Aspen – Skiing/Snowmobiling/Dog-sledding
800-525-6200
970-925-1220 Aspen, Buttermilk & Snowmass (Snowmass is my favorite – plenty for all levels)
970-920-7009 Aspen Highlands
970-923-8715 concierge
“Ski Butlers” – they will come to the ranch and fit you there. If you are going to ski more than one day but not consecutive days, let them know so they do not charge you for the days you are not skiing.
970-300-4912
Ian Malcolm – Snowboards and ski’s
970-309-0190 cell
970-925-7524 office
ian@1ahead.net
Ian does work for Head Gear. Was our instructor 12/09. Call in advance to setup appt.
Western Adventures (The Best!!)
555 Allen Way
Woody Creek, Colorado 81656
970-923-3337
970-923-2648
Krabloonik Restaurant
4250 Divide Road, Snowmass Village
Dogsled ride to restaurant.
They also have dog sled rides from 8:30am – 12:30pm
970-923-3953 Restaurant
970-923-4342 Dog Sled Ride
www.krabloonik.com
Non Snow Related Things To Do – Aspen/Snowmass
970-925-3721
At the dawn of the silver boom in this area in the early 1880s, the town of Ashcroft, located 11 miles south of Aspen on Castle Creek Road, was actually bigger, more populated and produced more silver than Aspen. Its fortunes fell quickly as the nearby shallow ore deposits ran out just as Aspen’s fortunes were rising and by the late 1880s Ashcroft was already in serious decline. Its last resident died in the late 1930s and by then the town was well on its way to being the ghost town we have today. Resident “ghosts” are on hand to answer questions and tours of Ashcroft are available in the summer months that are conducted by the Aspen Historical Society.
Aspen Art Museum
970-925-8050
www.aspenartmuseum.org
Aspen FOOD & WINE Classic
Held in June, it has become an iconic Aspen event. This event takes place over 3 very full days. Amazing. Tickets are very expensive, in extremely high demand and must be purchased approximately 6 months in advance. This event is held just before or after the Aspen Ideas Festival, so you can go to both, if you are so inclined.
Aspen Historical Society
620 Bleeker Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-3721
www.aspenhistory.org
Aspen Ideas Festival
Held in June, it is a world-renowned gathering of some of the brightest and most innovative minds in the world. This event takes place over 3 very full days. Amazing. Tickets are very expensive and must be purchased approximately 6 months in advance. This event is held just before or after the Aspen FOOD & WINE Classic, so you can go to both, if you are so inclined. Tickets are very expensive, in extremely high demand and must be purchased approximately 6 months in advance.
970-544-7914
www.aspeninstitute.org
Aspen Music Festival
970-925-9042
www.aspenmusicfeastival.com
Aspen Recreational Center (ARC)
Maroon Creek Road
970-544-4100
www.aspenrecreation.com
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
970-920-5770
www.aspensantafeballet.com
I do not like ballet but in 2013 we went to a ballet in Aspen and it was excellent. If you like ballet you will love this group.
Aspen Saturday Market
This is a very good, local farmers market. A good number of handcrafters are also there. Only Colorado made, grown and produced items are permitted to be sold at this market. The market runs from mid-June through mid-October, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. After Labor Day, it runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is worthwhile going to this market. There are many nice shops adjacent to the market. It also gets you into town early so you can enjoy the day walking around!
Ballooning – Hot Air
Above It All Balloon Company
Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado
888-927-9606
970-963-6148
Launches their balloons at sunrise every morning from the Snowmass Recreation Center and Rodeo Parking Lot. This parking lot is located on Brush Creek Road across from the Snowmass Village Golf Course. If you are driving to the launch site and feel you are getting lost feel free to call Pam at 970 963-6148, she will guide you there and notify the Pilot if you are running late.
