Aspen: A Natural Wonder

Arrival

I never expected to see snow on our summer road trip but here we were surprised and surrounded by it. At 12,095 feet you will find the jaw dropping beauty that is Independence Pass just East of Aspen. When the weather permits and you can withstand the hairpin turns on state road 82, do not miss out on this amazing stop! We were lucky to come when we did since this winding route into Aspen was closed just a few days prior to our arrival. The incredible views were something I will never forget and a sign of great things to come in Aspen.

Independence Pass
Independence Pass
Snow near Independence Pass
Snow!
Trekking through the snow trying not to fall in
Trekking through the snow trying not to fall in
Snow ball fight
Snow ball fight
Taking in the sights at Independence Pass
Taking in the sights
We had so much fun stopping by!
We had so much fun stopping by!

Our adventure into this remarkable place really began on I-70 out of Denver. The scenery was already stunning from the start as we drove through what looked like a legitimate Coors Light commercial. Somewhere between steep jagged roads, chasms and crazy drop offs Manu took the wheel so that I could dry my palms, relax and enjoy the views a bit more. After braving the never-ending switchbacks of Independence Pass we were finally in town ready to explore.

Mountains from Denver to Aspen
Mountains ahead!
Time to switch drivers
Time to switch drivers
Panorama near Independence pass
Is this place real?!

The Town

Aspen is quaint, walkable and like something out of a movie set. There are cute boutique shops, delectable eateries and natural beauty is found everywhere you look. We arrived at the Sky Hotel just in time for wine hour. It was crazy to think that just minutes before we were playing in the snow and now we were relaxing poolside with cocktails. I loved Aspen already!

Cozy room and free wine- Sky Hotel
Cozy room and free wine
Chilling poolside at Sky Hotel
Chilling poolside
Manu relaxing
Manu relaxing

We got to town just a week shy of their crazy tourist season so the vibe was quiet and laid back (just the way we like). The locals seemed to be relishing their last week before the big rush and we enjoyed chatting with many of them to find out how they ended up in such a gorgeous place. Some were born and raised in town, some worked there seasonally while others arrived a long time ago for ski season and never ever left! Manu and I contemplated finding his next work assignment here as we wandered around this picturesque town at sunset marveling at the sky’s colors.

Aspen at dusk
The town at dusk
Aspen reminded us a lot of Bariloche, Argentina- One of it's sister cities
Aspen reminded us a lot of Bariloche, Argentina- One of its sister cities
beautiful colors in the Aspen sky
Look at those colors!
Gorgeous mountains
Gorgeous mountains
Night sky in Aspen
Night sky in Aspen

Eat/ Drink/Be Merry

When it comes to food Aspen has a range of delicious choices from the affordable cheap eats to uber pricey restaurants. They also have numerous places to grab a brew and chill with some live music.

Our first night we popped into Hops Culture for a drink. They have an abundant selection of craft beers and reasonable happy hour specials every day. For cheap eats try The Big Wrap. This low-key no frills eatery is the perfect place to grab a quick and tasty bite. Just make sure you have some cash on hand (they don’t take cards), a big appetite or someone to share your meal with (they don’t call it BIG for nothing)! Another inexpensive place worth a peek further outside of town is Hickory House RibsWhile the service is lacking they’re barbeque is delicious, cheap and perfect for a speedy lunch.

Flights at Hops Culture
Flights at Hops Culture

Since the Ziggy Marley concert at Belly Up Aspen was sold out Manu and I decided to check out The Red Onion for some live music. This neighborhood favorite features local bands on some nights and offers a good drink menu. Because we were on our backpackers budget we did not indulge in the super pricey restaurants but did enjoy a fantastic meal at Justice Snow’s on our last night in town. The restaurant is housed in a lovely historic building and their food is as excellent as their ambiance.

Enjoying dinner at Justice Snow's
Enjoying dinner at Justice Snow’s

 

Play Outside

Aspen is known as a year round attraction for outdoor adventure. Whether it’s skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, rafting, horseback riding or whatever it is you’re into you can find it here and enjoy the magnificent views along the way.

