Outdoor Pursuits

We’re not saying Mother Nature’s playing favorites, but Aspen must be on the top of her list. Aspen is blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making every season peak season for outdoor lovers and adventurers. Whatever your passion, our scenic beauty, winding rivers, majestic mountains, wilderness areas, hiking and biking trails welcome enthusiasts of all levels to experience outdoor pursuits that Defy Ordinary.

Hiking

Beginners will be comfortable on the Rio Grande Trail, which starts behind the post office on Puppy Smith Road and follows a paved path most of the way along the Roaring Fork River. An intermediate option is a 1.5-mile trek up Smuggler Mountain Trail, leading to a lookout point with stunning views of Aspen below. Those ready for a challenge can take on the rigorous 8.5-mile excursion up to secluded Conundrum Hot Springs, while the trailheads in and around nearby Maroon Bells are a quintessential bucket-list item and encompass various difficulty levels. Also, don’t miss an opportunity to view abundant swathes of wildflowers in the summer: The Cathedral Lake and American Lake trails are just two prime spots for amazing color

Arts and Culture

That idea of nurturing the mind, body and spirit has led to the genesis of a remarkable Arts & Culture community that features internationally acclaimed gatherings like the Aspen Music Festival, Aspen Ideas Festival, JAS Aspen Snowmass and the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, innovators like the Aspen Institute and Aspen Art Museum, and home to a robust performing arts scene, arts openings and lectures by talented individuals both local and international. Don't forget our Aspen Film Festival and Theater Aspen.

Thrill-seeking Activities

Aspen already sits at about 8,000 feet in elevation, but daredevils who want to achieve even higher altitudes can do so with gutsy ventures. Aspen Paragliding’s certified pilots will take you on a tandem flight up to 18,000 feet for the ultimate bird’s eye view. Or, book an hour-long sunrise hot air balloon ride above the Elk Mountains via Above It All Balloon Co. Rock climbers can take to the routes around Independence Pass just east of Aspen and scale massive walls of granite, or stick closer to town at Gold Butte Climbing Area, accessible from the Sunnyside Trail parking area.

Health and Wellness Classes and Instructors

If you are here to re-experience you body in new ways, don't miss all that you can do for health and wellness.

Yoga, Cross Training, Fitness Trainers, Hot Yoga, Meditation, Nutrition, Healing Horses, Autism Specialists, Life Coaches, Hiking, Fishing, Specialize Skin Treatments, Oxygen Bars, Vitamin Enhancements through IV drips, Anti aging treatments, Foot Foundation, Lead With Love, Cryotherapy Chambers, Massage and Body Re-structuring, Nature Healing Arts, Stem Cell Replacement, Astrology to the Psychic Experiments.

Spa Activities

Don't forget to add into your schedule all those special spa activities that make you look and fee your best:  hair cuts, blow outs, manicure, pedicures, waxing, skin treatments, laser facials, hydrating  facials, botox, fillers, massage from Swedish, Thai, stone, cupping and more.