300 East Hyman Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
970-925-4900
Opened in 1956 – Closed in April 2008 – reviews of the food and show were excellent. They sold the building for $8.9M. In October 2013, it resold for $12.5M to a Mark Hunt, a developer who purchased the Gap building on Galena Street and Hopkins Street in 10/2012 for $13.25M and knocked it down and the Bidwell Building at Galena Streets and Hopkins Street in 12/2012 for $22M. No plans announced for the Crystal Palace Theater building
Fishing – Fly
Winter, spring, summer or fall – fishing is perhaps the one sport you can enjoy in Aspen year-round! Cast a line on a high-alpine lake in summer, or hit the Gold Medal AND Blue Ribbon waters of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan rivers in just about any season. World-renowned fly-fishing is technically as close as Mill Street in Aspen, but most travel just ten minutes outside of downtown on the Roaring Fork River. And if you’re feeling like a drive, the Frying Pan and Crystal Rivers also hold fantastic fly-fishing a bit further afield.
www.aspenchamber.org/what-to-do/recreation/fishing
There are excellent tackle shops and guides in the area. Ask me or Willie for recommendations.
Golf
There are several golf courses you can get on without being a member. We may also know someone who is a member of a private course and can gain access for you. Just ask.
Trailheads in and Around Aspen
This is both a hiking and biking trail. The trail starts behind the Post Office on Puppy Smith Road. The first two miles of the trail are paved and then becomes a dirt trail after crossing Cemetery Road. Elevation: 7,700 ft. – 7,900 ft. (EASY)
Hunter Creek
The trail begins just east of the apartments on Lone Pine Road or directly off of the Rio Grande Trail extension which was completed in 2013. This is a gradual uphill climb along the Hunter Creek towards Hunter Valley. To access the upper trail, drive north on Mill Street, veer left onto Red Mountain Road and follow for 1.1 miles to Hunter Creek Road. Turn right onto Hunter Road and follow the signs to the parking lot. Upper portions of the trail pass through alpine meadows scattered with several abandoned homestead cabins. Miles one way: 6.5. Elevation: 8,900 ft. – 10,400 ft. (EASY – MODERATE)
This trailhead accesses Smuggler Mountain Road, one of the most popular recreation areas in the immediate Aspen vicinity. Any spring, summer or fall afternoon, Smuggler Mountain Road is busy with Aspenites hiking, running, mountain biking or walking their dogs. Smuggler Road provides a short (1-1/2 mile) work out with great views of Aspen from the look-out point, which makes it very popular. You can access the Hunter Creek Trail or continue to Warren Lakes.(EASY – MODERATE)
Sunnyside Trail
The first part of the trail contains a series of switchbacks through sagebrush and scrub oak. About 1 mile along the trail, you will cross a driveway and then continue on to Red Mountain. The trail finally joins with the Hunter Creek Trail in the Hunter Creek Valley. As there are many spurs that can lead to one getting lost, a topographical map is recommended. Miles one way: 6.3. Elevation: 8,000 ft. – 10,000 ft. (MODERATE – DIFFICULT)
The trail starts close to town on Ute Avenue. The sign for the trail is approximately 0.4 miles up Ute Avenue on the right if you are headed east. It is steady uphill with switchbacks, 0.9 miles and 1,000 vertical feet to a rock outcropping. The view of Aspen from the rock outcropping is spectacular. A mile long aerobic workout. (DIFFICULT)
Trailheads East of Aspen off of Hwy. 82
One way, the trip is about 0.6 miles. (EASY)
Grottos
This is a popular area for picnicking and exploring. There is a waterfall, some interesting rock formations, an ice cave, and numerous short trails. This is a great area for families. (EASY)
Ruby
The old town of Ruby is an abandoned mining camp. Drive east on Hwy 82 for 11 miles to the Lincoln Creek Road turnoff. Follow the dirt road 6 miles to Grizzly Reservoir. At this point the road becomes a four-wheel drive road. You can begin your hike here. The road continues 5 miles to the ghost town of Ruby. (EASY)
