23 Awesome Things to Do In Aspen Snowmass in the Off Season in Colorado

Most people associate Aspen, Colorado with world-class skiing and a playground for the famous and not-so-famous. But the off season? It is wildly underrated. If you happen to catch the fall foliage at its peak, prepare yourself—the scenery is absolutely jaw-dropping.

Chris and I recently returned from a weekend couples getaway to Aspen Snowmass, and it reminded us why this place deserves way more than its winter reputation. In this guide, you’ll discover the best things to do in Aspen Snowmass in the off season, from hiking and mountain biking to fishing, scenic drives, and fall color chasing. We’ll cover what’s worth your time for couples and families alike, plus what to know about dining and lodging in both Aspen and Snowmass Village when the crowds thin out. Spoiler: fewer tourists is a very good thing.

23 Things to Do In Aspen Snowmass in the Off Season

Aspen Snowmass is one of the most iconic stops on a Colorado road trip, and the off season is honestly the best-kept secret in the state. The trails are less crowded, the golden aspen trees put on a show that rivals anything you’ll see in the winter, and your wallet will thank you for skipping peak season. These are the best things to do in Aspen Snowmass in the off season—no ski pass required.

1. Visit the Maroon Bells Scenic Area

The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is one of the most beautiful, most photographed areas in Colorado AND the United States. These mountains tower over 14,000 feet and are located just 10 miles outside of Aspen. In fact, Maroon Peak at 14,136 ft (4,308.6 m) and North Maroon Peak at 14,022 ft (4,274 m) are two of 58 mountains in Colorado that are considered to be 14-ers— 14-ers mean they are over 14,000 feet tall. The hike to Crater Lake here is one of the best Aspen Snowmass hikes.

“The Bells are beautiful anytime. If you show up, you’ll get a good photo, but the best time is sunrise…People worry too much about their equipment, but you can get great pics with your camera phone, a point and shoot, anything in your pocket. Sharing the memories is the most important, so use what you’ve got…” ~ Jeremy Swanson

You will need to make Parking & Shuttle reservations from May through October to visit Maroon Bells unless you are in the park before 8 am. Be prepared for the crowds, even in the off season.

2. Ride the Silver Queen Gondola

Aspen Mountain, reaching a peak of 11,212 feet (4,332 m), offers outstanding views and enjoyable dining options. If you are visiting in the summer or winter, hop aboard the Silver Queen Gondola. Summer activities at the top of the mountain include kids’ activities, musical events and concerts, the world’s highest official disc golf course, and miles and miles of biking and hiking trails.

The gondola is open from June through September for summer fun and November to April for winter sports. Tickets can be purchased for a single ride, 3-day ticket, or a season pass (children 6 and under ride free).

3. Explore the Ashcroft Ghost Town

The heart of Castle Creek Valley was once home to a thriving mining town called Ashcroft where silver was discovered in 1880, droves of people hoping to strike it rich flooded the picturesque valley. Today, relocated and restored buildings, trails, interpretive signage, and seasonal volunteers make up the Ashcroft Ghost Town.

Take a self-guided tour on your couples getaway to the Colorado Rockies to explore the meadow, imagine the bustling town in the height of its boom, and walk along the river. Admission during the fall, winter, and spring is collected using the honor system.

4. Visit the John Denver Sanctuary

In 1972, an amazing Perseid meteor shower inspired the beloved song, “Rocky Mountain High” while John Denver and friends were camping near Aspen, Colorado. “I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky” captures the wonder of that August night and the beauty that YOU will find in Aspen, CO.

Discover the John Denver Sanctuary in Aspen with a song garden that features John’s iconic lyrics etched in stone and placed in a circle to represent the circle of life. Within the park, you will find man-made wetlands, streams, flower gardens, and pathways. Visitors are welcome, entrance is FREE, and Instagrammable moments are plentiful. Parking is available in the nearby parking garage.

5. Watch Airplanes Take Off & Land

Chris is a bit of a airplane enthusiast. To sit and watch airplanes land and take off is a thrill for him. I’ll admit, I love the huge roar of the engines as a plane takes off where you can feel it rumble in your chest. If you are flying into or out of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, you’ll love the convenience and access to Aspen Snowmass. Park in the pull-off along Owl Creek Road if you just want to sit and watch.

