Discover Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is widely known as a haven for skiing and snowboarding — a winter playground for athletes chasing fresh powder. But in my experience, Aspen is much more than that. Both in summer and winter, the town transforms into a lifestyle destination, where the energy shifts from adrenaline to appreciation.
Instead of crowds rushing to the slopes, you’ll find people enjoying a wide range of activities: hiking through wildflower-covered trails, riding the Silver Queen Gondola for mountaintop yoga or live music, exploring the Maroon Bells, dining outdoors under the stars, or catching a performance at the Wheeler Opera House. Aspen becomes a place to slow down, connect, and experience the mountains in a whole new way.
🚗 Getting There
Heading to Aspen? You’ve got options — and each one offers its own kind of adventure. Most travelers fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) for better connections and pricing, then make the scenic drive west. It’s about 3.5 to 4 hours by car, depending on the route and season.
In summer, the most stunning drive is via Independence Pass (Highway 82), which climbs over the Continental Divide with hairpin turns and jaw-dropping views. Just note: it’s closed in winter due to snow. For year-round access, take I-70 west to Glenwood Springs, then Highway 82 south into Aspen — a gentler route that still delivers mountain charm.
Prefer to fly straight in? Aspen–Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is just minutes from downtown, with direct flights from major hubs during peak seasons. It’s small, but mighty — and landing between the peaks is an experience in itself.
🌟 My Personal Observation
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Independence Pass: In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful drives during the fall season. It can be driven from Aspen to Twin Lakes or the opposite direction. The changing colors of the trees, the charming towns along the way, and the variety of hiking spots make this route unforgettable. Note: the pass is closed from October to May for safety.
📍 View on Google Maps
Grottos Ice Cave: Located along the Independence Pass drive, this short hike offers stunning scenery and leads to a unique ice cave formation.
📍 View on Google MapsIndependence Pass Outlook Point: Also found along the same drive, this viewpoint is just a short walk from the parking area and offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
📍 View on Google Maps -
Obviously, the Main Town of Aspen: Whether you're stopping in for a bite, sipping coffee, browsing local shops, or simply relaxing, Aspen offers a cozy and vibrant experience. It’s a small town that can be explored in a day, but its atmosphere lingers much longer. One of my favorite moments was riding the gondola — the views are stunning, and each town’s gondola seems to carry its own unique enchantment.
📍 View on Google Maps -
Snowmass: This small town, part of the greater Aspen area, is absolutely worth a visit. The atmosphere feels distinct from Aspen’s main town — quieter, more spacious, and layered into the hillside. Instead of separate buildings scattered across town, Snowmass gives the impression of a single, sprawling villa, with structures staggered in tiers that follow the mountain’s slope.
📍 View on Google Maps -
Ashcroft Ghost Town: I know — this might not be everyone’s kind of stop, but in the fall, it was unforgettable. The colors were at their peak: blazing golds, deep rusts, and fiery reds that seemed to set the whole valley aglow. It felt like the landscape was putting on a final, brilliant show before winter. My eyes couldn’t stop chasing the color.
📍 View on Google Maps
🏔️ Hidden Gems in Aspen
- Maroon Bells Scenic Area — Iconic twin peaks rising above a mirror-like alpine lake. Early mornings here are pure magic, with reflections so crisp they feel unreal. Hike the Crater Lake Trail for a moderate challenge and jaw-dropping views.
- Lost Man Trail — A lesser-known hike off Independence Pass that winds through meadows, alpine lakes, and golden aspen groves. In fall, the colors here are cinematic. It’s quiet, expansive, and perfect for those who want solitude with their scenery.
- Conundrum Hot Springs — A 9-mile trek rewards you with natural hot springs tucked into the wilderness. It’s remote, rustic, and unforgettable. Best done as an overnight backpacking trip — permits required.
- Magic Mushroom House — A psychedelic architectural wonder built by a local artist under the influence of mushrooms. It’s private property, but visible from the road — a true Aspen oddity.
- Smuggler Mine Tour — Dive into Aspen’s silver mining past with a guided tour through one of the oldest operating mines in North America. Great for history buffs and anyone curious about what lies beneath the glamour.
🛏️ Places to Stay in Aspen
Aspen offers year-round lodging that ranges from luxury ski-in/ski-out resorts to cozy boutique hotels. These top-ranked stays consistently earn high marks on Expedia and Booking for location, amenities, and seasonal charm:
- The Little Nell: Aspen’s only five-star, ski-in/ski-out hotel. Perfect for winter luxury with direct access to Aspen Mountain, fine dining, and personalized service. Also great in summer for guided hikes and wine tastings.
- Hotel Jerome (Auberge Collection): Historic downtown icon with Victorian charm and modern luxury. Ideal for all seasons — walkable to shops, galleries, and nightlife. Known for its lively lobby and rich heritage.
- Limelight Hotel Aspen: Stylish and centrally located with complimentary breakfast, rooftop terrace, and shuttle service. Popular in winter for ski access and in summer for concerts and festivals.
- St. Regis Aspen Resort: High-end resort with a heated outdoor pool, spa, and mountain views. Winter perks include ski valet and après-ski cocktails; summer brings yoga decks and art walks.
- Aspen Meadows Resort: Bauhaus-inspired retreat in a quiet setting, surrounded by nature. Great for fall foliage, wellness escapes, and year-round tranquility. Offers shuttle access to downtown and trails.
- Viceroy Snowmass: Located in Snowmass Village, this luxury resort is ideal for families and skiers. Ski-in/ski-out in winter, mountain biking and gondola rides in summer. Full-service spa and slope-side dining year-round.
🎥 My Travel Videos
Here are some video I took from Grottos Ice Cave and Ashcroft Gost Town.