This trail is located approximately 13 1/2 miles east of Aspen on Hwy 82 on your right. This is designed to give the blind hiker a feel for the outdoors. Twenty-two messages are provided along the trail in both Braille and in print. Nylon cord guides are provided for the blind. Self-guided tapes and headphones are available for free use at the Aspen District Forest Service Office (925-3445). The hike begins at about 10,400 feet in elevation. (EASY)
Grizzly Lake
The hike is 3.6 miles (one way) in length with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. A moderate hike until the end where you have 1/4 of a mile of switchbacks. (MODERATE)
Tabor Lake
The trail is 3.9 miles one way. Tabor Lake is accessible from this trail about 1/2 mile to the west. Elevation: 10,300 ft. – 12,300 ft. (MODERATE)
The trail follows an old jeep road and will end with Anderson Lake 1/3 of a mile to the left and Petroleum Lake 3/4 of a mile to the right. The total hiking distance to Petroleum Lake is 1.8 miles one way. Elevation: 11,200 ft. – 12,200 ft. (MODERATE)
Lost Man Trail
Miles one way: 8.9. Elevation: 10,500 ft. – 12,800 ft. (MODERATE – DIFFICULT)
Midway Trail
The trail connects with the Hunter Creek Trail that eventually will take you back to Aspen (20 miles). A topographical map is mandatory! Miles one way: 8.8. Elevation: 9,900 ft. – 11,900 ft. (DIFFICULT)
New York Trail
The length is 4.2 miles one way. A topographical map is mandatory – it is easy to get lost. Elevation: 10,000 ft. – 12,300 ft. (DIFFICULT)
Trailheads In & Around Woody Creek
Miles one way: 9.7. Elevation: 8,600 ft. – 11,600 ft. (MODERATE)
Spruce Creek Trail – The trailhead begins 7 miles past the town of Lenado. Lenado is about 10 miles east of the Town of Woody Creek. Length is 3.4 miles. Elevation: 8,500 ft. – 12,500 ft. (MODERATE)
Trailheads in the Castle Creek Valley
The natural Hot Springs is at the end of a gently rising 8.8 miles. Camping around the Hot Springs is limited. If continuing up Triangle Pass, you can connect with the East Maroon and Copper Passes, or continue approximately 10 miles further to Gothic at Crested Butte. Miles one way: 8.5. Elevation: 8,500 ft. – 12,500 ft. (EASY – MODERATE – DIFFICULT)
Pearl Pass
This was once a popular old wagon road to Crested Butte. This trail, which is also a 4-wheel drive road, begins off Castle Creek Road about 1 3/4 miles beyond the ghost town of Ashcroft. The road starts to the right, continue about 3 1/4 miles until a fork is reached. Veering to the left will take you to the top of Pearl Pass (4 1/2 miles). The right fork leads to Montezuma Basin. (MODERATE)
American Lake
The trail rises steeply and then follows a series of switchbacks for the first 1 1/2 miles. Then the trail levels off with gentle rises until you reach the lake at 3.2 miles. Miles one way: 3.2. Elevation: 9,400 ft. – 11,400 ft. (MODERATE – DIFFICULT)
Cathedral Lake
The trail climbs steadily and then reaches a series of switchbacks followed by a marked fork. Take the left fork to Cathedral Lake for a total hike of 3.2 miles. Cathedral Lake is very scenic with fair fishing. If hiking to Electric Pass, it is advisable to start early and descend by Noon, as lightning storms are likely to occur in the afternoon hours. Miles one way: 3.5. Elevation: 9,500 ft. – 11,866 ft. (MODERATE – DIFFICULT)
Trailheads in the Maroon Bells
Maroon Lake Scenic Trail
The trail follows the lake to the far side and meanders along the creek flowing into the lake. This is a great place for pictures and picnics. Miles one way: 1.3. Elevation: 9,500 ft. – 10,000 ft. (EASY)
Crater Lake
The trail begins at Maroon Lake, 10 miles up Maroon Creek Road. The Maroon-Snowmass Trail climbs through the Aspens to the lake. The left trail or the scenic trail follows a river and crosses two bridges, then climbs steeply to meet with the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. Distance to the trail is 1 3/4 miles one way. (MODERATE)
East Maroon Trail
Miles one way: 8.5. Elevation: 9,000 ft. – 12,000 ft. (EASY – MODERATE – LONG)
West Maroon Pass
From the top of the pass, the trail descends to the Frigid Air Pass, and Schofield Park out of Crested Butte. The hike to Crested Butte is about 12 miles. The top of the pass is tricky and steep. The soil can be slick if it is wet. Miles one way: 6.2. Elevation: 10,000 ft. – 12,500 ft. (MODERATE – LONG)
