|
|
Sort by Experience
Press the  to add items to list
|
|
|
|
|
Located just four miles below the Independence Pass Summit, this ghost town not only offers a hands-on look at history, but also spectacular mountain scenery. Formed in the summer of 1879, this former mining town hauled out almost 200-hundred thousand dollars worth of gold in a two-year span. By 1890, however, the rush was over and so was the town's future. Today five structures in standing and collapsed conditions serve as weathered reminders to the area's mining past. Admission is free and the surrounding mountain views are spectacular. Follow Highway 82 out of Aspen for 13.5 miles. The ghost town, which is visible from the road, will be on your right. The highway closes during winter.
|
Tags:
children, landmark, outdoors...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you want to summit a mountain, but do not want to huff-and-puff up a hiking trail to do so, this gondola ride provides a muscle-happy alternative. It silently glides above tall stands of pine and affords spectacular mountain views as it ascends to the summit of Ajax Mountain at 11,212 feet. The views from up top are stunning, especially during late July when the optic-amazing wildflowers bloom. Pack accordingly because the summit temperature will be cool.
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 12,095 feet, this pass ranks as one of the highest paved roads in North America. The views from up top are stunning and border on the kind normally only reserved for National Geographic photographers. The drive from Aspen is equally stunning as the highway zigzags past thick stands of pine, towering cliffs, streams and Independence Ghost Town. Hairpin turns with precarious drop-offs add to the driving drama. Take Highway 82 east out of Aspen and follow it for approximately 20 miles. Parking, a handicapped paved hiking trail with viewing stand and a Continental Divide sign mark the summit. The road is closed during winter.
|
Tags:
children, outdoors, park...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The jewel of Aspen's four ski mountains, Aspen Mountain spills right into the streets, making it very convenient for in-town lodgers. Eight lifts, including the Silver Queen Gondola, service 76 trails, most of which cater to experts and intermediates - this is not a mountain for beginners. If you ski down Little Nell, the main finishing run, make sure to bring your A-game for the whole town will be watching. Three on-mountain restaurants can handle hunger needs, or opt for the Ajax Tavern at the base for a prime people watching seat. Lessons are available. Lift tickets: USD68 adults, USD63 seniors; USD53 kids (13-17), USD43 kids (7-12).
|
Tags:
children, outdoor, outdoors...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For over 60 years, this family ranch has been leading vacationers into the pristine Colorado backcountry via horseback. Located only five minutes from Aspen, it offers guided day trips, including one to the famed Maroon Bells. The truly adventurous can arrange for two- to three-day pack trips, which include cooked meals by the staff. During the winter, jingle through the snow on a sleigh ride pulled by a Belgian draft horse - laughing all the way is optional. Reservations are required for all rides.
|
Tags:
guide, outdoor, sports...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Since 1889 this landmark has been the center of Aspen's cultural scene. Listed on the National Registrar of Historical Places, the building has experienced two major renovations and looks today like it did when it first opened. Lectures, concerts, musicals, community theater, and foreign and independent film showings keeps its stage occupied almost every day of the year. Do not expect ample legroom when seated. The interior's detailed woodwork, however, will leave you in such awe that you will not even notice the cramped space.
|
Tags:
concert, festival, film...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Located deep in the Ashcroft Valley, this ghost town offers access to both stunning mountain beauty and Old West history. In 1883, this former mining town was prospering with 20 saloons, a school and two newspapers. But in 1885, the silver mine went bust and with it went the town's population and its future. Today twelve original buildings that include the Blue Mirror Saloon, the Mercantile Building and Whispering Swede Cabin still stand as silent monuments to a bygone era. Guided tours are available, but in summer only. Follow Castle Creek Road for 10 miles. The ghost town will be on your left, almost directly across the road from the Ashcroft Ski Touring Center.
|
Tags:
geology, history, mining
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you have to choose one outdoor related activity while in Aspen, put a visit to Maroon Bells at the top of your list. Its three prominent and sharply defined peaks are some of the most photographed mountains in North America. Hike the trail around Maroon Lake, which is easy and offers spectacular views of the mountains reflecting off the shimmering water. Due to heavy traffic, this area is accessible only by bus during the summer, unless you prefer to hike or bike in. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, buses run daily from 8:30am to 5pm. After Labor Day, car traffic is allowed on weekdays up until the road closes for the winter due to snow. Bus fees cost USD5 for adults and USD3 for kids under 16. Pack water and food for there are no refreshment stands.
|
Tags:
children, outdoors, park...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This is a wonderfully appropriate name for a trail, for like the government itself, there are some things you like and other things that will cause you to foam in the brain. It covers 13 miles and, depending on your ability, takes two to five hours to complete. Single tracks, fire roads, stream crossings, mud, steep descents and thigh-burning climbs all combine to make for a great ride. It spills out at Iselin Park on Maroon Creek Road. From Snowmass, take Woods Road to Pine Lane. Follow it to where it dead-ends, pass through the gate and begin pedaling.
|
|
Prev
|
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
|
Next
|
