Welcome to ASPEN

The City of Aspen is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous city of Pitkin County, Colorado, United States. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the city population was 5,804 in 2005. Founded as a mining camp in the Colorado Silver Boom and named because of the abundance of aspen trees in the area, the city is now a ski resort and an upscale tourist center.

In the late 20th century the city developed as an off-beat haven for celebrities, attracting such people as John Denver (who wrote several folk songs about the town, including "Aspenglow", and "Starwood in Aspen") Michael Douglas and Hunter S. Thompson.

Attractions in Aspen

There is no limit of things to see and do in Colorado. Our vast array of attractions include everything from sporting events to spas, historical sites to casinos – and everything in between. Take your family to an amusement park or live like an actual cowboy on a working dude ranch. Explore the land where dinosaurs once roamed or ghost towns where gold miners once called home. Whether it’s a trip to a farmer’s market or a dip in the soothing waters of our many natural hot springs, a scenic train ride or an afternoon at the zoo, if you can dream it, you can find it in Colorado.

Aquariums & Zoos

Follow your animal instincts to Colorado. From gator farms to butterfly pavilions, Colorado is home to many renowned zoos and aquariums. Come see animals in their natural habitats and learn more about them through hands-on exhibits.

Winery Tours

Learn how to turn grapes into wine. Most Colorado wineries offer tours, tastings and scenic picnics in the vineyards throughout the year.

Historical Locations

Colorado’s rich heritage and artifacts are easily explored, from the ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, chronicling more than 700 years of Ancestral Puebloan history, to nearby towns such as Silverton, a National Historic Landmark District, which offer a look at turn-of-the-century Colorado with their well-preserved Victorian-era architecture. Another way to experience Colorado’s heritage is by taking a drive on one of its 25 Scenic and Historic Byways, including the San Juan Skyway (in southwest Colorado), where you’ll see everything from stunning peaks, American Indian ruins, waterfalls and spectacular mountain passes.

Scenic & Historic Byways

There’s nothing like setting out on the open road and seeing where Colorado can take you. No state in the nation boasts more nationally designated scenic byways than Colorado. But while you may think this has to do solely with the immaculate scenery of Colorado, think again. These byways trace timeless routes of historic and cultural significance, and their status as America’s Byways® is a testament to the inter-linked communities that have worked so hard to preserve their heritage. In addition to the 10 nationally designated byways, Colorado also boasts 15 Scenic & Historic Byways recognized by the state for their historic, cultural and scenic value. All told, the byways make Colorado the ultimate road trip destination in America. In Colorado, all roads really do lead to adventure. Click here to Signup for the Scenic Byways Virtual Guide.

Casinos

Ever since the gold rush, people have come to Colorado to strike it rich. Today, people can test their luck at one of our many casinos. You’ll find nearly 40 casinos in Colorado, where you can play the slots and tables games. In addition, many also offer hotels, dining and entertainment. Our three mountain gambling towns are easy to get to and even fun for the whole family. Central City and Black Hawk are located within a mile of each other, just 34 miles west of Denver. Cripple Creek is 48 miles west of Colorado Springs. Several casinos offer economical round-trip transportation to and from Denver and Colorado Springs; many transportation deals include free drinks and gambling tokens as well.

Aspen Mountains

Aspen Mountain is a mountain in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in the United States. One of the foothills of the Elk Mountains, it is located just south of the town of Aspen, which is situated at the foot of the mountain at the southeast end of the valley of the Roaring Fork River in Pitkin County. The mountain is noted as the location of the Aspen Mountain ski area, one of four adjacent ski areas operated collectively as Aspen/Snowmass.

The mountain is not particularly high but nonetheless looms over the town of Aspen because of the proximity of the town, which was founded as a silver mining camp in 1879 during the Colorado Silver Boom. The mountain flank was the site of intense mining activity in the late 1880s and early 1890s, with many remains of mining activity below and on the surface of the mountain. In the middle 20th century it became the site of recreational downhill skiing. In 1946, the newly-formed Aspen Skiing Company, founded by Walter Paepcke, built the first chairlift to the top of the mountain and opened the ski area that bears the name of the mountain. The chairlift was later replaced by a gondola lift, which begins in downtown Aspen, allowing skiers to ascend the mountain from the center of town.

Aspen Mountain is alternatively called Ajax by the locals.

Hot Springs

From the world’s largest hot springs pool to something a little more secluded, here are great places to enjoy our natural hot springs.

Lakes

In Colorado, you don’t have to have snow to ski. Our many lakes provide endless recreation opportunities, from boating and waterskiing to just relaxing and taking it all in.

Rodeo

Ever since the world’s first rodeo was held in Deer Trail, Colorado, in 1869, cowboys have been riding and roping in the state. In addition to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, you’ll find great rodeos all over the Colorado, all year long.

The City of Aspen is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous city of Pitkin County, Colorado, United States. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the city population was 5,804 in 2005. Founded as a mining camp in the Colorado Silver Boom and named because of the abundance of aspen trees in the area, the city is now a ski resort and an upscale tourist center.

In the late 20th century the city developed as an off-beat haven for celebrities, attracting such people as John Denver (who wrote several folk songs about the town, including "Aspenglow", and "Starwood in Aspen") Michael Douglas and Hunter S. Thompson.