Buckskin Pass
After about 1/2 mile above the tree line is the Maroon-Snowmass and Willow Lake junction. Take the left fork that ascends steadily to Buckskin Pass. The total distance is 4.6 miles one way. (DIFFICULT)
Willow Lake Trail
Follow the directions to Crater Lake. Then at the Crater Lake bulletin board, take the right fork. The trail ascends steeply. After about 1/2 mile above the tree line is the Maroon-Snowmass and Willow Lake trail junction. At the junction, take the right fork. The trail ascends steeply to the top of Willow Pass. From the top of the pass, the trail descends to the junction with East Snowmass trail. Continue straight on the trail for the last ½ mile to the lake. The total hiking distance is 6 1/2 miles. (DIFFICULT)
Trailheads in and around Snowmass
Brush Creek
(a.k.a. Government Trail)- The trail begins a short distance up Maroon Creek Road at Iselin Park behind the tennis courts. It continues across the river to Buttermilk Mountain. The total trip of 7 miles (one way) to Snowmass Village winds through wooded areas and meadows. This is a pleasant hike after a steep beginning. Hikers MUST be careful to stay on the trail as it crosses private property. Miles one way: 6.8. Elevation: 9,400 ft. – 11,400 ft. (EASY – LONG)
This trail is a fairly steep hike and goes through varying terrain along East Snowmass Creek. The round trip is about 17 miles with an elevation gain of 4,200 feet. Miles one way: 8.2. Elevation: 8,400 ft. – 12,600 ft. (DIFFICULT
Trailheads in and around Basalt
Note: In the spring, when trails in the high country are still covered with snow, or even later in the summer when afternoon thunderstorms become a problem, it can be hard to find worthwhile hikes in the Aspen area. At times like these, it helps to remember that there are a number of great trails in the mid-valley that become passable much sooner and are less subject to rain than their counterparts up Independence Pass. The next time bad weather puts the kibosh on your plans for a high-altitude hike, consider heading down-valley to try one of these hidden gems.
Basalt High School Trail
As its name suggests, this hike starts directly behind Basalt High School and heads west along a gentle trail before climbing steeply to reach a ridge near the top of Light Hill. From the main Basalt stoplight on Highway 82, go south on Basalt Avenue (away from downtown). Take a right onto Fiou Lane and then go left on Southside Drive to where it ends at the high school. Behind and to the left of the school there is a bus turnaround. The trail begins at the left side of the turnaround. Follow the trail as it snakes along a lower bench of Light Hill. After about a mile, look for a steep, rutted dirt road heading up to your left. Hike along the road to where it reaches the top of the ridge, and you will be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of Mount Sopris and the Basalt area. This makes a logical stopping point, but if you choose to go on, the road (which is essentially impassable to cars) goes east all the way to Old Snowmass.
Arbaney Kittle Trail
Obviously, this is not exactly a hidden gem, being far and away the most popular hike in Basalt. But if you know where you’re going, it’s possible to avoid the crowds by taking a steep, wild track that climbs a hill just to the west before linking up with the main trail. From Highway 82 south of downtown Basalt, go north on Bishop Road. Take a left onto Holland Hills Road and then stay straight on Kelly Court as it turns to dirt and ends at the trailhead parking lot. At the north end of the lot look for the “No Motorized Vehicles” sign that marks the start of the alternate route. The trail climbs very steeply north away from the parking lot and follows a broad ridge. At times the trail can be hard to find. Make sure to stay on the ridge all the way to the top, where it intersects another ridge running east to west. Find a trail heading east and follow it to where it connects with the main trail. The views of the Elk Mountains and the Frying Pan Valley from this vantage point are top-notch.