Many private planes land in Aspen, but you will also like the convenience of taking a flight on United Express, American Eagle, and Delta Connection, especially nonstops flights from Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, and more.

6. Stop in Redstone, Colorado

Redstone, Colorado is a historic coal mining town in the mountains; it thrives today in the Crystal River Valley as a relaxing destination. The coal mining heritage can be seen in the Redstone Coke Ovens—a collection of historic “beehive” ovens that still flank the entrance to town.

The small main street offers family-owned shops, diners, a general store, antique shops, a museum, a hotel, and easy access to the Crystal River. Chris and I discovered this delightful town last winter; it felt as though we were stepping into a magical wonderland. It is the perfect place to enjoy a horseback ride through meadows, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or take a dip in the ice cold water of the Crystal River in the summer months.

7. Photograph Hays Creek Falls

If you aren’t watching as you drive on CO-133 along the Crystal River between Redstone and Carbondale, Colorado, you’ll miss the sign for Hays Creek Falls. The pulloff parking area is across the road from the falls, so be careful as you cross the road.

The distance to the falls is listed as 0.1 miles. Can you consider it to be one of the Aspen Snowmass hikes? Maybe. The falls are really just right off the road once you cross CO-133. It would be a perfect stop for families with kids who really don’t want to hike much or a perfect way for everyone to get out of the car and stretch a bit.

8. Enjoy a Picnic Lunch

One of the things Chris and I love to do is pack a picnic lunch on our adventures, especially if we know we will be far from places to grab a bite to eat. You will have to plan ahead for this and be sure to include a cooler, ice packs, food, snacks, and drinks.

9. Rent a Bike for Family Friendly Fun in Snowmass & Aspen

Does the thought of zooming around on a rented e-bike excite you? How about a renting a mountain bike for some downhill thrills or a cruiser for a leisure ride along the numerous pathways in the valley? You’ll be able to find the bike and equipment to fit your outdoor adventure from kid’s bikes to trailers, trail bikes to mountain bikes.

10. Take Pictures of the Amazing Scenery

Chris and I just missed the peak of the fall colors. Seeing the fall foliage was definitely on our list of things to do in Aspen Snowmass in the off season. If you are planning a trip to the area, consider the last week of September into the first week of October. We were there in the middle of October and still found some great color…it just could have been stupendous!

11. Stroll Through Downtown Aspen

Be sure to leave some time to stroll through downtown Aspen to explore the unique boutiques, eateries, Victorian buildings, do a little window shopping, visit the Wheeler Opera House, Hotel Jerome, and the Aspen Art Museum.

Sign up for guided walking tours to dig in to the town’s mining history.

Aspen Snowmass Hikes

12. American Lake Trail

Be prepared for some INTENSE elevation gain when you begin the American Lake Trail just off the Castle Creek Road. We had 1,000 feet of elevation gain in the first 1.25 miles. Whew! If you are a beginning hiker, you can do this hike; you may need to take lots of breaks! That’s ok. I do too! Once the trail levels out a little bit, the trees change to pine trees and finally opens to the beautiful American Lake.

13. Explore the Grottos Trail

The Grottos Trail is just a short distance outside of Aspen on Independence Pass (also known as Highway 82). There is a small parking lot at the trailhead. It is a short hike (0.5 miles with 29 ft of elevation gain) and would be fun for kids as well as adults as there are lots of boulders to climb up, over and around. You’ll also love exploring the ice cave and seeing the cascading waterfall. Chris and I visited in the latter end of October when the falls were running low, but just imagine a cascading waterfall.

If you happen to see two large boulders sitting on a huge slab of granite, know that you have found the Erratics (the two boulders) sitting on a smooth granite knoll called a Whaleback!

14. Crater Lake Trail at Maroon Bells

Crater Lake Trail is one of the popular trails at Maroon Bells. You’ll be starting at an elevation over 9,000 feet and will climb about 600 feet in elevation along the rocky path to the lake. The hike is a moderate, 3.6 mile out and back trail that can take between 2 to 3 hours to complete depending on your skill level. You may also want to spend some time exploring around the lake.

