three years, the silver mining town was booming with roughly 2,000 residents (more than Aspen at the time). Unfortunately, that only lasted as long as the mines did, which wasn’t very long. By 1885, the town was nearly bankrupt and essentially only summer residents resided.

Today, the town sits in a wide open alpine meadow, where you can explore several restored historical buildings (like the Blue Mirror Saloon) to get a taste of a wild west town. It’s an easy self-guided tour with interpretive signs to walk you through Ashcroft’s boom and bust history. During the summer, there are docents that you can chat with during open hours, as well as a gift shop full of fun and funky memorabilia for all you history buffs.

Note: Admission is $5 for adults and free for children, no dogs allowed. Self-guided and honor system admission during the fall, winter, and spring.

If you’re visiting Aspen in the early fall, the Snowmass Balloon Festival is one of those “I can’t believe this is free!” experiences. Held every year in mid-September in Snowmass Village, this popular celebration brings over 30 hot air balloons to Snowmass Town Park, where you can watch them inflate and lift off. As long as weather allows, the balloons are typically launched around 7:00 - 9:30 a.m. in the morning, creating a truly unforgettable scene against the blue skies and rugged mountain backdrop.

The fun doesn’t end there–there’s also the popular Night Glow on the evening of the first day of the festival, where balloons are tethered to the ground and lit up as people stroll amongst them on the field. It’s quite the magical experience.

Tips: Dress in warm layers, wear closed toe shoes, bring a blanket and a portable chair (no seating on the field), and plan to use the free shuttles (no road shoulder parking). Dogs are not allowed during this festival.

The Grottos Trail is a small but mighty trek that delivers stunning scenery and unique ice caves, all within half a mile of trail.. The trail starts at the Grottos Day Use area (around 9 miles East of Aspen) and wanders alongside the Roaring Fork river past carved rock and deep fissures..

Once you get to the caves, you’ll be greeted by sheets of ice that linger even into summer, and cave walls that are polished so smooth they feel unreal. Plus, because the ice forms and melts with the weather, you can come back again and again and have a different experience every time. This is especially true in winter, when the small pools of water inside the caves freeze, creating shimmering intricate ice formations akin to a winter wonderland.

Tips: Wear sturdy shoes that can handle slick rocks; keep a close eye on kids; keep dogs leashed; arrive early to beat the crowds.

What’s a trip without a little shopping? Or better still, a lot of shopping? The Aspen Pedestrian Mall sits in the heart of town along Cooper Ave and Hyman Ave, offering up a walkable zone of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and outdoor gear shops.

Stroll through the streets at your own pace, duck into luxury boutiques and designer stores (Gucci, Prada, and Moncler to name a few), or browse top tier ski wear and outdoor gear shops as you prepare for your next adventure.

This is also the best place to grab a bite and warm drink, head into a gallery to enjoy some art, then pop into a gift shop and find something to take home. Or, you could simply window shop and people-watch as you soak up Aspen’s signature mountain charm energy.

Crater Lake Trail is a classic Aspen hike with a big payoff. Starting at the stunning shores of Maroon Lake, the hike is a moderate out-and-back trip (3.5 miles) that climbs from roughly 9,580 feet to just over 10,000 feet. The trail weaves through aspen groves and rocky stretches beneath the striking Maroon Bells, and though the terrain gets steeper and rockier as you go, the reward is more than worth it; the stunning alpine crater lake.

The trail is popular for a reason, so start early (sunrise if you can), wear sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of water (and bug spray in the warmer months). The best time to visit is from June to October, just keep in mind that access to the Maroon Bells is managed with shuttle reservations or parking permits, especially during peak hours.

Note: Dogs are not permitted on this trail.

If you’re looking for a little winter magic right in downtown Aspen, look no further than the Silver Circle Ice Rink. This charming outdoor rink is right next to Aspen Mountain, so you can glide with the peaks in view, warm up between laps, and soak in that classic alpen glow. There are on-site skate rentals available.

The rink runs seasonally during winter, though conditions can change depending on the weather, so be sure to check before you go.

Tip: Dress in layers, bring gloves, and get there early if you want enough space to skate without crowds closing in.

From scenic Gondola rides to the famous Maroon Bells views, from ghost town explorations to colorful fall balloons, and from ice cave adventures to a quiet stroll in the John Denver sanctuary, Aspen delivers that rare mixture of luxury, adventure, and Rocky Mountain charm.

The cherry on top? You don’t have to put it all together yourself, with WayFy you can generate curated itineraries, get local tips, and have some amazing experiences, all built around your pace, priorities, and travel preferences.

Download WayFy today and start planning your Aspen getaway; one that’s effortless, unforgettable, and completely yours.