A word of warning: This hike is very steep and involves some tricky route-finding. If you are not an experienced hiker, it is strongly recommended that you stay on the main trail.
Seven Castles
This is one of the most unique and dramatic hikes in the entire Roaring Fork Valley, winding its way up a sandstone canyon, past numerous waterfalls and up to a vast amphitheater of towering cliffs and interesting red rock formations. However, due to the fragile nature of the area and the very real dangers of the hike itself, no directions will be offered to the trailhead. Ask around a little, though, and you should be able to find someone who can direct you there. Once you’ve found the trail, follow it east a short distance to where it drops down to Seven Castles Creek. From here, the creek bed is the trail. Go north between the looming sandstone cliffs to reach a beautiful waterfall. There are ropes hanging down the cliffs to the left. Use these to climb up past the falls and continue on your way. Soon you will come to a second waterfall in a narrow box canyon. From here the trail climbs sharply up the hill to the left before traversing around the top of the falls and back to the creek bed. There is a third large waterfall that is easy to miss and, beyond that, a delicate double waterfall. Climb up between the two cascades to reach a rocky spire overlooking a magnificent sandstone wilderness. It is possible to continue on from this point, but it’s quite dangerous and strongly discouraged for even the most experienced hikers.
Thomas Lakes/Mount Sopris
A day hike to the Thomas Lakes or two-day trip to the summit of Mount Sopris. The Thomas Lakes are a pair of spectacular subalpine tarns that lie at the base of Mount Sopris. The hike to the lakes follows an old roadbed and makes a fairly easy day trip. From here, a new trail leads east to the ridge top, where a primitive but cairn-marked route climbs to the summit of Mount Sopris. Although this mountain rises only to 12,953 feet, its isolation from other peaks lends it a sense of immensity, and the hike to the summit is as challenging as any fourteener served by a trail. Most summit-bound hikers choose to camp near the lakes to get an early start on their climb; Mount Sopris is a magnet for lightning, and it is best to descend from its heights before noon. An abundance of aspens makes this hike particularly rewarding in late September, when the leaves are changing.
Other Activities
Horseback Riding
Is available in a variety of locations. The best trip we have done in this area was where Willie had a friend bring over some horses (for a fee of course) and he took us on a trip into the backcountry. You can keep the horses on the ranch for as long as you need them.
Ice Skating
Nothing says winter in the mountains quite like the vision of a child twirling around an ice rink. Here in Aspen, there are several places to live out that dream. From the low-key Aspen Ice Garden to the NHL-sized Lewis Ice Arena to the outdoor SK8 (aka Silver Circle rink), there is something for ice skaters of all ages and abilities in Aspen. Keep in mind SK8 aka Silver Circle rink is open during winter months only, to contact the SK8 call 970-925-3056.
PLEASE NOTE THAT INDEPENDENCE PASS IS CLOSES FOR THE WINTER SEASON – CHECK THE INTERNET TO SEE IF IT IS CLOSED.
Without question, the can’t-miss drive to Aspen from the Front Range is over Independence Pass (via Highway 82, which is open during the non-winter months). It is at elevation 12,095 feet on the Continental Divide. There is an old ghost town on the Aspen side of the pass that you can walk thru with historical markers. At the crest, west of the parking area, is a small maintenance shed; on the east are toilet facilities. The U.S. Forest Service maintains both. A paved walkway system extends to a pair of overlooks 500 feet to the south allowing views in that direction over the Lake Creek valley to Mount Elbert, at 14,440 feet the highest peak both in Colorado and the Rocky Mountains and La Plata Peak, another fourteener and the state’s fifth-highest peak. A wide dirt path continues southward three miles along the ridge to an unnamed 13,020-foot summit. Across the road a use path leads 2.5 miles to the summits of the unnamed peak and Twining. If you landed in Denver, you can get to Aspen via Independence Pass via Leadville, exiting I-70 at Route 24 and follow signs to Leadville. The time to Aspen via Independence Pass is about the same as if you go thru Glenwood Springs, except for the time you spend stopping along the way. Be sure to have your camera ready as you pass Twin Lakes and descend towards Aspen; the countryside over Independence Pass is stunning! As you can imagine, camping is very popular. Permits required.
