Avant Skis: Things To Do In Aspen, Snowmass, And Around
Although most famous for its resort skiing, Aspen Snowmass and the surrounding area are some of the most pristine nature not just in the Rocky Mountain West but all of North America. There is something special about Colorado: the culture, the music, the people, and the way nature and the outdoors influence life. Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley are the heart of Colorado’s culture, and there is plenty to soak in.
What are Some Things to do in Aspen Snowmass and the Surrounding Area?
Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley encompass a huge swathe of land with many different things to do. We have compiled a list of eleven things to do in and around Aspen in the wintertime and in the summertime (Besides the John Denver Sanctuary). Some are classics, and some are hidden gems that only the locals are aware of. You won’t see a lot of what’s on this list anywhere else. Avant Ski and our partners at Fora have unparalleled access to top hotels in Aspen Snowmass along with killer perks, including room upgrades, free breakfast, and resort credits.
1) Hiking Highland Bowl, 800 Vertical Feet
Photo Courtesy of Aspen Snowmass
Highland Bowl, at Aspen Highlands, is the only activity on this list that requires a ski pass. Highland Bowl is a backcountry bowl that will make advanced and expert skiers salivate with its snow quality and complex terrain. From the hiking point, it’s a 30-minute to one-hour hike, depending on what type of shape you are in and if you can handle the significant drop in oxygen levels. Warning: This is not a groomer and is only for skilled skiers. The Crown Jewel of Highland Bowl is the 782-foot steep rise that will shoot adrenaline into even the most experienced of skiers.
> For more on skiing at Aspen Snowmass head to our Insider Guide on the resort
Season
Winter
Vehicle Needed
No
How to Get There
The hike starts at the top of Loge Peak (11,675 feet). To reach Loge Peak from the base, take the Exhibition chairlift to the Loge Peak lift. There is a skier’s hut nearby, where you can ask for recommendations before you begin. A sign indicates where the beginning of the trail starts. Pro tip: bring straps for your skis to keep your hands free.
2) X Games and World Cup Races
Aspen has been the home of the Winter X Games since 2002, and it’s returned to the foray of World Cup Skiing as well! Aspen had only hosted one World Cup event since 1950, but it has now hosted for 2023 and will host again in 2024. Just like any sport, watching winter athletes perform at the highest level can be so inspiring you might rethink what you are doing in your own life. It’s also a great global showcase for Aspen’s sustainability initiatives.
Season
Winter Only
Vehicle Needed
No
How to Get There
Both X Games and World Cup Games are held at Buttermilk Mountain. There are shuttles that run from Aspen Town.
3) Hiking to Lost Man Lake
The hike to Lost Man Lake will reveal a clear blue oasis that is probably among the finest fresh bodies of water in all the Rocky Mountains. While some prefer to hike closer to the town of Aspen at places like the Rio Grande Trail and Crater Lake Trail, some prefer to hike in the White River National Forest, a national park that sits beside Aspen and includes a myriad of different hiking trails. The Lost Man Lake, however, is one of a kind. The hike traverses multiple rivers and lakes and spills out into a cupped, rocky bowl with an amazing pristine lake in the middle. Expect a moderately difficult trail with elevations of 11,520 feet – 12,810 feet, a little over 4 miles, and will take around 4.5 hours to complete.
Season
All Year Round (Best in summer)
Vehicle Needed
Yes
How to Get There
From Aspen, Colorado, drive 14 miles east on Highway 82 to the parking lot directly across from Lost Man Campground. The trailhead begins on the left (North) side of the road.
4) Go To a Festival in Paonia
Paonia is a local gem full of wineries along the Roaring Fork River and makes for a great day trip from Aspen. Although it’s a bit of a drive, it might be the best drive you’ve ever taken and exemplifies the beauty of the Rocky Mountain West. It’s a little under 2 hours each way. The road to Paonia winds through the roaring fork valley along the river, with some of the most breathtaking views a human could ever hope to witness. If you visit Paonia during the weekend, there is an excellent chance you will catch an activity or even a festival. The Paonia Mountain Harvest Festival takes place every year in September, where you will find authentic Colorado mountain bluegrass bands playing and cheap wine available from the local wineries. The Paonia Cherry Festival is a fun summer activity.
Season
All year round (Fall is recommended)
Vehicle Needed
Yes
How to Get There
Head CO-82 W, which turns into CO-133 South, which will take you along the Roaring Fork River until you reach Penoia.
5) Go Kayaking or Rafting in Beaver Lake (Marble)
Beaver Lake is a bit over an hour from Aspen Village in Marble, Colorado. It’s a great place to hang out during the summer and sit in a folding chair, enjoying the sunshine. “It’s the absolute best thing to do in the summer,” says Alex Milzer, a Denver resident and expert skier and mountain climber. The calm waters also make it a favorite for the more lazily inclined kayakers and rafters who want to just chill out for a bit. If you have a sea kayak or an inflatable raft (or are willing to easily rent one), it’s a perfect place to hang out, relax, or come up with a new mantra for your Buddhist meditation practices. Beaver Lake in Marble is not to be confused with the Beaver Lake near I‑70 which is accessible from Vail, Beaver Creek, and the town of Avon, approximately 30 minutes away.
Season
Spring/Summer/Fall
Vehicle Needed
Yes
How to Get There
Follow CO-82 W until it turns into CO-133 S. Take CO-133 S through Carbondale (left turn to continue on) and drive to Co Rd. 3.
