Famous for their world class slopes in winter and spectacular hiking and biking trails in summer, but autumn brings a beauty of its own for these regions.
From seeing the iconic Maroon Bells framed by beautiful autumn foliage to watching colourful hot air balloons rise above the mountains, here are eight of the most scenic spots to experience Aspen and Snowmass Village this autumn.
See the most photographed peaks in autumnal bloom at the Maroon Bells
Often cited as the most photographed peaks in North America, the Maroon Bells are spectacular at any time of year, but autumn is particularly special. When the seasons change, the surrounding aspen groves turn brilliant shades of gold and orange, framing the twin peaks and, on still mornings, reflecting alongside them in the glassy waters of the Maroon Lake.
Step back in time to the golden years at Ashcroft Ghost Town
For a glimpse into Aspen’s past surrounded by striking autumn foliage, head to Ashcroft Ghost Town, a 25-minute drive from Aspen along scenic Castle Creek Road. Once used as hunting grounds by the Ute people, Ashcroft became a booming silver-mining town in the late 1800s, briefly growing to rival the size of Aspen before its fortunes faded and the settlement was largely abandoned. Today, a collection of historic wooden buildings remain, made even more atmospheric when surrounded by golden aspens and the rugged Elk Mountains.
Road trip through the aspen groves on Independence Pass
For one of Colorado’s most scenic autumn drives, follow Highway 82 from Aspen towards Independence Pass. Climbing to 12,095 feet, the road twists through the mountains past groves of golden aspens, the rushing Roaring Fork River and vast alpine valleys, with viewpoints as far as the eye can see. September and early October are particularly beautiful, when changing foliage brings flashes of gold and orange to the mountainsides.
Find tranquility at the John Denver Sanctuary
Situated in the heart of Aspen beside the Roaring Fork River, the John Denver Sanctuary offers a peaceful place to soak up the colours of the season without leaving town. Created in honour of the acclaimed singer-songwriter and former Aspen local, the sanctuary features locally sourced boulders inscribed with Denver’s lyrics alongside ponds, streams, waterfalls and gardens filled with native plants. Come autumn, the surrounding trees and foliage take on brilliant seasonal shades, transforming the 4.5-acre sanctuary into a pocket of gold and crimson.
Celebrate the end of the summer season at Elk Camp
For autumn views without the uphill climb, ride the Elk Camp Gondola from Snowmass Base Village into the mountains. The journey itself is part of the experience, rising above forests transformed into a patchwork of green, yellow and gold before arriving at Elk Camp, where hiking trails offer panoramic views across the Elk Mountains.
Watch hot air balloons rise above the autumn trees on the Brush Creek Trail
The Brush Creek Trail offers an easy way to immerse yourself in Snowmass Village’s autumn scenery, forming the main artery of the village’s paved trail network. The 5.9-mile trail winds through groves of aspen trees that turn brilliant autumnal shades, while passing Snowmass landmarks including Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Chapel and the Village Center.
Hike beneath the branches of golden aspens on the Ditch Trail
For those seeking a gentler way to experience Snowmass Village’s autumn landscapes, the Ditch Trail is an ideal choice. With relatively flat terrain and gentle inclines, the route meanders through dense aspen groves that glow gold in autumn, with fallen leaves crunching underfoot and glimpses of the surrounding mountains appearing between the trees.
See autumnal Aspen from above on the Silver Queen Gondola
See Aspen’s autumn colours from above with a ride on the Silver Queen Gondola, which climbs from the heart of downtown Aspen to the summit of Aspen Mountain. As the gondola rises, watch the town gradually disappear below and take in sweeping views across the Roaring Fork Valley, where vast groves of aspen trees create ribbons of gold across the mountainsides.