110 East Hallam Street
Suite 104
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Usually held on the ski slops of Snowmass or Benedict Music Tent on the late spring and summer or in the “jascafé downstairs @ The Little Nell”, where a pre-theater dinning menu at Ajax Tavern is available (Ajax Tavern is technically in The Little Nell) 970-920-6334 – pre-theater dinner reservation # – tickets are purchased online – they might sell the combo on the phone. They have an excellent 2014 program.
www.jazzaspensnowmass.org
Maroon Bells
A Must See. The most photographed mountains in North America are right here in Aspen! Located 10 miles from Aspen up Maroon Creek Road, they are not to be missed.
Access is via Maroon Creek Road Winter
The road is closed to vehicular traffic, for the winter season, sometime in November. When the road is closed, getting to the Maroon Bells can be quite an adventure. Drive up Maroon Creek Road to the T-Lazy-7 Ranch, where free roadside parking is available, and walk (snowshoes or cross-country skis maybe a good idea) on the closed section of the road towards the Maroon Bells. From the road closure to Maroon Lake it is approximately 6 miles. The only other alternative since Maroon Creek Road is closed to vehicular traffic, is to go on a snowmobile tour run by T-Lazy 7 Ranch or take your own snowmobile if you have one. Either way you choose will be an incredible experience with unparalleled views. Note: This snowmobile trip is nothing like the one with Western Adventures, as far as the snowmobiling part of it is concerned.
Summer:
From mid-June to Labor Day the Maroon Bells can only be accessed by public bus between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. You are welcome to drive your own car before 9 am and after 5 pm or if you have a child in a car seat (other exceptions apply*). Please be prepared to pay a $10 per vehicle fee should you choose to drive. After Labor Day bus access will only be in place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The road will be open to traffic Monday-Thursday, again the $10/vehicle fee would be required. Take Maroon Creek Road from the roundabout on HWY 82 just outside of Aspen heading west. The Maroon Bells bus can be accessed at Aspen Highlands which is just 2 miles up Maroon Creek Road on the left hand side. There is free parking available at Aspen Highlands. Purchase bus tickets for $6, $3 on Wednesdays, inside of Four Mountain Sports. Busses depart every half hour. If you don’t have your own car to get to Aspen Highlands, you can also take the Castle/Maroon RFTA bus from Rubey Park Transportation Center in downtown Aspen. This bus is free and departs every 20 minutes starting on the hour. Take the Castle/Maroon bus to Aspen Highlands and then transfer to the Maroon Bells Bus.
For seasonal road closures and camping information contact the US Forest Service at (970) 925-3445.
*Exceptions to the no car rule are:
1. From 5:00 pm – 9:00 am road is open to vehicles with $10 recreation use fee.
2. Vehicles with people with disabilities or with a valid Handicap placard or license plate.
3. Vehicles with 11 people or more.
4. Vehicles with infants that require a restraining child seat (not a booster seat).
5. People camping at Silver Bar, Silver Bell and Silver Queen Campgrounds.
6. Holders with Special Use Permits issued by the Forest Service.
7. Overnight Backpackers.
8. Horse trailers.
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-7584
www.metrotheatres.com
Paragliding
Aspen Paragliding
970-925-6975
At nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, you might feel like you’re at the top of the world in downtown Aspen. But trust us; you can go higher – much higher. Paragliding tandem off the slopes of Aspen Mountain will bring you far above the town for a bird’s-eye view of downtown, the slopes and everything in between. With no prior experience necessary you can SOAR over Aspen, Colorado with one of Aspen Paragliding’s USHGA certified tandem pilots. Tandem flights are scheduled both in the summer and the winter, weather dependent. With just a few running steps you and your pilot will take off the side of the hill like a bird. You sit in front, the pilot behind you.
