For the country’s highest-caliber, year-round mountain resort communities, this is ground zero. Enjoy best-in-class comforts in welcoming mountain towns like Aspen, Snowmass, Glenwood Springs, Vail, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Georgetown, Idaho Springs and more.
Here are some ways to be conscientious and caring on your adventures, while ensuring you make the most out of every second of your vacation. Learn More.
Spring is one of the best times to get incredible values throughout this region, while still having access to all of the warm-weather activities it has to offer.
Explore downtown and view historic buildings like Wheeler Opera House, the Elks Building and Hotel Jerome or bike along the Rio Grande Trail. Don't have a bike? Don't worry. You can reserve one from Four Mountain Sports.
Book a fly-fishing excursion on the Roaring Fork River with Aspen Outfitting Company.
Peruse the many shops and boutiques in downtown Aspen and explore the Aspen Art Museum.
The Elk Camp Gondola takes visitors up to a scenic recreation area year-round. In the summer, Elk Camp’s activities range from Eurobungy and a climbing wall to access to Snowmass’ famed hiking and mountain-biking trails — especially at the Lost Forest Bike Park. Take the Elk Camp chairlift even higher and you’ll top out at 11,325 feet.
Between June and October, only Roaring Fork Transportation Authority buses can enter the gates between the hours of 8am and 5pm. Tickets cost $16 and can be purchased at the Highlands Center.
Drive northwest from Aspen to Glenwood Springs — your next destination.
Hanging Lake is a Colorado treasure and a rare example of a travertine geological formation located in the heart of Glenwood Canyon. The 1.2-mile trail is steep and rigorous but rewarding once you see the natural beauty that awaits you at the top.
The Hanging Lake permit system is in place to protect the fragile ecosystem. Find out how to get one.
Expert raft guides not only know every rapid, hole and hot spring on the waterways, their stories make excellent entertainment for visitors rafting. Glenwood Springs’ commercial rafting outfitters have decades of experience delivering whitewater excitement to people of all ages and abilities.
Drive a little over an hour to Vail to get your brunchin' on.
After lunch, go for a wine tasting at Vines at Vail, the ranch's modest mountain winery.
Sage offers a unique and true Colorado backcounty experience in quintessential Western Colorado. Enjoy the mountains with expert guides on 6,000 acres of private terrain.
The Sonnenalp's famed Bully Ranch Mudslide (for adults only) is a must-try when dining in Vail.
Hop on the road for a little under an hour to the adorable mountain town of Breckenridge.
Experience the resort’s high alpine environment in summer by taking the slide of your life at the Peak 8 Base Camp. This hub of adventure offers breathtaking scenery paired with family-friendly activities, like the curvy and rolling Alpine Slide.
The Gold Pan Saloon has stood for over 140 years playing host to gunfights, outlasting Prohibition, and boasting the longest continuous liquor license west of the Mississippi.
The Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant serves up classic American dishes that complement the establishment's spirits. Make it an afternoon and visit Broken Compass Brewing next door for a fresh brew and sunshine.
Stroll the downtown's historic main drag that's been temporarily turned into an open-air pedestrian walking mall. You'll enjoy pop-up performances, art demonstration, boutique shopping and artisanal dining options as you go.
Journey to Idaho Springs and Georgetown, where you'll spend the day delving into Colorado's mineral-rich history.
Next up on your drive is Copper Mountain.
