Aspen, CO Road Trips

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. In the summer months between 8AM and 5PM, visitors must take a shuttle bus to the Maroon Bells to control traffic. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children. There are some short, non-strenuous hikes around the Maroon Bells that vary from 1 mile to 10. People also like to climb the Maroon Bells; however, it is very dangerous and a guide is highly recommended. 2 Independence Pass. In the summer months, this pass is open to vehicular traffic. The drive takes you up to the Continental Divide, and along the way passes some of the most beautiful scenery in the area and a ghost town that is open to visitors.

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. Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival. Snowmass Town Park, the first weekend in September 1 Aspen Golf Club, Truscott Pl, ☏ +1 970 925-2145. It opened with 9 holes in the early 1960s and expanded to 18 holes in the 1980s. The Aspen Golf Club facility features 7,114 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course has a rating of 73.8 and it has a slope rating of 139 from the tips. The course is primarily Blue grass and Poana. Maroon Creek Club, ☏ +1 970 920-4080. The 18-hole course at the Maroon Creek Club features 7,100 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70. The course rating is 73.6 and it has a slope rating of 140 on Blue grass. The course opened in 1995. Snowmass Club, ☏ +1 970 923-5600. Ten minutes downvalley in Snowmass Village. The Snowmass Club's new 18-hole, par-72 Snowmass Club Golf Course.

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 Road. 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. Located on the bend towards the entrance to Aspen on Main Street. Tourists are often crowded out by the locals, drawn by fabulous barbecue and huge, hearty breakfasts. If you're lucky enough to be in Aspen for Thanksgiving (late November), turn out for annual Hickory House freebie: turkey, with all the trimmings, and all gratis. Ajax Tavern, Base of Aspen Mountain, ☏ +1 970 920-6334. Great apres-ski complete with the who's who of Aspen. Fantastic deck perfect for watching skiers come down the mountain while you enjoy people watching of the rich and famous. Order the Ajax Double Double, the best burger in town. J-Bar, 330 E Main St, ☏ +1 970 920-1000. The J-Bar is one of Aspen's favorite watering holes. Located at the luxurious Hotel Jerome Prospect, Hotel Jerome, 330 East Main St, ☏ +1 855-331-7213. Prospect serves diverse Colorado cuisine with alpine influence prepared from wholesome natural ingredients.

1 Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (also known as Sardy Field; ASE IATA). Major carriers to Aspen include American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. Private jet charters are a popular method of travel to the Rocky Mountains of Aspen. Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is a small airport for small planes only, and traffic tends to stop in any inclement weather. Flying into Denver Airport and driving up to Aspen is sometimes cheaper, but extreme weather conditions can make it hard to drive. The drive to Aspen is about 4 hours from Denver. There are two major routes from Denver - through Glenwood Springs or through Independence Pass. Independence Pass is only open in the summer months, but provides spectacular views and can be a bit faster than the longer route through Glenwood. To take this route, travel south from Copper Mountain exit off I70 through Leadville.

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!