Horses in town
Horses in town

Manu and I huffed and puffed and steadily made our way up multiple switchbacks a mile uphill on the Ute Trail. With every step I remembered the wine guy back at the hotel telling us “it’s totally easy, I hike up there in 45 minutes on my lunch break”. Well this trail was no small feat but what was to follow was spectacular and worth every sweat bead. The vistas from the top of the rock outcropping are far out and hard to beat. From here you get a 360-degree view with the town below and snowy peaks as far out as the eye could see. Don’t miss this hike when in Aspen!

We made it to the top of Ute trail!
We made it to the top of Ute trail!
Taking a break atop Ute trail
Taking a break
Aspen below
Teeny Aspen below
Snowy peaks ahead
Giant snowy peaks ahead

Two other breathtaking hikes you can’t skip are Hunter Creek Trail and Smuggler’s Cove. Enjoy lush landscapes, rushing rivers and picture perfect views as you meander through the trails and breathe in pure mountain air.

Hunter Creek Trail
Hunter Creek Trail
John Denver Sanctuary
John Denver Sanctuary
Gorgeous bridge along our walk
Gorgeous bridge along our walk
Scenic river along the trail
Scenic river along the trail
Could this place be any more beautiful!? Aspen green space
Could this place be any more beautiful!?

For a different kind of rush try whitewater rafting in the nearby rivers. We went with Aspen Whitewater Rafting a great company in town. We chose to do the Slaughterhouse Falls ($94 with all the equipment) in the afternoon and during our trip the water was high and exhilarating. The staff was excellent and after our trip they even provided us with snacks and beer to replenish our energy.

Recovering in the hot tub after rafting
Recovering in the hot tub after rafting

On the way out

Ashcroft Ghost Town

If you’re heading west on SR 82 out of town and take the Castle Creek Rd exit at the roundabout you’ll end up at Ashcroft Ghost Town. This once booming silver mining town from the 1800’s has been preserved as a remarkable historic site.

Welcome to Ashcroft
Welcome to Ashcroft
Old Townsite of Ashcroft
Old Townsite of Ashcroft
Ashcroft Ghost Town
Ashcroft Ghost Town
Inside one of the remaining buildings in Ashcroft
Inside one of the remaining buildings
Creepy stairs in the hotel... Ashcroft
Creepy stairs in the hotel…
Broken glass
Ghost craft project?
Manu at the Post Office
Manu at the Post Office
Just hanging around- Porch of Ashcroft hotel
Just hanging around
mountain view from Ashcroft
Imagine this view from the window of your little cabin!
More lovely views
More lovely views
This town must have been lovely in it's heyday
This town must have been lovely in its heyday
Private ghost cabin...
Private ghost cabin…

Maroon Bells

During low season you could drive from the same roundabout taking Maroon Creek Rd to arrive at Maroon Bells. From mid June to October this area can only be accessed by bus service from 8 am to 5 pm. The beauty of this place will literally take your breath away! Manu and I enjoyed a challenging yet pleasant hike to Crater Lake with spectacular scenery along our route. I’ll let the pictures do the talking…

Breathtaking Maroon Bells
Breathtaking Maroon Bells
Closer look at Maroon Lake
Closer look at the lake
Manu at Maroon Lake
Manu at Maroon Lake
The panorama at this place is unreal!
The panorama at this place is unreal!
Me enjoying Maroon Lake
Me enjoying Maroon Lake
Stream along our hike
Stream along our hike
Entering the backcountry
Entering the wilderness area
Majestic mountain views along the way
Majestic mountain views along the way
Manu among the pines
Manu taking a break to take it all in
Almost there!- Picking up some snow balls along the way to cool off
Almost there!- Picking up some snow balls along the way to cool off
Finally, a peek of Crater Lake
Finally, a peek of Crater Lake
Manu testing out the (COLD!) water
Manu testing out the (COLD!) water
Such a gorgeous hike! Well worth it
Such a gorgeous hike to crater lake! Well worth it
Time to head out. We loved you Aspen/Ashcroft/Maroon Bells!
Time to head out. We loved you Aspen/Ashcroft/Maroon Bells!