A Travel Price Comparison for Colorado Aspen vs. Colorado Springs for Skiing, Food, Hiking, and Nightlife

Should you visit Aspen or Colorado Springs?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Aspen and Colorado Springs can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Aspen

Aspen is a authentic, charming, and quaint ski town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a outdoorsy, healthy, and welcoming mountain town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Aspen and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Colorado Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Colorado Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its museums and hiking. Aspen is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Aspen different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Colorado Springs and Aspen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Aspen is terrific for winter skiing. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for skiing.

Aspen is among the world's best ski destinations. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Colorado Springs is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aspen or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Colorado Springs. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aspen or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Aspen has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

If you're looking for night time activities Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs Better for Music?

Aspen is a great destination for live music. However, Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Aspen has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a great destination for its resorts. However, Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Aspen. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is renowned for its hiking experiences. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Colorado Springs visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Many visitors go to Aspen for the hiking trails. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or Colorado Springs?

Aspen is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Aspen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs Better for Christmas?

Aspen is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Aspen is a world class destination for shoppers. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Colorado Springs is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Colorado Springs is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Aspen is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Aspen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for backpackers. However, Aspen is a ski town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Colorado Springs is a good mountain town to visit for backpackers. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Aspen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Because it is both a town and a ski resort, there are a couple of more affordable accommodation options. Even so, this is an expensive destination that isn't always ideal for budget travelers.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for students. However, Aspen is not popular with students.

Colorado Springs is popular with students. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Aspen is not popular with students.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is very good for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Aspen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Aspen or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Aspen is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Aspen is very walkable. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable ski town. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Aspen Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aspen and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than in Colorado Springs. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

Families should spend more time in Aspen than Colorado Springs. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aspen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Aspen than Colorado Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aspen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Aspen or Colorado Springs?

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the live music and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Colorado Springs, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this outdoorsy destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Aspen or Colorado Springs?

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Aspen or Colorado Springs?

Aspen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Colorado Springs is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Colorado Springs. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aspen or Colorado Springs?

Aspen is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the welcoming destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aspen and Colorado Springs, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Colorado Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Colorado Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colorado Springs and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen than you might in Colorado Springs.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aspen Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aspen or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Aspen and Colorado Springs, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.