There's more to Aspen than skiing; try hiking, biking, rafting, and rock climbing in the Rockies.
Aspen is Coloradoâs year-round mountain playground. Sure, itâs best known as a star-studded ski townâbut when the snow melts, the funâs just getting started. Pitch your tent by an alpine lake, and hike and bike on hundreds of miles of trails. With its family activities, extreme sports, and wild outdoors, Aspen welcomes everyone.
As you drive up Independence Pass, youâll find several White River National Forest campsites. Just a few miles from downtown, sleep among the Aspen at Difficult Campground. Tiny Weller has 11 sites with picnic tables and vault toilets, while Lost Man Campground is quiet. These high-elevation areas are open only in the summer.
For fee-free camping, head up Highway 82 to Lincoln Creek Road. Here, youâll find 22 dispersed campsites scattered through the trees. Want to fish or paddle the Roaring Fork River? Itâs a short walk from the sites at the Upper Grottos Campground.
When it comes to scenery, itâs hard to beat the breathtaking Maroon Bells. Three campgroundsâSilver Bar, Silver Bell, and Silver Queenâoffer 23 total sites. The local road closes in the winter, but autumn, with its brilliant Golden aspens, is downright dreamy. Cars are banned on summer days, but the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority runs a shuttle.
If youâre in an RV, your best best is to stay in the valley. The closest RV parks to Aspen are near Carbondale.
Camping near Taylor Park Reservoir promises an idyllic setting with ample fishing and boating. Surrounded by Colorado's majestic peaks, it's a haven for nature lovers seeking lakeside tranquility and outdoor adventure.