Aspen
Recommended Tours
Once you arrive in Aspen, settle in, catch your breath (you'll be 7,908 feet above sea level), and give yourself some time to decide what to do. Unless, of course, its winter, and your options are limited to skiing, partying, or skiing. Aspen is interesting, fun and enriching year-round. Most locals say, “I came out here for the winters, but stayed for the summers.”Aspen Art Museum
Downtown Aspen is filled with many cultural offerings. One of the largest, the Aspen Art Museum is housed in an old hydroelectric plant. There are also many influential small galleries to explore, such as the photography-focused Joel Soroka Gallery and the artist-run Huntsman Gallery. Dine at the Red Onion. In the summer months, check out Aspen Theatre in the Park.
Aspen Mountain
The Compromise Mine, where the largest silver deposits were found, stretches 2,000 feet into the depths of Aspen Mountain. Take a stroll through Wagner Park. A famous dining spot for visitors is the Tavern, although there are also several other restaurants on the Mountain. Tour the historical Hotel Jerome, the Wheeler/Stallard House Museum and the famous Lift One.
Ashcroft Ghost Town
Rent a car and drive 10 miles south of Aspen, to the Ashcroft Ghost Town, which features an array of buildings that somehow continue to survive the harsh winters. Guided tours are available for a mere 3 dollars. The mountain scenery in this area is stunning. The nearby town of Independence was once a fierce competitor with Aspen. But the fall of silver ended that. Today, the remnants of the town reside just below Independence Pass, and self-guided tours allow you to wander in the footsteps of prospectors. Grab a fresh pizza from nearby Bonnie's or head over to the Alpine Mountain Market for more variety.
Snowmass Mountain
Explore the trails around Snowmass Mountain on foot, or wander down the Rio Grande Trail, which is perfect for those looking for an accessible trail that doesn't require hiking. If you have the energy to do something more, go skating at the Aspen Ice Garden in the West End. Then, head back Downtown and shop on Galena Street. Have dinner at the famous Blue Maize, where the food never fails to please.
Aspen Highlands
The Aspen Highlands are filled with natural wonders that will both delight and inspire. You can opt to buy a combination pass for the Silver Queen Gondola and the bus that goes to Maroon Lake. Be sure to bring the camera, because the lake is at the base of Colorado's famed 14,000 foot Maroon Bells. If time permits take the 45-minute hike on the Crater Lake Trail for a truly close look at the Maroon Bells. In the summer, try some of the weekly attractions such as the Tuesday Night BBQ Dinner or the Sunday Bluegrass Festival.
Many of the tour companies that operate in Aspen focus on outdoor-activities. Catch a sky-high view of the mountains on a balloon tour, or gear up for a day outside and be led through the wilderness on horseback.
Horseback Tours
T Lazy 7 Ranch ( +1 970 925 4614/ http://www.tlazy7.com )
Horsedrawn Carriage Tours
Aspen Carriage Company ( +1 970 925 3394 )
Balloon Tours
Unicorn Balloon Tours ( +1 800 755 0935/ http://www.unicornballon.com/colorado.htm )
Adventure Tours
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park ( +1 970 945 4228/ http://www.glenwoodcaverns.com )
Aspen Expeditions ( +1 877 790 2777/ http://www.aspenexpeditions.com/ )
5 Star Adventures ( +1 970 544 4700 )
Ghost Tours
Ghost Walk Through Pioneer Cemetery ( +1 970 945 4448/ http://www.glenwoodhistory.com/events.htm )
Ashcroft Ghost Town Tours ( +1 970 925 5756/ http://www.aspenhistory.org/ac.html )
Copyright © 1999-2008 wcities.com all right reserved
