About Aspen
Aspen is the home rule city that is the county seat of, and the most populous municipality in, Pitkin County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 7,004 at the 2020 United States census. Aspen is in a remote area of the Rocky Mountains' Sawatch Range and Elk Mountains, along the Roaring Fork River at an elevation just below 8,000 feet (2,400 m) on the Western Slope, 11 miles (18 km) west of the Continental Divide. Aspen is now a part of the Rifle, CO Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Places to visit in Aspen
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Maroon Bells
Nature · 12 mi from centreTwo striking maroon-colored peaks reflected in Maroon Lake, reached by shuttle bus in peak season, with trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to the longer climb up to Crater Lake.
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Aspen Mountain
NatureRising straight from downtown, this ski mountain is served by the Silver Queen Gondola, which in summer also carries hikers and sightseers to views, trails and a restaurant at the summit.
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Independence Pass
Viewpoint · 15 mi from centreA high mountain road east of Aspen crossing the Continental Divide, open in warmer months, with alpine tundra, dramatic overlooks and the ghost town of Independence to explore along the way.
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Aspen Art Museum
MuseumA non-collecting contemporary art museum downtown, housed in a woven-screen building, with changing exhibitions by international artists and a rooftop terrace offering views of Aspen Mountain.
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Wheeler Opera House
HistoricA Victorian opera house built during Aspen's silver mining boom that still hosts concerts, film screenings, comedy and theater in its intimate restored hall right in the center of town.
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Snowmass
Nature · 7 mi from centreThe largest of Aspen's four ski areas, with extensive family-friendly terrain in winter and lift-served mountain biking, hiking and summer activities based around its village in warmer months.
Where to stay in Aspen
Popular hotels in Aspen, out of 40 properties you can book.
Hotel Jerome
From $928 per night
Tyrolean Lodge
From $189 per night
St. Moritz Lodge & Condos
From $125 per night
Aspen Meadows Resort
From $465 per night
Timberline Condominiums
From $171 per night
Snowmass Mountain Chalet
From $187 per night
W Aspen
From $379 per night
The Inn at Aspen
From $224 per night
Viewline Resort Snowmass, Autograph Collection
Limelight Hotel Snowmass
Viceroy Snowmass
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Best time to visit Aspen
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Aspen is July, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Aspen weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 64° 44° 72%
- Thu 22 Oct 50° 46° 92%
- Fri 23 Oct 57° 39° 92%
- Sat 24 Oct 60° 38° 34%
- Sun 25 Oct 52° 37° 21%
- Mon 26 Oct 58° 35° 5%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/DenverUTC−6
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Aspen
These are the airports closest to central Aspen. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ASE Aspen/Pitkin County Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Aspen
There are numerous large rental car services available at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport.
Aspen travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Aspen?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Aspen is July, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Aspen?
July is usually the warmest month in Aspen, with average highs of 80°F (27°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 5°F (-15°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 79 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Aspen?
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Aspen.
What time zone is Aspen in?
Aspen uses the America/Denver time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Aspen?
There are numerous large rental car services available at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport.
What are the best places to visit in Aspen?
Top sights in Aspen include Maroon Bells, Aspen Mountain, Independence Pass and Aspen Art Museum. Two striking maroon-colored peaks reflected in Maroon Lake, reached by shuttle bus in peak season, with trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to the longer climb up to Crater Lake.
Where should I stay in Aspen?
Popular areas for hotels in Aspen include Downtown and Snowmass. Well-reviewed options include Hotel Jerome and Tyrolean Lodge.
How many hotels can I book in Aspen?
Destina Holidays currently lists 40 properties in and around Aspen, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