15. Maroon Bells to Crested Butte Hike

While enjoying the beauty of Crater Lake, Chris and I learned of the Maroon Bells to Crested Butte hike from a volunteer ranger. We were intrigued. The hike continues on from Crater Lake and would definitely require a little more planning and an earlier start in the summer—typically July and August are the best times for this hike for the weather conditions and when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

16. Twin Lakes Interlaken Hike

At the beginning of Independence Pass outside of Buena Vista, Colorado begins the Twin Lakes Interlaken hike. If you don’t have a high clearance vehicle, you will want to park at Twin Lakes Dam. If your vehicle can handle the bumps and dips of the road, park close to the trailhead. In its heyday, James Dexter’s turn of the century cabins and outbuildings were the centerpiece of the once bustling Inter-laken Resort. Today, this ghost town resort is fun endpoint on a fairly easy hike with gentle ups and downs as you follow the shoreline.

Note * The trail does not loop around both lakes unless you want to walk back to your vehicle along Highway 82.

Relax in Hot Springs

A couples getaway to the Colorado Rockies is not complete without a visit to local hot springs. This is one of the best things to do in Aspen Snowmass in the off season. The weather is a little on the cool side which is perfect.

17. Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs

In the heart of Crystal River Valley, Avalanche Ranch welcomes visitors to stay the night and enjoy the hot springs pools. You can also enjoy the springs as a day visitor with a 4-hour pass from 9 am to 1 pm or 1 pm to 4 pm. As an overnight guest, you have 24-hour access except on Wednesdays when the hot springs are closed from 9 am to 5 pm for cleaning.

If you are staying the night, enjoy the 1, 2 or 3-bedroom cabins, chuckwagon cabins, or studios. Before or after your relaxing soak, schedule yoga or a massage.

18. Penny Hot Springs

You could drive along the Crystal River outside of Carbondale, Colorado for years and never know that Penny Hot Springs is there on the east side of Highway 133 (close to mile marker 55) about 3.2 miles from Redstone, CO. To reach the springs, you’ll need to carefully climb down the rocks of the riverbank. Access to Penny Hot Springs is FREE.

Note * Penny Hot Springs is a clothing-optional destination. When Chris and I stopped to check it out and take pics for this post, all bathers were clothed, but if you happen to be visiting with kids or you would prefer not to see people bathing au naturelle, this is your warning. Be sure to practice hot springs etiquette as Penny Hot Springs is a natural, undeveloped location without any amenities. Usage is at your own risk.

19. Glenwood Hot Springs

Glenwood Hot Springs is a family friendly venue with huge soaking pools. One pool at approximately 92 degrees is for swimming laps, diving, and playing. The hot pool runs at a whopping 104.8 degrees.

• Lockers are available by using a code, but you can also take your stuff on deck and leave it there while you soak.
• Bring your water bottles and drink plenty of water during your hot springs soak.
• If you visit Glenwood Springs in the winter months, you might want to bring a robe to ward off the chill! 

20. Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Iron Mountain Hot Springs is one of the newer hot spring facilities in Glenwood that allows you to make a timed reservation for your soaking experience. Iron Mountain features hot pools at varying temperatures. You are encouraged to bring your own water and to continue drinking throughout your soak. Water fountains are available for refilling your water bottles.

On a frosty winter evening, you may have to brave the chill hopping in and out of the pools, but at the end of your reservation time, you’ll be sufficiently warm enough to enjoy the cooler temperatures as you walk back to the changing rooms. While the pathways are heated around the pools, wearing non-slip flip flops is recommended.

Enjoy Scenic Drives

21. Independence Pass

Independence Pass, also known as State Highway 82, passes over the Continental Divide at 12,095 ft. Chris and I drove from Colorado Springs past Buena Vista, then followed Independence Pass for 32 miles to reach Aspen. I encourage you to stop and enjoy the scenery at lookout areas along the way. If you drive through the pass at the end of September, the color of the aspen groves will simply amaze you.

The pass closes for the winter season in late October and reopens in May. Note that the road is narrow, steep, and has lots of twists and turns. If you are bike enthusiast, you may love that the road opens in the late spring to bikers only once the snow has melted.

22. McClure Pass

McClure Pass (State Highway 133) along the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway connects the towns of Redstone and Somerset in Colorado. The pass stays open all year long unless there are severe winter storms. The views are stunning with many places to pull over and explore, take pictures, and enjoy a picnic lunch.

23. Frying Pan Road from Basalt to Ruedi Reservoir

How did Frying Pan Road (and Fryingpan River) get its name? One legend suggests two men survived an attack. One man was injured and stayed in a cave while his friend went in search of help. The uninjured man was said to have hung a frying pan in a tree so he could find the cave again.

