In Aspen Snowmass, fall days are filled with vibrant colors and nights are filled with crisp, cool, mountain air. As the Aspen trees transform into gold hues, fall is a spectacular time of year to visit Aspen Snowmass and is best seen on car, foot or bike. Unlike many mountain towns in the "off-season," Aspen Snowmass shines in autumn with several options for sightseeing, events and attractions staying open through October.
Get the most out of your visit to Aspen Snowmass, and read on to discover the Gary Feldman Group’s favorite places to witness stunning fall vistas and experience Aspen’s exciting events and happenings.
Scenic Views & Drives
View the most-photographed peaks in North America at Maroon Bells. Experience the alpine meadows with a profusion of flowers and witness the Aspen trees turn an impressive amber yellow. The Maroon Bells, a series of distinctively bell-shaped, wine-colored peaks towering 14,000 ft. above the pristine, glacial Maroon Creek Valley, offer some of the most spectacular natural views in the world. Reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and related amenities by vehicle or by RFTA shuttle. Parking & Shuttle reservations are required from May 14 - October 24, 2021. Click here for Maroon Bells reservation information.
Kebler Pass is a terrific high-mountain pass connecting Crested Butte with Paonia to the west. It’s a gorgeous seasonal shortcut to Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley. Enjoy the sight of beautiful wildflowers on this scenic drive. Pass through the charming towns of Redstone and Carbondale along the way.
The fall scenery surrounding the lightly snowcapped mountains is phenomenal. The views from the top of Aspen Mountain are breathtaking and easily accessed by the Silver Queen Gondola.
Independence Pass is one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado — and in the fall, it’s even more exquisite. Begin in downtown Aspen, head up Highway 82 East and make your way through several Aspen groves that canopy the road between Weller Lake and Lincoln Creek.
Biking & Hiking Trails
This 6.8 mile heavily trafficked trail climbs steeply through Aspen groves, forests and meadows to a high mountain lake just below the timberline, offering hikers a good workout and a great way to acclimate to some of the Aspen area’s more challenging trails.
Ute Trail is a difficult trail you can hike and run that is only a quick trip from downtown. This single-track switchbacks up the mountain to the overlook, 700 vertical feet up, and then continues to the summit of Ajax mountain. Pack your hiking shoes!
The Hunter Creek Loop is 5.5 miles round-trip and is located less than a half of a mile from the heart of Aspen. The trail starts at 7,850 feet and ascends to 8,800 feet. For a hike so close to the heart of town, Hunter Creek offers incredible views and a great workout. The Hunter Creek Trail is accessible near the Aspen Art Museum off of Red Mountain Road.
The Rio Grande Trail begins on Puppy Smith Road and is a manageable hiking and biking trail that extends for miles. With an elevation of just under 8,000 feet and a low level of difficulty, this is one of the less demanding, more rewarding hikes the Aspen area has to offer.
Events & Happenings
The Snowmass Wine Festival, September 18, 2021
The festival is the Rotary Club of Snowmass Village’s biggest fundraiser of the year. This weekend of wine is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. Sip some of the best wines from around the world during this event! The tastings are split into two days. Friday kicks off the festival with an incredible wine dinner that changes its theme each year. On Saturday, your afternoon is filled with tasting after tasting followed by a silent auction.
Golden Leaf Half Marathon, September 18, 2021
The Golden Leaf Half Marathon starts on Fanny Hill located at the end of the Snowmass Mall. The race was named one of “America’s 14 Most Scenic Races” by Trail Runner magazine. The classic trail running race from Snowmass to Aspen is an annual sell out that provides 980’ elevation gain and a 1,712’ descent over its 13.1 miles.
Aspen Saturday Market creates a diverse marketplace for the Aspen community and its visitors, with vendors selling freshly baked goods, meat and produce from local farms and eclectic jewelry and art. The market runs through October 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bluegrass Sundays
Enjoy the views outside Sundeck atop Aspen Mountain every Sunday through September 26. Locals and tourists alike get down to some of Colorado's best bluegrass bands on the top of Aspen Mountain. With the Elk Mountain Range as a backdrop, great drinks and great food from the Sundeck and lots of activities for the kids, this is a perfect way to relax, unwind and spend an afternoon with friends and family.
Whether you’re hiking, biking, or driving, the Aspen autumn foliage will not disappoint. Fall is also a great time for buying or selling a home in The Roaring Fork Valley. To find out more about what to see and do, how to put your home on the market, or find the home you have always dreamed of in the area, call 970.948.3737, email [email protected] or visit www.garyfeldman.com.