Fall In Love With Aspen

Most would say that the right time to visit Aspen, Colorado would be in the winter, considering it's one of the top skiing destinations in the country. However, Aspen in the fall is something I highly encourage you to experience. With perfect temperatures, the leaves changing, and not too overcrowded of a town, it's my absolute favorite time to be there. Aspen is known to be the most crowded in the summer and, of course, winter months. Luckily, Aspen isn't a town that hibernates in its slower months, with all restaurants, hotels, bars, and clubs open. With the fall season seeming short in Colorado, I would recommend visiting late September to early October. Believe it or not, it may be snowing, and getting ahead of the mud season is key. With Aspen reaching highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s near October, it makes for a beautiful, crisp autumn weekend! Below are some of my favorite accommodations, places to eat, what to do, and what to pack for a successful trip to Aspen!

Fall Activities

Hiking- There are several great hiking trails to see the vibrant colors of fall. Maroon Bells which is an easy 1.9 mile hike (although id say it was more of a walk) around the lake and is considered the most photographed lake. Crater Lake is another great one if you want something a little more challenging with that being 3.5 miles. Hunter Creek Trail is another great one for fall with it being a longer one at 8.9 miles.

Shopping - In my view, Aspen offers the finest shopping experience among all mountain towns. You can find everything from local stores and western attire to a wide selection of designer boutiques.

Farmers Market- Don't miss the local farmers market every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, featuring local produce, crafts, live music, and delicious food.

Horseback riding-Experience the beauty of autumn leaves on horseback, offering a unique perspective of Aspen and its vibrant colors. Another exciting option is a horseback ride adventure to Pine Creek Cookhouse for a sunset dinner, which includes a 1.5-hour ride followed by a delicious meal at the restaurant. The cost is $325 per person, excluding gratuity.

Gondola Ride - Ride the Gondola to 11,000 ft to take in the most breathtaking views of all of Aspen. Take the Silver Queen Gondola at Aspen Mountain with a sightseeing pass costing $37 per person. You can also do this in the town of Snowmass which is about a 20 minute drive away at the Elk Camp Gondola.

Where To Stay

• The St. Regis

• The Little Nell

• Hotel Jerome

• W Aspen

Where To Eat

LUNCH:

• Clarks Oyster bar- Seafood & Raw bar

• French Alpine Bistro- German/French with curated wine list

• White House Tavern- Elevated American

  
  

DINNER:

• Betula - French/ Pan-American

• Casa Tua - Italian

• Matsuhisa - Japanese

  
  

BARS:

• J-Bar

• St. Regis Lobby Bar

• The Little Nell Wine Bar

  
  

CLUBS:

• Sterling

• Belly up

• Gala

What To Pack

Even in the Fall, packing lightly for Aspen can be challenging. The temperature ranges from the 50s-60s during the day to the 30s at night, so you'll need to pack a mix of outfits. Aspen is known for its upscale atmosphere, where people dress up for dinner and sport cute western wear during the day. Additionally, it is a hub for outdoor activities, so you'll also see individuals in workout and hiking gear. Be sure to pack a variety of clothing to suit all occasions!

• Activewear, sneakers & hiking boots

• Cute lunch & shopping outfits (Sandals, close toed shoes, dresses and skirts)

• Fancier Dinner outfits (cowgirl boots & heels)

• Light jackets for the day and heavier for the night

• Western inspired outfits

• Hats, belts and accessories

• Camera