With another successful Labor Day weekend in the books, I’m reminded of the many reasons Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado is truly my favorite place. Our tradition of attending the JAS Aspen Snowmass Music Festival over Labor Day weekend did not disappoint, once again. A few headliners include Jack Johnson, Fitz and the Tantrums, and Zac Brown Band had us all singing and dancing way into the night. Many people think of Colorado as just a winter destination, however for me, summer and fall is my favorite time to spend in the mountains. There are so many things that allow me to keep busy and make lasting memories with the ones I love. I thought I’d put together a list of all of my favorite things and suggestions for your next adventure in this Aspen/Snowmass City Guide!
If night life and occasional celebrity sightings are your thing, then Aspen is the place for you! The Hotel Jerome, Little Nell, St. Regis and the Limelight are all in great locations in Aspen. We are particularly fond of the hotel Jerome and the Jbar. We have spent many afternoons that have turned into evenings there. Their spicy edemame, margaritas and locally world famous burgers are delicious, especially served by our favorite waitress, Louise. The cowboys that stand in front of the hotel welcome you in and are there to guide you into a bit of mountain elegance.
ASPEN DINING
- Matsuhisa is a tough reservation to get, but oh so worth it! I recommend calling 60 days out to make a reservation, especially during the winter months because the books fill quick! Matsuhisa is located in an old Victorian house on the corner of Main Street. A casual bar area with a limited menu is located on the first floor and when you take the stairs down is where you’ll find the main dining room with a huge menu with lots to choose from. I love the black cod miso and their crispy rice with tuna and their crispy rock shrimp.
- The JBar — enough said above!
- The White House Tavern is one of my favorite lunch spots after a nice home. There is usually a wait, but it’s worth it for their dip duo, Macha Salad or chicken sandwich. Whether seated indoors or out, you won’t be disappointed.
- The Wild Fig has a European feel and many Mediterranean dishes to fill your stomach. Their cocktails are just as fabulous as the food. Favorite dishes of mine are the fish in a bag (the herbs de provence offer such an amazing flavor), the fig and honey glazed duck breast, as well as the roasted chicken
- Ajax Tavern is a classic Aspen mountain hot spot for lunch, apres ski or dinner. It’s located at the base of Ajax at The Little Nell hotel. Truffle fries are a must as well as their lobster roll. A fabulous bottle of rosé completes any meal!
ASPEN HIKES
Hunter Creek Trail
It’s the perfect beginner trail if you want to feel like you are hiking without the steep elevation. There are pretty bridges and several options for length.
Smuggler Mountain Trail
This is a very nice trail to an observation deck. It is a little over a mile up to the deck and the view is spectacular. You can also catch this from Hunter Creek and hike down. It is an intermediate hike and is up a pretty good incline.
Ute Trail
This is a difficult trail that climbs 0.9 miles to Ute rock and continues to the top of Aspen Mountain at an elevation of 11,170. This is a 5.3 mile trail out and back with lots of hikers, bikers and joggers.
SNOWMASS HOTELS
Aspen and Snowmass are only about 10 miles apart and both have so much to offer. Staying in Snowmass is definitely a bit quieter, but absolutely just as wonderful.
- The Viceroy Hotel
- The Crestwood Condominium/Hotel
- The Westin Hotel
- New Limelight Hotel (opening December 2018)
SNOWMASS DINING
- IL Poggio has wonderful Italian food overlooking Snowmass Village. Their cozy feel makes for a fabulous evening.
- Slice Pizza
- Base Camp has something for everyone. Located in Base Village, it is a great spot to convene after activities on the mountain.
- Venga Venga is the perfect spot for margaritas and delicious made-at-your-table guacamole.
- Saki offers a wide variety of delicious sushi and other Japanese dinner options.
SNOWMASS HIKES
Most of our days begin with a hike of some sort. The mountain air is so calming and inviting! My family doesn’t always like as long as I want to hike, but they usually join!
- The Nature Trail to the Ditch trail
- The Rim Trail hike is a moderate 7.6 mile hike in total. You can start at the south end trail head and hike 1.3 miles to a beautiful yin-yang. You can then either hike back down, or continue and do the entire Rim trail. The views of Snowmass are spectacular.
- The Government Trail is an intermediate trail that travels across Snowmass to Aspen. It is a 9 mile trail that is not too difficult compared to many of the trails in Aspen.
- The Vista is an intermediate 4.2 mile hike out and back. A half way spot at Elk camp, at the top of the gondola, is a perfect spot for lunch before descending back down the trail.
SNOWMASS ACTIVITIES
A whole new experience has opened on Snowmass mountain. There is a new Breathtaker Alpine Coaster that winds through a mile of forest on an elevated track. Nearby is a ropes course, zip lining and a climbing wall.
Other favorites include biking to Woody Creek Tavern. You can rent bikes at several locations, including four mountain sports in Snowmass and Aspen. You can ride one way and drop off your bike for pickup, or take your bikes back on a taxi with a bike rack.
If you want a fun Wednesday night out, head to the Snowmass Rodeo! There are real cowboys roping steer and the best is cheering on the young children trying to ride sheep. The barbeque dinner is a great way to start the evening.
Fanny Hill in Snowmass is the place for free concerts on the mountain every Thursday night throughout the summer. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the music, or your dancing shoes to join others dancing to the tunes!
Aspen’s Saturday Market fills several streets in Aspen with gorgeous produce, flowers, specialty items and more. A wonderful way to spend the morning before lunch and shopping.
Our family loves to hike in Ashcroft up to Pine Creek Cookhouse. This unique experience through an old mining town through breathtaking fields is a favorite. The gourmet mountain cuisine is delicious and never disappointing. It can also be reached in the winter by snowshoe or horse drawn carriages. This is an experience not to miss!
Fly fishing out of Taylor Creek Fly Shop in Basalt and lunch next door at the Riverside Grill is an all time favorite of ours. The guides will outfit you and provide a lifetime of memories on gold medal water. If you are lucky enough to get Matt, Cam, Critter or Molly, you are in for a day you will never forget and hopefully some of Molly’s delicious homemade cookies!
For a day of adventure at high elevation, take Independence Pass and you can hit the grottos at the Devil’s Punch Bowl. There you can enjoy a day of adventure, including swimming in a beautiful swimming hole.
As you can see, there are so many things to fill your days and I hope you will one day love my happy place as much as we do!
