About the Area
One of the reasons we chose Aspen for our wedding weekend is because of its incredible access to outdoor adventures, and we hope you'll make the most of the stunning surroundings! Check out some of our favorite hiking trails and outdoor activities below.
If you prefer soaking in the mountain views from a more relaxed vantage point, Aspen offers a variety of excellent restaurants, bars, and boutiques. You can also unwind by the hotel pool while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. With its charming, walkable downtown, it’s easy to explore, meet up with other guests, and experience all that Aspen has to offer!
Food & Drink
BREAKFAST & QUICK BITES
Paradise Bakery: Great pastries and coffee, plus gelato for later.
Jus: Cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and brunch options.
Big Wrap: A locals favorite for breakfast and lunch, with smoothies and burritos.
Spring Cafe: A great healthy spot with breakfast, brunch, smoothies.
BEAR DEN: A great spot open all day, hearty meals with a great wine bar.
Poppycocks: Classic breakfast spot, try their pancakes for sure!
Silverpeak Grill: A laid back Mexi-Cali spot only open in the summer, great fish tacos.
LUNCH & DINNER
White House Tavern: Elevated American favorites with outside seating.
Ellina: Amazing hand made pasta, salads, and wine.
Casa Tua: The best aspen scene, great Italian food and outdoor seating.
Clarks Oyster Bar: The best seafood in town, very charming.
CP Burger: Great burgers with a fun view of town and outdoor games.
MATSUHISA: The best sushi in Aspen, located next to the Jerome.
The Outdoors
Hiking & Biking
Smuggler MTN RD (2.9miles /moderate): This is one of the most fun trails to hike in or around the Aspen area, and the trailhead can be found without venturing too far out of the main city area. This is a challenging hike both in terms of elevation gain and distance traveled, so hikers should be prepared for a long, all-day workout if they plan to do this in one go.
Hunters Creek (8.9 miles /moderate): The southern end of the Hunter Creek Trail is within the edges of Aspen, so this is the more common starting point. This is a long hike through some truly breathtaking scenery.
Ute Trail (5.3 miles /moderate): This hike is famous for providing amazing views of downtown Aspen. It is more uphill than flat but worth it! The parking lot is off of Ute Ave located a short distance from downtown, you can even walk there for more of a workout.
East of Aspen Trail (4.6 miles /easy): Enjoy walking through the North Start Preserve one of Aspens most scenic areas.
Walk the Rio Grande Trail (4.7 miles /easy): Aspen has some amazing bike paths that are also great for walking. The Rio Grande trail follows the river and has many scenic spots.
Maroon Bells Scenic Loop (1.9 miles /easy): The most iconic of all of Aspen’s hike will be those in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. Parking is not allowed without a permit booked in advance, so make sure to grab your parking permit early or get a shuttle pass to go up there. Mornings are highly recommended!
E Biking To Maroon Bells
If you want to see Maroon Bells and didn’t get a shuttle permit you can always ride bikes there and do the Scenic Loop, keep in mind this is a busy road and experience with road biking is helpful. Head over to Aspen Bikes for rentals.
E Biking To Woody Creek Tavern
Aspen has some amazing bike paths that are also great for walking. Rent a bike downtown at Aspen Bikes. The Rio Grande trail follows the river and has many scenic spots, go for lunch at Woody Creek Tavern.
John Denver Sanctuary
An idyllic spot close to downtown where you can bring a picnic, mediate, enjoy the river, and explore the song gardens.
Independence PAss
Enjoy driving across the continental divide in one of Colorado’s most scenic drives, be aware smaller cars are best as it is narrow and cliffy in some spots. Independence Ghost town is great cool if you want to go further. There are many amazing pull outs for photos and great hikes.
Other Activities
Shopping
Aspen is a world class shopping destination, Kemo Sabe is always a fun cowboy stop as well as many amazing art galleries.
Saturdays Farmers Market
Every Saturday in the summer Aspen has the best farmers market you will have ever been to with fresh pastries, Palisade Peaches, and locally made artisan vendors.
Aspen Mountain Gondola
We highly recommend getting tickets to go up Ajax for hiking and Lunch at the Sundeck, the views are insane and its a really fun experience in the summer.
Aspen Rec Center
If you want to work out, play pickle ball or tennis, the Aspen Recreation Center has a daily rate of $30.
THE Snowmass RODEO
We highly recommend getting tickets to the rodeo that takes place Wednesday night if you happen to be in town by then.
FLYFISHING
Aspen Outfitting Company comes recommended if you’ve always wanted to learn to fly-fish, or want to experience it on the Roaring Fork River.
Jeep Tours
Blazing Adventures Jeep tours will take you to the historic Burlingame Cabin on Snowmass Mountain. They offer a delicious dinner hot off the grill, a campfire, live music, and S’mores. Watch the sun drop behind the mountain ranges that extend across the Roaring Fork Valley.
RAFTING & WATER SPORTS
Blazing Adventures Whitewater offers rafting and float trip adventures.
Paddle boarding down the north start preserve is super fun and mellow.
Aspen Golf Club
Enjoy a day outside playing golf at our public course, Aspen Golf Club.
Horseback Riding
Experience the real Aspen on horseback, experience Old Snowmass with a 1-2 hour ride on private land with stunning views of the elk mountain range. Contact Snowmass Creek Outfitters they are the best and just a short 25 min drive outside of Aspen.