Smuggler Mine Tour
970-925-2049
One of the most famous and productive of Aspen’s silver mines, the Smuggler produced a world record nugget of nearly pure silver that weighed almost a ton and ultimately had to be broken into three pieces to be hauled out of the mine. The guided tour takes guests into the mine itself and shows firsthand how difficult the hard rock mining of the late 19th century was.
Stargazing at the Dancing Bear
411 South Monarch Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-920-2500 – Reservation required
In partnership with a local budding astronomer, the Dancing Bear in Aspen is offering once-a-month stargazing evenings on its rooftop deck. Ben Belinski, an Aspen High School student with a passion for astronomy, leads the events, which are free and open to the public. Using a telescope specially purchased for the series, guests can view and learn about constellations, galaxies, planets, moons, and astronomical events. Complete with hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies, as well as an outdoor fire pit, the stargazing evenings are a great family-friendly nighttime activity. The events will also continue in the summer, when, according to Ben, warm air waves and more airborne dust particles give the night sky a completely different look and feel.
Thursday, January 2 – Day after new moon and Quadratics Meteor Shower
Wednesday, January 29, 5:30 pm – One day before new moon
Wednesday, February 19, 6 pm
Wednesday, March 26, 7:30 pm – Four days prior to new moon
970-920-5770
www.theateraspen.org
Wheeler Opera House
320 E. Hyman Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-920-5770 or 7148
866-449-0464
www.aspenshowtickets.com
Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is the ultimate Colorado experience and Aspen is home to mellow streams and Class IV rapids alike. If you prefer a quiet canoe or stand up paddle, check out the North Star Nature Preserve and its winding meander through untouched Rocky Mountain splendor. If action packed adventures are more your speed then there are plenty of Class II, III and IV options along the Roaring Fork River, Colorado River and even day trips headed over Independence Pass to the Arkansas River. Aspen’s local rafting companies have years of experiences and loads of good funning on board. If you’re looking for “action”, it’s best to go as early in the reason as possible as that is when the snowmelt is running the fastest – sometimes so fast they have to close the river to rafting!!!
Winter X Games
Check calendar – www.aspenchamber.org/calendar-of-events/winter/
Movieland – El Jebel
El Jebel
970-920-1300
www.bowtiecinemas.com
Isis Theater – Carbondale
Rocky Mountain Cinemas
970.925.7584
435.575.0220
www.metrorockymountain.com
Crystal Theatre
Downtown Glenwood Springs
970-963-0633
West Glenwood Mall Movie Theater
www.glenwoodmallmovies.com
Avalanche Outfitters – Redstone Area
Horseback riding – day rides, pack trips, fly-fishing, hunting trips
970-963-1144
www.redstonestables.com
Outwest Guides in Marble
Horseback riding, fly-fishing & hunting
970-963-5525
970-963-1991
www.crystalriverjeeptour.smithfamilycolorado.com
RPS Rentals
ATV rentals in Marble
www.rpsrentals.net
970-963-3747
Crystal Mill
Crystal, Colorado is approximately 50 miles from the ranch. It is along a nice winding road that goes up the Crystal Valley with several small towns (Redstone, Marble) with nice local shopping and you pass a great waterfall on the right that you can climb right up to in the non-snow season. Redstone has historic coke ovens right on the road – some have been restored.
Wild Bear Bee Farm
Sustainable Settings – beekeepers
Also offer classes
Brook LeVan
brook@sustainablesettings.org
Carbondale
Mountain Biking In Basalt
Difficulty – Easy to Intermediate
Description – There are several options for rides of varying distances from this parking lot. For the Middle Loop (aka Mill Creek) ride up the double track Jeep road (Basalt Mountain Road) approximately 4 miles. This ascent is somewhat grueling but not too technical. There are amazing views of the Elk Range including Mt. Sopris, Capitol Peak, and The Snowmass. After passing the usually open gate, start looking for the Mill Creek Trail marker in the trees on your left. The next 4-5 miles of single track will bring a perma-smile to anyone’s face. It’s mostly wooded with several creek crossings and a narrow bridge at one section. When you get to the bottom, take a left and head up Cattle Creek Rd 1-2 miles back to the parking lot.
