If you are looking for the perfect Aspen, Colorado weekend itinerary, we’ve got you covered! There’s so much to see and do in Aspen, but you’ll be able to fit in so much beauty in just a weekend trip. This itinerary is best done in the summer when Independence pass is open, but Aspen is also a fantastic winter destination for skiing and snowboarding.
Day 1: Denver to Aspen
Drive from Denver to Aspen via Independence Pass
Independence Pass starts in the town of Twin Lakes and will take you to Aspen via a scenic drive that crosses over the Continental Divide at an elevation of 12,095 feet. Prepare to be amazed by the views of the stunning surrounding mountains. Give yourself plenty of time to stop at the pullouts and overlooks and take in the breathtaking views. The road is typically open from late May to early November and is inaccessible during the winter due to snow. There are several hikes that depart from Independence pass as well.
Explore Aspen
Head to downtown Aspen for dinner and explore the charming streets full of cute shops, restaurants, and bars. Visit the Aspen Art Museum, go thrift shopping, or take a walking tour. Check out Hotel Jerome for a cocktail in their historic bar. We ate at the Aspen Brewery and loved the local beers and diverse food options. We loved sitting on their patio on a beautiful summer day. The possibilities are endless in downtown Aspen.
Day 2: Maroon Bells
Maroon Bells is one of the jewels of Colorado and might be the highlight of your Aspen, Colorado itinerary! It’s one of the most photographed places in Colorado and even the entire US. Many people travel to Aspen just to see these magnificent peaks. This is one place that lives up to the hype.
When to visit the Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are beautiful at any time of year. During the winter, Maroon Creek Road is closed; however, the Maroon Bells can be accessed for winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling.
During the summer, the road is open and hiking, biking, and walking the many trails is possible; however, you will need a reservation to access the area during the summer.
How to get to the Maroon Bells
Getting to the Maroon Bells requires some planning. Due to its popularity, advanced parking reservations or shuttle reservations are required from May to October.
Shuttle
The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority shuttle service runs 8 AM and 5 PM from late May through late October. It costs $16 per adult and $10 for children under 12 and seniors. Reservations open months in advance and book up quickly. You can catch the shuttle from Rubey Park in downtown Aspen to Aspen Highlands for your connection or park your car at the Aspen Highlands parking garage for $6 per hour.
Drive
Advanced parking reservations are required from May to October. It costs $10 per vehicle for self drive parking. Reservations typically book up months in advance and can be made here.
Hiking in the Maroon Bells
Keep in mind that the Maroon Bells are at high altitude and afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer.
Always prepare by bringing extra layers and waterproof gear. Download offline trail maps and be sure to pack out everything you pack in order to leave no trace.
Also keep in mind that Maroon Bells is located in a Colorado Wilderness area. Look out for animals like moose and keep the area wild!
There are several trails departing from Maroon Bells:
- Maroon Lake Trail: lakeshore trail that is perfect to see the alpenglow on the mountains at sunrise
- Scenic Loop Trail (3 mi, 120 ft elevation gain)
- Crater Lake Trail (3.6 mi, 500 ft elevation gain): an underrated gem! It’s a steady uphill through an Aspen forest that opens up to expansive views before arriving at beautiful Crater lake.
- Willow Lake Trail (8 mi, 3000 elevation gain)
Ride the Snowmass Gondola
Snowmass is a town and ski resort located about 9 miles west of Aspen. The Snowmass Gondola is a scenic gondola ride located in Snowmass Village, Colorado. It’s open year-round and during the summer, the gondola is open for sightseeing and hiking, offering access to several hiking trails and panoramic mountain views. After your gondola ride, treat yourself to dinner at one of the many restaurants in town.
Day 3: Aspen to Denver
It’s time to start your journey back to Denver via Independence Pass, but not without some scenic and fun stops!
The Grottos Ice Cave
The Grottos Ice Cave is a unique stop on Independence Pass. The cave is formed by the Roaring Fork River flowing over a series of large boulders, creating a natural grotto with frozen ice formations. To reach the Grottos Ice Cave, it’s just a short hike from the parking area along the Grottos Trail. The trail leads through a wooded area and past several smaller ice formations before reaching the main cave. The ice cave is best visited in the winter months, when the frozen formations are at their most impressive; however, the cave will have ice year round.
Twin Lakes
The town of Twin Lakes is named for the absolutely stunning adjacent glacial lakes, Twin Lakes, that are surrounded by the stunning mountain peaks of the Sawatch Range. There are a plethora of hiking trails in this area, but we opted to bring our tubes and go for a swim! Check out the nearby town of Leadville if you have time! Leadville is the highest elevation town in the country!
Other things to do in Aspen with more time
If you have more time in Aspen, you won’t be bored. Here’s some more suggestions of things to do in Aspen:
- Roaring Fork River whitewater rafting and kayaking
- Aspen Art Museum
- Skiing/Snowboarding at Aspen Mountain or Snowmass
- Rock Climbing at Independence Pass, the Redstone Boulders, and the Grottos
- Hiking with AllTrails
- Fishing
- Biking
We hope that our Aspen, Colorado weekend itinerary was helpful in planning your trip! If you’re looking for something else to do in Colorado, check out the Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park!
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