Are you thinking about visiting Aspen, Colorado? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Aspen worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this ski town for three to five days because of the many great activities. Aspen is a classic ski town in the Rocky Mountains. It is both a small town, with its own economy and year round residents, as well as a ski resort area that attracts world-class skiers during the winter months. The town has many great restaurants, nice art galleries, and a lively nightlife scene. There are also many beautiful hikes in the area. We first visited in 2021 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with the small town atmosphere and beautiful mountain setting. Aspen is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Travel and Leisure's Best Places to Visit in 2024 - Nature Lovers.
Aspen, Colorado
Reasons to Visit Aspen
Skiing
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.
Food
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.
Nightlife
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.
Music
Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.
Resorts
Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.
Hiking
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.
Shopping
There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.
Christmas Markets
The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Aspen
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Aspen might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Aspen here or see if Aspen is expensive here.
Related
What is Aspen most famous for?
Aspen is most famous for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. The ski town is very popular for its skiing and food. Also, it's known for nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, and christmas markets. It is often described as authentic, charming, quaint, vibrant, artsy, and outdoorsy.
What is the most famous sight in Aspen?
The most popular sight in Aspen is The Maroon Bells. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Aspen on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Maroon Bells and other attractions here.
How touristy is Aspen? Is it a popular ski town to visit?
Aspen is a popular ski town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Highlights of Aspen Tour: $40
- Aspen's Off the Beaten Path Tour: $40
- Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour: $40
- Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour: $40
- Aspen Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Dark History Ghost-Themed Guided Walking Tour: $40
- From Past to Present History Walking Tour: $40
- City Highlights Walking Tour: $40
How long should I spend in Aspen?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Aspen is at least three or as many as five days. Since Aspen has a variety of activities such as skiing and dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Aspen?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Aspen?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Aspen?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.