Aspen Activities
Biking
Aspen/Snowmass offers a variety of levels for both mountain and road biking. For the beginner/intermediate rider, enjoy an easy scenic ride on the Rio Grande Trail from Aspen to Woody Creek (or even as far as Glenwood Springs). For the more experienced single track mountain bike ride, Aspen offers trails such as: Sunnyside, Hunter Creek Valley and Government Trails. For additional information, please call the local Forest Service office at 970-925-3445 or visit the National Forest website. Blazing Adventures leads guided road and mountain biking tours up. Trips include the Maroon Bells, Woody Creek, Rio Grande Trail and others.
Blazing Adventures
Phone: 1-800-282-7238
www.blazingadventures.com
Hiking
The Aspen area has many options for hiking. Some “must see” hikes are listed at: www.masonmorse.com/ aspen-places. The twin peaks of the Maroon Bells, Colorado’s most recognizable scene and fourth largest wilderness, is a major attraction for hikers from all over Colorado. Hanging Lake and Spouting Rock lie deep within the steep walls of Glenwood Canyon. Another attraction near Aspen is the breathtaking, 12,095-foot high Independence Pass. The road is the second-highest paved mountain pass in Colorado, and is usually closed from mid-October until Memorial Day due to heavy winter snows.
Horseback Riding
Take in the beautiful views while riding through the aspen groves and evergreens of Aspen and Snowmass on horseback. Outfitters run from May through September, depending on trail conditions. Check out the outfitters in the area
Aspen Wilderness Outfitters
Phone: 970-928-0723
www.aspenwilderness.com
T Lazy 7
Phone: 970-920-4677
www.tlazy7.com
Capitol Peak Outfitters
Phone: 970-928-0723
www.capitolpeak.com
Paragliding
With no prior experience, you can soar the skies over Aspen or Snowmass with a USHPA Certified Tandem Pilot.
Adventure Paragliding
Phone: 970-274-1619
adventureparagliding.com
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Views of the Elk Mountains and glimpses of the local wildlife make this an adventure. Ballooning is available from spring to fall, weather depending.
Fly Fishing
From the Frying Pan, Roaring Fork, Crystal and Colorado rivers you can enjoy the best ‘Gold Medal’ Fly Fishing Colorado offers. All within the Roaring Fork Valley!
Aspen Fly Fishing
Phone: 970-920-6886
www.aspenflyfishing.com
Aspen Outfitting Company
Phone: 1-800-784-2140
www.aspenoutfitting.com
Aspen Trout Guides
Phone: 1-800-670-0794
www.stayaspensnowmass.com/p-fly-fishing.php
Whitewater Rafting
Whether you’re up for a scenic float, a class V rapid, or something in-between you can’t leave the valley without whitewater rafting. Trips are offered on The Roaring Fork, Colorado, and the Arkansas rivers.
Blazing Adventures
Phone: 1-800-282-7238
www.blazingadventures.com
Aspen Whitewater Rafting
Phone: 1.866.377.4837
www.aspenwhitewater.com
Rock Climbing
Only 15 minutes from Aspen, Independence Pass offers several levels of rock climbing. To schedule an AMGA certified guided climb near Aspen go to Aspen Expeditions for your next adventure.
Aspen Expeditions
Phone: 970-925-7625
www.aspenexpeditions.com
Ice Climbing
Located a few minutes from Aspen is an excellent climb for the beginner/intermediate level. For a more advanced climb, Redstone and Marble offer several options. Aspen Expeditions offers AMGA certified guided climbs.
Aspen Expeditions
Phone: 970-925-7625
www.aspenexpeditions.com
Cross Country Skiing
The Nordic Trail System features over 60 miles of groomed cross country ski and snowshoe trails between Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt. Rentals and trail information can be found at theAspen Golf Course and Cross Country Center one mile west of Aspen on Highway 82.
Located a few miles outside of Aspen, at the base of the Elk Mountain range is the Ashcroft cross-country ski area with approximately 20 miles of groomed trails.
Ashcroft Ski Area and Pine Creek Cookhouse
Phone: 970-925-1044
www.pinecreekcookhouse.com
Backcountry Hut Trips
Experience the backcountry by skinning or snowshoeing to the 10th Mountain huts. There are 20 backcountry huts that are connected by 350 miles of suggested routes. To book a hut, the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association handles all reservations. For a guided tour, click here.
10th Mountain Division Hut Association
Phone: 970-925-5775
www.huts.org
Aspen Expeditions
Phone: 970-925-7625
www.aspenexpeditions.com
Jeep Tours
Check out Blazing Adventures for a spectacular drive up the Castle Creek Valley, Independence Pass, Watson Divide, Snowmass Creek Valley, Red Mountain and McLain Flats or up the backside of Aspen Mountain.
Blazing Adventures
Phone: 1-800-282-7238
www.blazingadventures.com
Golf
Most courses are available from April - October. The courses in Aspen/Snowmass are: The Maroon Creek Club, The Aspen Golf Course, and The Snowmass Club.
The downvalley choices are: The Roaring Fork Club, Aspen Glen, River Valley Ranch, Ranch at Roaring Fork, Ironbridge, and The Glenwood Springs Golf Course and Lakota Canyon Golf Club. Miniature golf is featured in the summer at CP Burger, in Aspen, with an outdoor skating rink in the winter.
Disc Golf
Free 18-hole disc golf is offered at the top of Aspen Mountain - the lift ticket is $28 (or you can hike to the top). Snowmass has two 18-hole courses, stretching from the top of the Elk Camp Gondola to base village. Lift ticket is required for Elk Camp Gondola - lift ticket is $38 (or you can hike to the course).
Carbondale offers a free course at the Bert & Ernie Park. In Glenwood, 18 professionally designed holes are offered at Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley Campus.
Tennis
The courses in Aspen/Snowmass are Aspen Club & Spa, Aspen Golf & Tennis Club, Aspen Rec Center, Snowmass Club: or downvalley at the River Valley Ranch, Ranch at Roaring Fork,Aspen Glen.