Aspen travel guide

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Aspen is a ski resort in the state of Colorado in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States of America. Its little sister is Snowmass Village, which is about 10 miles (16 km) from downtown Aspen.

Aspen in pictures

Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.

Practical guide

Get around

There are numerous large rental car services available at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. Alamo Avis Budget Hertz National Scheduled and chartered services are available from Denver International Airport and Eagle County Regional Airport. Free buses operate within the cities of Aspen and Snowmass Village and many hotels have free shuttle service to and from the airport. It's all about getting around on skis in the winter and mountain bikes or your own two feet in the summer!

See

John Denver Park. This Aspen park is a pleasant place to take your dog or your kids for a splash in the creek in summertime. The park is named after the famous Country and Folk singer who resided in Aspen. Lyrics from his most popular songs are inscribed in the creekside boulders. John Denver Park is on the creek trail on the north side of Aspen, near the Rio Grande Ball Field and park at N. Mill St. and Rio Grande Pl. 1 Maroon Bells. A short drive outside of Aspen, the Maroon Bells are one of the most photographed mountain scenes in Colorado. The lake and views of the 14,000 foot peaks are spectacular.

Do

Ski - There are four downhill ski mountains in the area: Aspen Mountain, which has the best location, Snowmass, which is the largest, Aspen Highlands, famed for its epic Highlands bowl, and Buttermilk, which provides the best experience for beginners and freestyle. They are all quite large and sprawling, and will give you one of the best skiing experiences in the country. Sleigh rides Sledding Snowshoeing Snowmobiling Mountain bike Hike Golf Gondola rides to the top of Aspen Mountain White water rafting Fly fishing Mine exploration Hot air ballooning Rodeos Paint ball Paragliding Outdoor concerts Belly Up. Small venue hosting some impressive artists, downtown Aspen. June Festival.

Eat

The Artisan Restaurant. In Snowmass in the Stone Bridge Inn has a fresh menu and many off-menu options. Woody Creek Tavern. In "downtown" Woody Creek. Good for lunch, this is the former haunt of the late Hunter S. Thompson. It's about 15 miles from Aspen. The Pine Creek Cookhouse (20 minutes south of Aspen on Castle Creek Rd). It is worth the trip down a beautiful valley to the elegant log cabinesque building. Their food is very fresh, on the gourmet side, and not overly expensive. Reservations recommended. Highly recommended to stop in for lunch after a morning hike to one of the many great trails in the area such as Cathedral Lake. The Hickory House.

Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.

Getting there

Columbus Aspen · compare all ways Where to stay in Aspen

Things to do in Aspen

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Best time to visit Aspen — climate

Jan: ~-1°C daytime, 6 rainy days -1° JanFeb: ~5°C daytime, 12 rainy days 5° FebMar: ~7°C daytime, 11 rainy days 7° MarApr: ~12°C daytime, 11 rainy days 12° AprMay: ~18°C daytime, 14 rainy days 18° MayJun: ~25°C daytime, 6 rainy days 25° JunJul: ~27°C daytime, 7 rainy days 27° JulAug: ~26°C daytime, 8 rainy days 26° AugSep: ~20°C daytime, 12 rainy days 20° SepOct: ~15°C daytime, 10 rainy days 15° OctNov: ~10°C daytime, 7 rainy days 10° NovDec: ~5°C daytime, 8 rainy days 5° Dec

Weather in Aspen

Sat ☁️ 23° 7° 💧0%
Sun ☁️ 24° 10° 💧1%
Mon ☁️ 22° 12° 💧1%
Tue 🌦️ 21° 9° 💧20%
Wed 🌦️ 22° 8° 💧18%
Thu ☁️ 21° 10° 💧9%
Fri ☁️ 21° 9° 💧6%

In Oct, Aspen typically sees ~15°C daytime highs and 10 rainy days.

Round out the trip

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