Regardless of the name, this scenic drive along County Road 104 follows the Fryingpan River from Basalt all the way to the Ruedi Reservoir. I don’t know the tradition behind all of the pumpkins we spotted along the way, but they were perched on ledges, fence posts, and road signs. If you follow this road, you will eventually end up in Leadville, CO not Aspen as we had hoped. We turned around at the reservoir and made our way back to Basalt.

Getting to Aspen Snowmass from Denver, Colorado

By Car

I-70: Denver to Aspen

Drive this route to enjoy the beauty of Glenwood Canyon.

• Distance: 199 miles
• Time: 3.25 hours

Independence Pass: Denver to Leadville to Aspen

You will cross the Continental Divide three times on this route.

• Distance: 159 miles
• Time: 3.25 hours

Independence Pass: Denver to Buena Vista to Aspen

The views of 17 of Colorado’s fourteeners and the Collegiate Peaks along the way can’t be beat.

• Distance: 185 miles
• Time: 4 hours

By Bus

You can take the bus from Denver to Aspen. It takes about over five hours.

By Shuttle

Book a shuttle, sit back, and let someone else do the driving while you enjoy the scenery. Shuttle routes are the same as car routes.

By Plane

If you are coming from Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles (just to name a few), fly non-stop to Aspen. Once you land at the airport, you can be “shooshing” on any of the four ski mountains within the hour.

Which is Better, Aspen or Snowmass?

You might wonder which is better, Aspen or Snowmass—and then you also see it called Aspen Snowmass—and confusion sets it. To be clear, Aspen is a separate town that operates more like a “town close to a ski resort”, while Snowmass is more of a resort atmosphere with housing and restaurants located in Snowmass Village.

Visit Aspen if the hustle and bustle of upscale local events, art galleries, dining, nightlife and a wide variety of things to do that interest you. If you are focused on a family friendly fun in Snowmass Village plus ski-in ski-out options in the winter months, Snowmass is for you.

“Aspen Snowmass” is the collective name for the area which includes four mountains and ski resorts: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. The whole area is anchored by the town of Aspen and Snowmass Village. 

Bonus * An Aspen Snowmass lift ticket gives you access to all four resorts if you happen to visit during ski season.

Where is Aspen Snowmass?

Aspen Snowmass is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, specifically in the Elk Mountains within the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. That’s a mouthful! Aspen Snowmass is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes from Denver by car.

Where to Stay in Aspen Snowmass

There are many options if you are looking for a place to stay in the Aspen Snowmass area. Vacation rentals are perfect for giving you space to spread out and a kitchen to cook meals in if you wish. Booking in advance is recommended.

Viceroy

Chris and I LOVED our stay at the Viceroy. It was at the end of the fall season and crowds were thin. In fact, for our couples getaway to the Colorado Rockies, our room was upgraded to a two bedroom apartment! In the winter months, you can enjoy the luxury of this ski-in, ski-out resort. In the fall, the colors are impressive.

The hot tubs by the pool were like a private sanctuary as we rarely saw any other guests.

Search Booking.com for your next stay:

What to Pack

When Chris and I visited in mid-October, we had great weather—not sunbathe at the beach warm—but warm enough for lighter jackets during the day. You can bet, though, that when we hiked, we packed in extras: a puffy jacket, fleece-lined pants, gloves, ear muffs. The temperatures in the mountains can change within minutes. Being prepared and dressing in layers is key.

• Warm gloves 
• Fleece ear warmers
• Snow pants
• Fleece-lined pants (you can find these in pants or leggings)
• Fleece jacket
• Puffy jacket
• Cell phone (fully charged)
• Portable charger
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hand warmers
• Water bottle

Check out my Amazon Storefront for Hiking Gear products I recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Off Season Is Aspen Snowmass’s Best Kept Secret

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, epic hiking trails, Instagrammable moments, or a new hot spring to add to your soaking roster, Aspen Snowmass in the off season delivers something for everyone. Time your visit right and the golden aspen trees will stop you in your tracks—it’s that kind of beautiful. Skip the crowds, embrace the quiet, and discover why savvy Colorado travelers keep coming back long after the ski lifts shut down.

Before you hit the trails, make sure you’re ready with my Day Hike Packing List—because the trails around Aspen Snowmass deserve your full preparation.

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