The Aspen Chamber Resort Association has put together their 8 must see destinations if you are trying to experience a day to defy ordinary in Aspen:
1 Maroon Bells - the most photographed peaks in North America are the perfect Rocky Mountain backdrop for a hike, picnic, or overnight excursion.
2 Dancing Fountain - Both children and adults delight in the dancing waters of the Hyman Avenue Fountain. It is the perfect way to stay cool on a hot summer day.
3 Silver Queen Gondola - ride the gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain for spectacular views, delicious food, free classical and bluegrass music (weekends only), kids' activities, disc golf and miles of trails to hike and bike. Purchase of a gondola ticket required.
4 Independence Pass: Drive east of Aspen along the winding, two-lane Highway 82. Favorite stops include the Grottos ice caves, the Devil's Punchbowl, Independence Ghost Town, hiking trails and the continental divide at the top of the pass.
5 Bike or Walk on the Rio Grande Trail. Rio Grande is Aspen's can't miss trail for visitors looking to enjoy their surroundings. The "Rio" follows the Roaring Fork River all the way to Glenwood Springs. The ride or walk possibilities are endless. If you can't make it the whole way, stop at the Woody Creek Tavern to refuel for your walk/ride back into town!
6 Walk around downtown Aspen's walking malls and enjoy an ice cream cone while you take in the surroundings.
7 Hike the Hunter Creek Loop: at the northern end of Aspen is the Hunter Creek Loop, a favorite trail amongst locals looking for a quick nature fix. The trail winds along a mellow creek, through dense aspen groves and meadows with blooming wildflowers, go as far as you want or complete the loop by coming down the Smuggler Mountain Road.
8 Aspen Historical Society's mission is to enrich the community through preserving and communicating the town's remarkable history. AHS maintains four historic sites: Wheeler Stallard Museum, Holden/Marolt Ranching Museum, the ghost towns of Independence and Ashcroft, and Lift One. Take a tour of one of the museums, the ghost towns or go on a guided tour of town.
Thanks to The Aspen Chamber Resort Association for this exciting list. The Maroon Bells are indeed photographed often, and for good reason ... they're beautiful! Here's a picture by Jesse Varner via CC BY-SA 2.0