Directions – From Carbondale take Hwy 82 east to El Jebel and turn left at the Texaco and head up through El Jebel and Missouri Heights for approximately 6 miles past Spring Park Reservoir. Here the road forks. Take the right fork onto forest road #509 for approximately 2 miles to the intersection of Cattle Creek and Basalt Mountain Roads. Turn right on road #524 and go 6 miles to the top of Basalt Mountain. The Trail starts by a locked gate and the bulletin board is 300 feet past the cattle guard on the top.
Beaver Creek Trail
Difficulty – Easy to Intermediate
Description – This trail offers a pleasant and scenic hike or bike ride, only a few minutes from Glenwood Springs. The trail follows Beaver Creek out of 4-mile Park, climbs a ridge and drops into the Yank Creek drainage. Using the gas pipeline, this can be made into a loop trail for bicycles. It is recommended that you do the route using the pipeline to access Yank Creek. Due to some very steep grades, it would be very difficult to attempt to climb from Yank Creek up the pipeline to road #300. It is best to park your vehicle at the 4-mile trailhead, ride the road to the pipeline, take the pipeline to Yank Creek and return to 4-mile via the Beaver Creek trail.
Directions – From Glenwood Springs, travel on County road #117 approximately 11 miles. Before you reach Sunlight Ski Area, follow the gravel road #300 to the right for four miles until you reach the 4 mile park. Continue on road #300 to the south end of the park. Just before reaching the timber you will notice a bulletin board on the left side of the road. This bulletin board is the trailhead for the Beaver Creek Trail. This trail can also be accessed via the natural gas pipeline located 5 miles beyond 4-mile park on road #300. The pipeline is closed to motor vehicle travel (including ATV), but is open to foot, horse and bicycles.
Difficulty – Intermediate
Description – The trail travels through aspens and meadows with patches of spruce and fir. It is hard to follow at times so be sure and carry a compass and map. Cattle graze in the area making lots of trails. Please leave gates in the position that you found them. For safety, bicycles must yield to hikers, who in turn yield to horses. Keep your speed down and ride safely. To protect wildlife please leave your dog at home; this is an important wildlife area for elk. This trail should not be ridden prior to June 21st annually to avoid disturbing calving elk.
Directions – From Carbondale follow Hwy 82 east and turn left at the stoplight at El Jebel. Go through El Jebel and travel about 5 miles on county road 13 to the Basalt Mountain Road (509). Turn right onto road #509, proceed 2 miles and take the left fork, which immediately goes downhill. At the bottom of the hill is cow camp, go right and follow this road about 2.5 miles to an old wooden locked gate. The trail starts approximately 50 feet south of this gate. Please park in the new parking lot 300 feet back. Note: Road #509 is impassable when wet past the intersection with the Basalt Mountain road #524.
Dexter Park Trail
Difficulty – Easy
Description – The trail starts out through a pine forest, then opens up into large meadows on the top. The descent into coal basin travels mostly through aspens and is hard to follow. This trail makes a pleasant day trip to the top to view Coal Basin and back.
Directions – From the Forest Service office in Carbondale, travel west on Main Street, past the stoplight and follow county road #108 for 7.4 miles. Turn left onto a dirt road that immediately goes downhill. The road goes downhill for 2.5 miles to a stream crossing, then uphill for about a mile to a pass. In another half mile take the right fork onto road #306. At the end of the railroad grade, the road goes uphill, across Middle Thompson Creek, and continues on past Lake Ridge Lakes Trail for about one mile. Just before the end of the road, Dexter Park Trail is on the south side of the road. It is fairly hard to find but it is shortly after the road makes a turn west and sits in a meadow. Road #306 is a 4WD road.
