Aspen, Colorado At A Glance
6,700
Population year-round residents
7,908 ft.
Elevation
11,212 ft.
Elevation of Aspen Mountain a.k.a. Ajax Summit.
11,675 ft.
Elevation of Aspen Highlands Summit:
Aspen Colorado is a vibrant year-round community offering endless recreational and cultural opportunities. Relax, revive, immerse yourself in the festivals, performances and speakers from around the globe. Aspen is home to just 6,700 year-round residents but has a worldwide reach.
There are the people.
Jerome B. Wheeler, D.R.C. Brown, Freddie Fisher, André Roch, Friedl Pfeifer, Stein Eriksen, Alex Ferreira and Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke whose “Aspen Idea” became the foundation for the future. Most important, there are the industrious residents who continue to make the community a unique and fresh place to visit.
There are the places.
From Independence Pass to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Aspen is circled by Mother Nature’s finest work!
There are the events.
Aspen shines not only because of the surrounding beauty, but also because of a lively cultural and social scene. Home to the Aspen Ideas Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Aspen Sante Fe Ballet, Aspen Art Museum, Aspen Institute, Jazz Aspen Snowmass and the Wheeler Opera House, Aspen offers the opportunity to experience world-class music, theater, and dance in a one-of-a kind town. Top-notch restaurants and happening nightlife abound. Kudos to the restaurateurs who earned Michelin ratings!
Things to do in Aspen, Colorado
The Four Mountains – skiing, boarding, hiking and mountain biking
Aspen Mountain (aka Ajax): The mountain rises 3,267 feet from downtown, (elevation7,945 ft) with 673 acres of mainly intermediate and expert terrain. In summer, ride the gondola to the top of the mountain and take in views and lunch at the Sundeck restaurant.
Aspen Highlands: Take the complimentary skier shuttle from Aspen to the Highlands. The mountain rises 3,635 feet from its base of 8,040 feet and features many of the best expert runs in the area including the epic Highlands Bowl.
Buttermilk: Just a few minutes from downtown Aspen this mountain is great for beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders. The mountain covers 435 acres with a vertical rise of 2,030 feet. Buttermilk boasts a world-class terrain park and is host to the Winter X-Games.
Snowmass Mountain: The free skier shuttle to Snowmass is a short 15 minute drive. Snowmass has 3,342 skiable acres and 98 trails for all abilities. In the summertime, ride the lifts and marvel at the scenery or ride your mountain bike at the Snowmass Bike Park.
The Aspen Cross Country Center at the Aspen Golf Course has miles of groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails.
Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Area
The North and South peaks of the Maroon Bells rise to14,163 feet 14,019 feet respectively. They’re an iconic Aspen landmark. Maroon Lake lies at the trailhead and Crater Lake lies less than 2 miles away at the base of the Bells. When the snow melts and the road opens, you can visit the Bells and Maroon Lake by bike, dedicated shuttle bus, and private vehicle. Reservations are required and vehicle traffic is open only during certain hours. In the winter T Lazy Seven Ranch has snowmobile tours to the Bells. Cross-country trails are also set.
Independence Pass
The ghost town of Independence lies up Independence Pass. Independence was once a flourishing mining town even at the elevation of over 11,000 feet. Highway 82 traverses Independence Pass and is open summers only due to the summit elevation -12,095 feet.
Ashcroft Ghost Town is another abandoned mining town. It is located at the end of the road, Castle Creek Road, that is. The Pine Creek Cookhouse is the headquarters for the Ashcroft Nordic Ski Area.
The trailheads for American Lake and Cathedral Lake are accessed from Castle Creek Road, two spectacular hikes to pristine mountain lakes.
Airport:
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is a regional airport with direct flights to several major cities. It is the Goldilocks of airports; not too big, not too small, just right! Information: 970.920.5380
For airport parking use the Metropolis App.
Bus Service:
The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) provides free and frequent service within Aspen, to the airport, the Aspen Business Center and all four ski areas. Free skier shuttle leaves Ruby Park every 10 to 15 minutes from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Regular bus service begins and 6:15 am and ends at 2:15 am. Service to Snowmass Village and down-valley will cost you – but not much. Free for those over 65 years young! 970.925.8484
Aspen Parking:
Rio Grande Parking Garage, 427 Rio Grande Place, Aspen CO. Hourly and long-term parking. Free 30 minutes - then rates start at $2.00 for the first hour. Free from 5 pm to 5 am and Sundays and several holidays. 970.920.5430
Downtown core parking: Parking is enforced 10am – 6pm. Good news – it’s free between 6pm-3am and 7am-10am, Sundays and some holidays! Download the PayByPhone App to conveniently pay for parking in Aspen.
Road Conditions:
Local conditions call 970.920.5454. For Interstate 70 conditions, visit the Colorado Department of Transportation website, cotrip.org
Aspen Links & Phone Numbers
Aspen Schools 970.920.2006
Aspen Snowmass Ski Co 970.925.1220
Aspen Chamber 877.702.7736
Aspen Board of Realtors 970.927.0235
City of Aspen: 970.920.5000
Aspen Chamber Resort Association: 970.925.1940
Aspen Airport 970.920.5380
Aspen Police Department: 970.920.5400
Aspen Valley Hospital: 970.925.1120
BTM Cinemas Isis Theatre: 970.925.7584
Snow Report: 970.925.1221
U.S. Forest Service, Aspen Ranger District: 970.925.3445
Wheeler Opera House: 970.925.5973