Things to Do in Aspen — Colorado: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1Aspen Mountain Ski ResortMustAspen Mountain Base (Ajax)4.7(952)

Aspen Mountain is the ski area woven directly into downtown and is the most immediate expression of Aspen's ski-town identity. Ski it in winter, or use its base area and mountain access as a downtown anchor in other seasons.

5h Book aheadArrive for first chair on winter weekends and holidays.

Buy lift tickets in advance for better pricing, especially for peak winter dates.

Pairs with: Silver Queen Gondola · Wheeler Opera House · Aspen Art Museum

#2Aspen Highlands Ski Resort (Ski resort)MustAspen Highlands

Aspen Highlands is the mountain to choose for advanced terrain and the storied Highlands Bowl experience. It is less useful to a non-skier than Aspen Mountain or a scenic drive, but serious skiers should give it a full day.

6h Book aheadStart early; the most sought-after terrain is best tackled before afternoon crowds and weather changes.

Buy lift tickets ahead of time for lower pricing and easier peak-date planning.

#3Silver Queen GondolaMustDowntown Aspen4.8(395)

The gondola is the easy, non-skiing route up Aspen Mountain and gives first-timers the mountain experience without committing to a ski day. Use it for broad views and a high-altitude stroll, then return to downtown for lunch or culture.

2h Book aheadRide near opening for clearer views and shorter base-area lines.

Reserve or buy ahead in busy summer and winter periods; day-of availability can be limited.

Pairs with: Aspen Mountain Ski Resort · Wheeler Opera House · Aspen Art Museum (Tourist attraction)

#4Maroon BellsMust4.8(855)

Maroon Bells is the signature Aspen-area landscape and earns its reputation: reflective lake views, dramatic peaks, and walks ranging from easy to more committed. Make it a dedicated morning outing, not a quick detour squeezed between downtown plans.

3h Book aheadTake an early shuttle for quieter trails, better light, and more stable weather.

In summer, reserve the required shuttle in advance for daytime access; private vehicle access is restricted during the day.

Pairs with: Ashcroft Ghost Town (Tourist attraction) · Grottos Trail (Tourist attraction)

#5Aspen Snowmass Ski ResortMust4.7(3,600)

Aspen Snowmass is the umbrella for the area's four ski mountains and matters chiefly for visitors planning a multi-day ski trip. Use its shared lift-ticket system to sample mountains suited to different abilities rather than treating this as a separate place to visit.

6h Book aheadAvoid holiday weeks if flexibility matters; otherwise buy tickets early.

Book lift tickets well ahead for savings, especially if skiing several days or traveling at peak times.

Pairs with: Aspen Mountain Ski Resort · Aspen Highlands Ski Resort (Ski resort) · Buttermilk Ski Resort

#6Independence PassMust4.9(734)

This high Continental Divide drive is one of the region's essential scenic experiences, with changing mountain views and worthwhile roadside stops. Drive it in the open season and leave time to pull over safely rather than rushing straight through.

3h FreeStart early for lighter traffic and clearer mountain weather; confirm seasonal road opening before departure.

Pairs with: Independence Ghost Town (Tourist attraction) · Grottos Trail (Tourist attraction) · American Lake Trail

#7John Denver Sanctuary (Tourist attraction)ShouldRed Mountain

This creekside park is Aspen's quiet, distinctly local pause: John Denver lyrics are carved into boulders beside the water. Use it as a short walk between downtown and the Rio Grande Trail rather than making it a major destination.

30m FreeGo in the morning or near dusk for a calmer creekside walk.

Pairs with: Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (Tourist attraction) · Rio Grande Trail · Aspen Art Museum (Tourist attraction)

#8Wheeler Opera HouseShouldDowntown Aspen4.8(216)

The Wheeler is a handsome downtown landmark and the best reminder that Aspen has a historic core beneath its resort polish. Admire it while walking town, or make it a destination only if a performance matches your dates.

20m Book aheadSee it in the evening when the downtown atmosphere is at its liveliest.

For a performance, buy tickets ahead; simply seeing the exterior is free.

Pairs with: Aspen Art Museum (Tourist attraction) · Aspen Brewing Company · Silver Queen Gondola

#9Aspen Art Museum (Tourist attraction)Should

Aspen Art Museum is a compact contemporary-art stop with architecture and a rooftop that reward a break from the outdoors. Go for a focused visit, particularly on a poor-weather afternoon, rather than expecting a vast collection.

