It’s Fall Y'all
The dog days of summer have officially come and gone. The mountain is turning from a lush green valley to crisp golds and reds with snow-covered peaks. Second homeowners have headed home, and locals are embracing our magical "off-season." While the town may feel quiet, there’s still plenty to see and do. Below are a few of my favorite fall activities. Enjoy this magical season.
The Aspen Farmers Market comes to an end on Saturday, October 8th. Head into town and grab your local favorites before this summer activity comes to an end for the season.
Ready for some major leaf-peeping and one of Colorado’s most iconic bike rides? Grab your bike (or e-bike) and head up from Highlands to Maroon Lake. If you're not feeling the bike ride, or plan to hike, be sure to make a reservation in advance to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and related amenities by vehicle or shuttle.
Feeling adventurous? Get your boots ready and hike from the Maroon Lake trailhead and head to Crested Butte for an 11-mile hike over the 12,500-foot West Maroon Pass.
Have visitors in town? Drive the iconic and historic 32-mile-long drive from Aspen to Twin Lakes. Allow yourself anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half (with stops along the way) to enjoy the scenic views and beautiful fall colors. The pass is typically open until late October, so be sure to check out road information before making the drive!
In the mood for some leaf-peeping? Drive up the winding 12-mile Castle Creek Road for an autumnal experience. Start your day by hiking Cathedral Lake or American Lake which are both lined with picturesque aspen groves. End your day with a meal at Pine Creek Cookhouse which stays open until early October.
Looking to get out of town? Make your way to Marble, CO which is less than 60 miles from Aspen and home to The Crystal Mill, one of the most sought-after photographed areas in Colorado. Enjoy the picturesque views, fall foliage, and sounds from the Crystal River. Don’t forget to make a pit spot at Slow Groovin BBQ before you head back to Aspen!
Are you ready for ski season? Exciting news the World Cup downhill racing returns to Aspen Mountain in March 2023. Aspen hasn’t hosted the World Cup ski racing since the 2017 World Cup Finals on Aspen Mountain.
