27 Best Things to Do in Aspen, Colorado

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Things to Do in Winter | Day Trips from Aspen | Things to Do in Summer

I’m a Colorado local here to share the absolute best things to do in Aspen!

This mountain town is an iconic destination, offering world-class skiing and year-round outdoor recreation. Upscale boutiques, eateries, and cultural experiences add to the downtown ambiance.

This guide overviews popular Aspen attractions, as well as hidden gems with fewer crowds and breathtaking views. I also share day trip recommendations, so plan to stay a while — and use our guide on where to stay in Aspen to further plan your trip!

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Best Things to Do in Aspen

Aspen Mountain Ski Resort

Ski in one of the nation’s most iconic ski resorts year-round.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 923-1227 | Website | Hours: varies, see webpage

Aspen has four Colorado ski resorts that accommodate a variety of skiers.  Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, is located in town and is known for its black diamond runs. It’s best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers.

In summer, ride the Silver Queen gondola up the mountain to play disc golf, do yoga, listen to live music, or grab some lunch. There are also plenty of hiking trails and biking to do as well.

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort

Explore the largest of Aspen’s four ski areas.   

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 923-1227 | Website | Hours: varies, see webpage

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort spans 3,342 acres and is the largest of the area’s four resorts. There are runs for all skill levels, from the beginners’ bunny hills to challenging double black terrain. Expert skiers won’t want to miss a ride up the Pomalift. It leads to the Cirque, the highest point at the resort. From here, clear days offer stunning views of the Maroon Bells. 

Summer at Aspen Snowmass brings about hiking and mountain biking. There are also several family-friendly activities at Lost Forest, seasonally located at the top of the Elk Camp gondola.

Aspen Art Museum

Enjoy contemporary art and immersive experiences.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 925-8050 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tues – Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free

Aspen is a big arts community! The Aspen Art Museum focuses on contemporary art and has changing exhibitions and immersive experiences. There’s also a rooftop cafe, so you can enjoy the beauty both inside and out! 

John Denver Sanctuary

Stroll an area dedicated to one of Aspen’s biggest fans.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 920-5120 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: Free

The John Denver Sanctuary is a quiet, pretty spot for walking, picnicking, or splashing in the river. Native flowers bloom, and you’ll find boulders scattered throughout the area with the lyrics to John Denver songs on them.

Maroon Bells

Marvel at the most photographed spot in Colorado.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 945-2521 | Website | Entrance: $10 vehicle fee; or $16 adults, $10 seniors 65+ & children under 12 shuttle fee; free off-season

The reflection of the Maroon Bells in Maroon Lake is one of the most quintessential Colorado photos! It’s hard to overstate how gorgeous this spot is. Even though I’d seen pictures, viewing North Maroon Peak and the surrounding Elk Mountains in person was a thrill.

The scenery is stunning simply from the parking lot. But I recommend hiking the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail for various viewpoints, or check out the more challenging Crater Lake Trail. 

Note that visitors need to make either parking or shuttle reservations from May 15 through October 31, 2025. See the reservation page for more info.

Downtown Aspen

Enjoy upscale shopping and fine dining, all with breathtaking scenery.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Take a Tour of Aspen’s Highlights

It’s fun to simply stroll the streets of Aspen on a nice afternoon! You’ll find lots of designer shops, along with smaller boutiques.

There are plenty of places to eat, including Element 47 inside the elegant Little Nell hotel and Matsuhisa for delicious sushi. On Saturdays in the summer, you can also browse the stalls at the local farmers market.

The Wheeler Opera House

Tour an iconic piece of Aspen history. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 920-5770 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Tues – Sat, Closed Sun & Mon | 👉 Book an Aspen Historic Tour

The Wheeler Opera House is a historic venue in downtown Aspen where you can see talks and performances including, of course, opera. The Opera House also hosts tours once a day in the summer.

To see more of Aspen’s highlights, book a historic tour featuring the Wheeler Opera House, Smuggler Mountain, and more.

