Things to do in Aspen

Take a historic walking tour of downtown Aspen and follow its origins, from a humble mining camp to a world-famous resort. Hear local legends and lore, historical stories, and discover a town rich with life. Walkthrough the historical downtown and visit spectacular landmarks such as the Wheeler Opera House, which housed the Comedy Festival and hosted many famous names throughout the years. Stop at the Red Onion, a restaurant and bar that's been open for more than 100 years. Admire Lady Justice, built outside of the Pitkin County Courthouse, and notice that she doesn't possess the usual blindfold over her eyes. Learn of high-profile litigations that occurred in the building from serial killers to famous actors. Walk along sidewalks, pedestrian ways, and park spaces and get a real taste of what Aspen has to offer.

Step into the macabre with a spine-chilling ghost-themed walking tour of Aspen. Stroll thorugh downtown Aspen at a leisurely pace over flat pedestrian walkways and park spaces. Let hair-raising stories from the past give you a thrill.  Meet your guide at a centrally-located meeting point in the heart of downtown Aspen and begin your adventure into this quaint Rocky Mountain town's gruesome past.  Get in depth details about the hidden stories behind historic buildings and spaces. Discover the stories behind the spirits that haunt the Hotel Jerome and hear about tragic moments in the town that was founded as a mining camp. End your tour at the meeting point. 

Discover the hidden paths of Aspen on an easy to moderate hike. Traverse scenic bridges across the Roaring Fork River and the Hunter Creek, and pass by the Ute Cemetery, the Smuggle Mine, and the John Denver Sanctuary. Depart from the heart of town and traverse park spaces and quiet neighborhoods winding your way east of Aspen and back. Discover hidden paths along the Roaring Fork River surrounding town. The majority of the hike is adjacent to tranquil flowing bodies of water. This is a great aerobic activity that would be consider easy to moderate for most active individuals.

Get an up close and personal look at Aspen and all it has to offer on a leisurely walking tour downtown. Follow your local guide through the city's downtown core to the top landmarks and locations. Learn facts about the people and places that mark this city's nearly 150-year-old history from your long-time Aspen resident guide. Immerse yourself in local culture as you follow your guide through the charming streets and roads of the city, with green mountains as your backdrop. Hear the stories behind historic buildings like the Wheeler Opera House. Learn about the how Aspen gained its skiing culture at the base of Aspen mountain by the Silver Queen Gondola. Then walk through the vibrant shopping district with the Rockies surrounding you.

Join an enthusiastic guide and discover Victorian and Modern architectural gems through Aspen's West End neighborhood along with scenic riverside nature paths connecting with the John Denver Sanctuary. This hour and half walking tour covers about 2 miles and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Discover hidden gems like the Aspen Red Brick Center for the Arts, Aspen Center for Enviromental Studies and the secrets behind the John Denver Sanctuary and insights into this singers imprint on Aspen.

Day 1｜Home - Denver Free airport pick-up at DEN at 17:00, meet at Baggage Claim #12, West Terminal. Transfer to hotel for rest. Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Airport / Gateway Park or similar Day 2｜Denver City Tour - Boulder - Denver Explore downtown Denver: Big Blue Bear (15 mins) - 16th Street Mall (30 mins) - Colorado State Capitol (30 mins, outside) - Denver Art Museum (30 mins, outside) - Union Station (30 mins) Drive to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater (1.5 hrs) Head to Boulder: CU Boulder (1 hr) - National Center for Atmospheric Research (45 mins) - Pearl Street Mall (1 hr) Return to Denver Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Airport / Gateway Park or similar Day 3｜Denver - Rocky Mountain National Park - Denver All-day visit: Bear Lake - Trail Ridge Road - Alpine Visitor Center (3,637m) - Sheep Lake (Seasonal change: Estes Park and Stanley Hotel if Trail Ridge Road is closed) Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Airport / Gateway Park or similar Day 4｜Denver - Vail - Grand Junction Scenic drive via I-70 through the Rockies. Vail (pass by, 1 hr) - Grand Junction - Colorado National Monument (2 hrs, Rim Rock Drive) Hotel: Grand Vista Hotel Grand Junction or similar Day 5｜Grand Junction - Aspen - Glenwood Springs Drive to Aspen Town (2 hrs) - Maroon Bells Scenic Area (3 hrs, tour bus) (Replaced with Dillon Lake Tour & Hike before 05/15/2025) Glenwood Springs - Glenwood Springs Hot Spring (2 hrs) Hotel: Quality Inn & Suites Glenwood Springs On The River or similar Day 6｜Glenwood Springs - Black Hawk - Golden - Denver Drive to Black Hawk (45 mins) - Visit casino town Golden - Colorado School of Mines (25 mins) - Coors Brewery (outside visit, 20 mins) Return to Denver Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Airport / Gateway Park or similar Day 7｜Denver - Colorado Springs - Airport Visit Garden of the Gods (3 hrs) - Manitou Springs (1 hr) - Overlook Pikes Peak Transfer to DEN for departure