1.3h FreeVisit at opening or on a weekday afternoon.

Pairs with: Wheeler Opera House · John Denver Sanctuary (Tourist attraction) · Aspen Brewing Company

#10Buttermilk Ski ResortShould4.7(876)

Buttermilk is Aspen's friendliest choice for beginners and freestyle-focused skiers, making it a smart counterweight to the area's intimidating expert reputation. Choose it deliberately if your group includes learners; experienced skiers may prefer the other mountains.

5h Book aheadMorning offers the best snow conditions and the easiest learning-area experience.

Purchase lift tickets in advance for better pricing during ski season.

#11Grottos Trail (Tourist attraction)Should

Grottos Trail is a short, interesting walk through carved rock formations and small waterfalls, making it a strong scenery-to-effort payoff. Use it as a stop on the Independence Pass side of Aspen, especially with children or after a longer drive.

1h FreeGo early in the day; surfaces can be slippery around water and crowds build in summer.

Pairs with: Independence Pass · Independence Ghost Town (Tourist attraction) · Maroon Bells

#12Ashcroft Ghost Town (Tourist attraction)Should

Ashcroft gives the Maroon Creek Valley a layer of mining-era history that balances its big scenery. It is a worthwhile short stop on the way toward Maroon Bells, not a destination that needs hours of your day.

45m Walk upVisit in the morning on the way to Maroon Bells, before the valley becomes busy.

Access is generally straightforward; check seasonal road conditions before setting out.

Pairs with: Maroon Bells · Grottos Trail (Tourist attraction)

#13Independence Ghost Town (Tourist attraction)Should

Independence Ghost Town makes the Independence Pass drive more than a sequence of overlooks, adding a tangible mining-history stop. It is best for travelers who enjoy atmospheric ruins and interpretation, and can be brief for everyone else.

45m Walk upVisit early or late in the day, when the pass corridor is quieter.

Check seasonal access conditions, as the pass road is not open year-round.

Pairs with: Independence Pass · Grottos Trail (Tourist attraction) · American Lake Trail

#14Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (Tourist attraction)If timeRed Mountain

ACES adds useful natural-history context to an Aspen visit, especially for families or anyone wanting more than shopping and mountain scenery. Treat it as a low-key stop along the creek rather than a standalone half-day attraction.

45m FreeWeekday mornings are best for a quieter visit.

Pairs with: John Denver Sanctuary (Tourist attraction) · Rio Grande Trail · Aspen Art Museum (Tourist attraction)

#15Aspen Brewing CompanyIf timeDowntown Aspen4.4(131)

This is a convenient local beer stop, not a reason to choose Aspen over another mountain town. It works best as an après-ski or post-hike break when you are already downtown.

1h Walk upGo before the après-ski rush or later in the evening.

Pairs with: Wheeler Opera House · Aspen Art Museum (Tourist attraction) · Aspen Mountain Ski Resort

#16Theatre Aspen Hurst TheatreIf timeRed Mountain4.8(27)

This seasonal outdoor theater is a pleasant summer-evening option when its program appeals, with the setting doing much of the work. It is not essential sightseeing, but it is a good way to trade another restaurant night for something distinctly Aspen.

2.5h Book aheadChoose an early-season or weekday performance for better ticket availability.

Book ahead for popular summer performances, particularly weekend dates.

Pairs with: John Denver Sanctuary (Tourist attraction) · Aspen Brewing Company

#17Rio Grande TrailIf time5(7)

The Rio Grande Trail is the easy way to see Aspen at a human pace, following the creek corridor rather than the resort traffic. Walk or bike a short segment from town and combine it with the John Denver Sanctuary instead of trying to cover the whole route.

1.3h FreeMorning is coolest and most peaceful for walking or cycling.

Pairs with: John Denver Sanctuary (Tourist attraction) · Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (Tourist attraction) · Aspen Art Museum (Tourist attraction)

#18American Lake TrailIf time4.8(63)

American Lake Trail is for visitors who want a proper alpine hike rather than a roadside mountain view. It is a rewarding add-on only if your schedule and fitness allow for a trail-focused half-day around Independence Pass.

3.5h FreeBegin early for better weather margins and easier parking at trail access points.

Pairs with: Independence Pass · Independence Ghost Town (Tourist attraction) · Grottos Trail (Tourist attraction)