Aspen Ghost Tour 

Discover history with a side of thrills.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Nightfall | Entrance: $40 adults, $30 youth ages 7-17, Free under 7 | 👉 Book a Ghost Tour on Viator

As night begins to fall, gather with a group of fellow ghost hunters to tour Aspen’s most haunted spots. You’ll learn the true, and sometimes gruesome, stories of some of Aspen’s residents who seem to have loved the town so much, that they refuse to leave. 

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

Appreciate local wildlife at this spacious preserve.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 925-5756 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours daily

The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is located at Hallam Lake. Along with walking around the wildlife sanctuary year-round, you can see indoor animals including turtles and a python. You can also watch the Brook trout in the indoor trout stream, and meet the resident raptors.

Things to Do in Aspen in Winter

Aspen Highlands

Chill out on this locals’ mountain.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 923-1227 | Website | Hours: varies, see webpage

This mountain has fewer crowds and feels more like a local hangout than a place to see and be seen. It’s known for The Highland Bowl backcountry skiing and amazing views of the Maroon Bells. Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro is a great spot for a snack when you’re winding down.

Buttermilk Mountain Ski Resort

Play on the family-friendly mountain, best for beginner skiers. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 923-1227 | Website | Hours: varies, see webpage

Buttermilk Mountain is one of the area’s more family-friendly ski areas with several beginner runs and a terrain park. In the summer, you can hike parts of Buttermilk as well.

Ice Skating

Enjoy an evening on the ice at the Limelight Hotel.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: 970-923-1227 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 9 pm daily during ski season | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Night at Limelight Hotel Snowmass

An ice rink in front of the Limelight Hotel Snowmass offers free rentals during ski season. Outdoor fireplaces around the rink are great spots to take a break and warm up. You can also pop into the Limelight Lounge for some food or a drink to warm you from the inside!

Snow Tubing

Hurtle down a thrilling hill at Aspen Snowmass.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: 970-923-1227 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 3:30 pm (Dec 20 – March 30, 2025) | Entrance: $54+

Not a skier? Try flying down the hill on a snow tube!

The tube run at Aspen Snowmass features several lanes, and there’s a lift so you don’t have to cart your tube back up to the top. On certain winter nights, the facility is lit up for nighttime runs. 

Cross-Country Skiing

Glide silently through stunning landscapes.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 925-2849 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily 

There are more than 60 miles of free cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails in Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt, with terrain for every level. Ute Mountaineer rents gear and even offers lessons for those wanting to learn how to cross country ski.   

Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center

Combine ski school and playtime in one.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 923-8733 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm daily

During the ski season, families with little kids will appreciate the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center. The center is a childcare facility, but also has a ski school and rentals in the same building, so families can get everything taken care of in one place.

The kids can have a great time with age-appropriate ski classes, and some time to play… and mama can go shred on her own for a bit.

Day Trips from Aspen

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

Soak in the world’s largest hot springs pool.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: 800-537-7946 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: $38-$58 adults/teens, $27-$34 children

Glenwood Springs is less than an hour from Aspen. Head there for a day soaking and splashing in the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool.

The huge pool is family-friendly and there’s a splash zone for kids. However, there is also a spa with quieter spots to relax, making this one of the best hot springs in Colorado.

Paonia

Sip wine produced by some of North America’s highest-altitude vineyards. 

📍 Google Maps | Website 

Paonia ranks as one of the best small towns in Colorado and has been dubbed the state’s “farm-to-table capital” by Colorado Life Magazine. Agriculture abounds, supplying local restaurants and bakeries with fresh ingredients. 

Paonia vineyards are especially unique, as this grape-growing region is one of the continent’s highest in elevation. Sip award-winning rieslings, Gewürztraminer wines, and other varieties at several tasting rooms. Qutori Winery and Black Bridge Winery are two of the most popular.

Independence Pass

Cross the spectacular Continental Divide on this scenic drive, open seasonally.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 243-2368 | Website 

Independence Pass is an amazing scenic drive that connects Aspen with Twin Lakes, Colorado. It’s only accessible seasonally (generally Memorial Day through November), and the drive takes about an hour and a half. Although with many worthwhile stops, it will probably take longer. I’ve seen bighorn sheep and moose while driving the pass, so keep your eyes peeled! 

