Aspen is famous for skiing across four mountains in winter, then flips to hiking, biking and music festivals in summer. The Maroon Bells are one of the most photographed views in the Rockies.
Good to know
- Maroon Bells requires a shuttle or reserved parking from mid-spring through fall; book ahead.
- Lodging is priciest at Christmas, New Year's and mid-February; Snowmass often offers better value.
- Fall color usually peaks in the last week of September.
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Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Victorian-era mining town streets with galleries, boutiques and the Hotel Jerome.
Free admission and a rooftop cafe with mountain views.
Aspen's historic hotel bar, with a famous spicy margarita.
Steep, expert-leaning terrain right above downtown; the gondola runs from the base.
Summer classical season with Benedict Music Tent concerts and open rehearsals.
The largest of the four mountains with wide cruisers, ski school and a family-friendly village.
Two 14,000-foot peaks reflected in Maroon Lake, with easy and challenging trails.
Summer-only high-altitude road over the Continental Divide at 12,095 feet.
Sundeck restaurant at 11,200 feet with views of the Elk Range.
World's largest hot springs pool, an hour's drive from Aspen.
Moderate 6-mile hike to an alpine lake surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks.