Touted as one of “The Top 10 Adventure Towns in the U.S.” by National Geographic Adventure Magazine , possible outdoor pursuits include biking, kayaking, paddleboarding and fly-fishing. In winter, excellent cross-country skiing can be found at Spring Gulch. Farther on, the small town of Basalt at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan rivers is known for Gold Medal fishing year-round (in fact, fly-fishing is at its most serene in winter). Kayaking in a new whitewater park, paddleboarding on Ruedi Reservoir, plus hiking and biking the area’s seemingly endless trails are other draws for active travelers. There’s also charming shops, galleries and cafes, and the new Arts Campus at Willits hosts concerts and shows. Eating local is the norm in both towns, with farm-to-table dinners and several restaurants’ menus informed by seasonally available ingredients grown nearby. 4 through downtown to survey the town’s famous stores. In the sum-mer, hit up the Saturday Market for its farm-fresh produce and local products, or cruise the area on two wheels with a bike rental from WE-Cycle Stations in Aspen and Basalt . Be sure to wheel by the massive new Shepard Fairey mural at E. Durant Avenue and S. Hunter Street. Spend afternoons savoring the scenery of the upper Roaring Fork River Valley. Just 1 mile from downtown Aspen, try your hand at the Gold Butte Climbing Area , which has routes for all levels. Or, the Snowmass Loop Trail has 25 miles of mountain-biking bliss for riders of all abilities, and the Rio Grande Trail is a paved path that starts in Aspen and follows the Roaring Fork River. Those with little adventurers in tow should hike the Grottos Trail , an easy route that leads to glimpses of ice caves and waterfalls. The new Camp Elevation in Snowmass hosts adventure day camps for the whole family as another option. Follow the crowds to Maroon Lake via the daily shuttle from Aspen Highlands (8am–5pm June to early October only). The striped, tilted pyramids of the twin Maroon Bells (4) reflecting in the lake below is one of North America’s most famous mountain scenes. Or, a semi-secret way to see these iconic peaks is from the top of Snowmass Mountain, a view that is easily accessible in summer or winter from the top of the Elk Camp lift. As an alternative, Independence Pass offers a variety of recreation-al opportunities from hiking and biking to climbing. Take a tour of Independence Ghost Town with the Aspen Historical Society to hear the stories of the buildings that remain. Explore the (free!) Aspen Art Museum (5) , which houses contemporary art and dramatic mountain views from its rooftop sculpture garden. In Snowmass, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center hosts summer workshops for all types of aspiring artists (wood-working, sculpture, painting and more), art galleries and exhibi-tions and a gift shop. When it’s time for dinner, you’re in luck: This area has a world-class dining scene. Chefs at restaurants like Matsuhisa , Grey Lady and Element 47 create their menus around whatever local produce is in season. Check out summer’s Farm-to-Table Tuesday at Elk Camp Restaurant atop Snowmass Mountain. Pro tip: Sit in the bar at nearly any Aspen restaurant and sample the same food served from the regular menu at a fraction of the price. SIDETRIPS Redstone is 16 miles south of Carbondale in the Crystal River Valley. Visitors seek out trail rides, pack trips and big-game hunts from Avalanche Outfitters; hook up and gear up for primo fishing at Redstone Mountain Mercantile; scale the geography at Boulders Open Space; and hike, mountain bike and cross-country ski throughout the valley. Winter also brings ice climbing at Redstone’s Ice Pillars and skating on Redstone Park Pond. Marble is 40 miles south of Carbondale. The Marble Hub is the place to get questions answered and sip some coffee. Rent an e-bike or fat bike at Marble Bike Rentals, stop at the Marble Gallery to browse the crystallized stone that earned the enclave its name. Make the off-road trek to the Crystal ghost town to see the 1893 Crystal Mill. Hang around after dark for a show — the town recently joined the International Dark-Sky Association. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CRYSTAL MILL NEAR MARBLE, TODD POWELL; MAROON BELLS WILDERNESS, MIKE WILKINSON; ASPEN ART MUSEUM, EFRAÍN M. PADRÓ. DAYS 3 & 4 It’s time to explore Aspen and Snowmass . The towns are less than 20 minutes apart and it’s easy to go back and forth be-tween them during a stay. Before you get started, find out about the Aspen Pledge , showing you ways to help ensure the Aspen area remains a beautiful and unique places for years to come. Renowned as a haven for celebri-ties, skiers and culture vultures, Aspen manages to maintain a character that is 100 percent Colorado and family friendly. Enhance mornings with a jaunt 5 STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Aspen (page 192), Basalt (page 193), Carbondale (page 194), Glenwood Springs (page 199), Marble (page 202), Redstone (page 203), Rifle (page 203), Snowmass (page 204) COLORADO.COM / 131
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2020: Page 131