👉 Pro Tip: Spend an extra day exploring either Leadville or Buena Vista, both charming mountain towns near Independence Pass.

Ashcroft Ghost Town

Learn about Colorado history in a real ghost town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 925-3721 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours daily | Entrance: $5 adults, Free under 19 

Ashcroft Ghost Town is a silver mining town where the saloon, post office, and hotel are still standing. During open hours, a docent with the Aspen Historical Society is on-hand to talk about the town’s storied history.

If you love exploring ghost towns, see our full list of the top Colorado ghost towns you can visit.

Grottos Trail

Investigate ice caves on this short hike off Independence Pass.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Day use

The Grottos Trail is found in the White River National Forest. It’s located on Independence Pass, one of the most iconic road trips in Colorado. 

There are lots of interesting things to see along the trail, including cascades and ice caves. The trail itself is short and easy. Be careful in spring when there can be high water as the snow melts.

Things to Do in Aspen in Summer

Crater Lake Trail

Take a hike in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, leading to rewarding views. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 948-1894 | Website | Entrance: $10 vehicle fee; or $16 adults, $10 seniors 65+ & children under 12 shuttle fee; free off-season

As expert hikers may know, you can summit the Maroon Bells themselves. However, that shouldn’t be done without a lot of prep, as these are some of the most difficult Colorado 14ers. There’s plenty more to explore in the area, though. 

The hike to Crater Lake is perfect. It’s a 3 ½ mile round-trip hike from Maroon Lake towards the base of the Bells, and there are beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains the entire way. 

Cathedral Lake

Rise early to hike one of the most scenic trails in all of Colorado. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free 

Cathedral Lake is one of the most stunning Colorado hikes. But the bumpy, dirt road to the trailhead lacks cellular service and is best navigated with an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle. Then, the 5.4-mile trek to the alpine lake requires a challenging 2,070-foot elevation gain. 

But you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the entirety of the trail, especially if you arrive early. This is the best time for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for moose, marmots, and other high-altitude creatures, including cutthroat trout in the crystal clear waters.

Rio Grande Trail

Walk or bike this scenic paved path beside the Roaring Fork River.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 925-8484 | Website 

The Rio Grande Trail is a mostly paved trail that follows the Roaring Fork River from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. You can pick it up at any point along the way. Although many people enjoy biking to Woody Creek Tavern, where they can reward themselves with a cold beer. 

Fly Fishing 

Fish while surrounded by spectacular views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 925-3406 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: From $275+

Few things will put you in a more zen state of mind than standing in a river surrounded by mountains. Aspen has several fly fishing outfitters who can get you geared up for a day on the water. Your guide will take you to some great spots, provide instruction, and ensure that even novices have a great experience. 

Paddleboarding

Float serenely down a peaceful section of the Roaring Fork River.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: Free

You’ll pass the North Star Nature Preserve as you approach Aspen from the south. The Roaring Fork River slows to a gentle pace here and it’s a great spot for paddleboarding.

Note that you’ll need to arrange for someone to shuttle you to the unloading and loading zones at the start and end of your trip.

Aspen Paragliding

Paraglide off a mountain and soar high above Aspen.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 925-6975 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: $400 

If you want a truly unique view of Aspen, paraglide off of Aspen or Snowmass Mountain! Aspen Paragliding offers seasonal tandem rides and you can add on a GoPro package to relive the experience.

Keep in mind that it’s best to book your paragliding adventure early in your trip so you have time to reschedule if the weather is bad. 

Lost Forest

Try the zipline, ropes course, and more at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 923-1227 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 4 pm daily (summer & select fall dates) | Entrance: $78+ adults, $60+ under 13

The Lost Forest at the top of Snowmass Mountain has tons of summer activities for families. You can zipline, try the ropes course, climb the rock climbing wall, fish, and ride the alpine coaster for a day of family fun.

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Thanks for reading! Let me know in the comments what you’re most excited to experience. For more travel inspiration, see our guide to the ultimate Colorado road trip next!