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Aspen

Best Things to Do in Aspen

If there's one thing Aspen's known for, it's skiing. This tiny mountain town is surrounded by four monumental ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk (a favorite among beginners) and the ever-popular Snowmass Ski Resort. The luster isn't lost when the snow melts, however. The Rockies offer some spectacular hiking spots -- like the Maroon Bell peaks -- with jaw dropping vistas. If you're looking for a more relaxing getaway, treat yourself to a massage at an area spa or try a therapeutic soak in the Glenwood Springs natural hot springs.

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How We Rank Things to Do
#1
Maroon Bells Free attraction
Hiking, Natural Wonders, Sightseeing | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 5.0

Why go: Rising more than 14,000 feet, these twin peaks are a favorite spot for hikers ... read more»

#2
Independence Pass Free attraction
Recreation, Sightseeing | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 4.5

Why go: If there’s one reason to rent a car in Aspen, it’s to take ... read more»

#3
John Denver Sanctuary Free attraction
Monuments and Memorials, Parks and Gardens | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 4.5

Why go: Anyone who's a fan of John Denver's music knows that the famous singer-songwriter ... read more»

#4
Glenwood Springs Free attraction
Neighborhood/Area | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 4.5

Why go: If you're in need of a break from the slopes, consider a daytrip to ... read more»

#5
Aspen Mountain
Recreation, Skiing | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 4.5

Why go: It's this mountain -- first opened to skiers in 1947 -- that put Aspen on the ... read more»

#6
Snowmass
Recreation, Skiing | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 4.5

Why go: Aspen's largest and most popular ski area is the ultimate destination for winter sports ... read more»

#7
Aspen Art Museum Free attraction
Museums | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 4.0

Why go: Located in the heart of Aspen near the John Denver Sanctuary, the Aspen Art Museum ... read more»

#8
Silver Queen Gondola
Recreation, Sightseeing | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 4.0

Why go: The Silver Queen Gondola travels two and a half miles from the heart of town ... read more»

#9
Aspen Highlands
Recreation, Skiing | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 4.0

Why go: Offering spectacular viewsof the nearby Maroon Bells peaks, Aspen Highlands has been the preferred ski ... read more»

#10
Buttermilk
Recreation, Skiing | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 4.0

Why go: With 21 miles of open, stress-free trails, Buttermilk is the perfect spot to try your ... read more»

#11
Wheeler Opera House
Entertainment and Nightlife, Sightseeing | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 4.0

Why go: Constructed in the late 1800s by business tycoon Jerome Wheeler, this opera house has been ... read more»

#12
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
Museums, Parks and Gardens, Zoos and Aquariums | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 3.5

Why go: Sitting just north of Main Street, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is a research ... read more»

#13
Wheeler-Stallard House Museum
Museums | Map It

Overall Rating: Rating: 3.5

Why go: Those of you interested in Aspen’s rich history should be sure to save time ... read more»

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