6) Hike the Maroon Bells via the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail
Photo Courtesy of Aspen Snowmass
Of the various things to do in Aspen involving hiking trails that are accessible from town, the Maroon Bells via the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is the most famous. The Maroon Bells are the iconic collection of mountain peaks that are easily visible from all around Aspen. The best part about this hike is that it is easily accessible via downtown Aspen without needing a car. There are also free shuttles available that transport you from Aspen Village directly to the base of the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail. The views from the shores of Maroon Lake are absolutely world-class, and the hike is easier than most, and the 1.8‑mile loop trail takes ~40 minutes to complete.
Season
Late May to Early October
Vehicle Needed
Yes
How to Get There
Drive 10 miles up Maroon Creek Road through the Aspen trees until you reach the Maroon Bells parking area. If hiking is not your thing, you can choose to stay near the parking area and take photos of the surrounding area.
7) Check Out Some Colorado Music in Aspen
Colorado has its own type of music that can only be described as “hippie-out mountain bluegrass.” Some of the most interesting and most famous groups of this niche genre, such as Yonder Mountain String Band, A String Cheese Incident, and Leftover Salmon, hail from this great mountain paradise of a state. Aspen gives its visitors a wealth of musical options in various locations.
- Free concerts are done outside throughout the winter both in Aspen town via the outdoor Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series, which is just across from Aspen Square.
- For those with lift passes, there is free music from 12 – 3pm at the top of Aspen Mountain, featuring local bluegrass-oriented musicians.
- A free concert series for the more classical-oriented crowd is done at the Aspen Art Museum in conjunction with the Aspen Music Festival and School.
- There are always bands playing within an hour or so of Aspen, so having a vehicle will expand your options.
Season
All Year Round (Winter preferred)
Vehicle Need
No
How to Get There
The Aspen Art Museum is in Downtown Aspen, along with the Hi-FI Concert Series which is across from Aspen Square.
8) Have a Dip in Glenwood Springs
If you’ve ever driven to Aspen from Denver via I‑70, then you will already have been through Glenwood Springs, located at the bottom of the White River National Forest. Glenwood Springs is most famous for its hot springs (hence the name) but has other things to do as well. There are various hiking trails in and around Glenwood Springs, and for “Old Western” enthusiasts, Glenwood Springs is home to the grave of Doc Holiday. The hot springs are equipped with numerous slides and fun water-oriented activities to keep the whole family warm and occupied.
Season
All Year Round
Vehicle Need
No
How to Get There
The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) operates a bus service from Aspen to Glenwood Springs (Roaring Fork Valley service) and Glenwood Springs to Rifle (Grand Hogback route).
9) Visit the Ashcroft Ghost Town
As far as ghost towns go, the Ashcroft ghost town is in such a gorgeous spot you might be tempted to move to it, no longer making it a ghost town. The original town was founded in 1880 when miners from Leadville discovered silver. At one point, there were 13 saloons for its 2,000 town residents. Word has it that there might be an interdimensional wormhole located around in which UFOs and interdimensional beings slip in and out. Regardless, this tucked-away ghost town is worth a visit, and it’s close by. You can explore the old buildings and hike around the area, absorbing the scenery.
Season
All Year Round
Vehicle Need
Yes
How to Get There
Take CO-82 west out of Aspen. After half a mile, you’ll reach a traffic circle. Take the 3rd exit onto Castle Creek Road and continue to follow it for 11 miles until you reach the Ashcroft ghost town.
10) Take a Permitted Trek to Conundrum Springs
Although it’s around 6 – 8 hours to hike in and 3 – 6 hours to hike out, Conundrum Springs offers an 18 mile, more off-the-beaten-path trekking and camping experience. There are all natural hot springs near the campgrounds, about 9 miles into the hike. You will need a permit to camp at Conundrum Springs, so you have two options: either wake up at 4 AM and attempt to hike in and out in a day or apply for a permit to camp. Either way, make sure to bring adequate fuel and hydration. Permits are limited and not guaranteed, so it might be wise to plan in advance for a permit before you make your way there.
Season
July-September
Vehicle Needed
Yes
How to Get There
From Aspen, CO, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the trail hear. Follow CO-82 W a half mile west to the roundabout, then drive ~5 miles up Castle Creek Road and then turn right onto Conundrum Road. Continue about a mile to a parking lot where you will find the trailhead.
Want to make sure you get a limited permit for the springs? You should consider booking with Avant Ski.
11) Enjoy a Festival like Winterskol or Schneetag
Winterskol is an annual “Toast to Winter” festival that takes place for 4 days in January. It features both activities directly on Aspen Mountain and activities in Aspen Village. Various food and drink options exist to celebrate this time of year when the sun is farthest away in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s kind of like a big Après ski party. Aspen Brewing Company always does a nice setup for the event. The Schneetag (German for “snow day”) Festival takes place on closing day of Snowmass in the Spring and features teams of 4 that build unique modes of transportation, otherwise known as “craft,” that the teams construct for the purposes of racing down the mountain.
Season
January (Winterskol) April (Schneetag)
Vehicle Needed
No
How to Get There
Witnerskol takes place in Aspen Mountain and the town of Aspen; Schneetag is in Snowmass.
FAQ
How long does it take to get to Aspen from Denver?
If you drive, it takes a little over 3 hours, and slightly more if you are driving from DIA. If you fly, it takes a little under an hour.
How long does it take to get to Snowmass from Aspen?
It takes a little under half an hour or 25 minutes to get from Snowmass to Aspen, and there are regular shuttles between the two areas.
