Fun Continues this Fall in Aspen/Snowmass | Aspen Snowmass News & Events

Summer may be over, but that does not mean that the fun stops in Aspen and Snowmass. The list of exciting fall activities abounds with photography outings, hiking, biking, dining, shopping, and fun cultural events. With so many activities to take advantage of this fall season, you will find yourself struggling to fit everything into your day.

Photo: Jen Schneider

With shorter days ahead, the colder weather sets in, and the majestic Aspen trees begin to turn yellow and release their golden leaves. Not all the aspen trees have dropped their leaves yet, so while there is still a burst of yellow on the mountainsides, discover your inner photographer and hike up one of the many Aspen/Snowmass area trails with your camera and an artistic eye. Hiking up Buttermilk Mountain is an exhilarating hike, and from the top, it affords stunning views of the Maroon Creek Valley, Highlands ski area, Aspen Mountain, and Pyramid Peak. Plus, it is always fun to get a new perspective of a ski hill by challenging yourself to the uphill hike during the fall before the ski season is in full swing.

After snapping some photos, a leisurely bike ride down the Rio Grande Trail, which heads out of Aspen towards Glenwood Springs, is a great way to take in the Roaring Fork River and the beautiful, yellowing riverside foliage. For the more adventuresome, a bike ride up Smuggler Mountain offers both vigorous, heart-pumping exercise and some great views of Aspen Mountain and the Roaring Fork Valley.
For the fashion forward set, there are a number of high end boutiques and shops in downtown Aspen to meet anyone’s need for either a cozy wool sweater or a soft shell outer layer perfect for chilly morning hikes. And if you forgot to pack a fall appropriate Aspen casual outfit, you will certainly find stylish new attire to wear out on the town in one of the many shops that line downtown Aspen’s streets. Once you have found just the right outfit for a night on the town, head to one of the many downtown Aspen restaurants for a great atmosphere and delicious cuisine. Enjoying a meal at a restaurant in Aspen and Snowmass during the fall (or off-season as some refer to it) is especially easy on the pocket book because so many places feature a prix fixe menu. Some notable prix fixe offers are 3 courses for $35 at Pinons and a 3 course prix fixe menu at Elevation for $32. After a tasty dinner, attending a concert at the Belly Up is a great venue to enjoy a drink and let loose on the dance floor. In addition, the Wheeler Opera House always has a great line up of live entertainment and films, so it is worth checking the Wheeler’s schedule often for recently added shows. Also, one of the most notable fall events in Aspen/Snowmass is John Denver Week. This year John Denver week runs from October 7 through the 16, and features concerts and outdoor gatherings all celebrating John Denver’s philosophy and creativity. Also, it is highly encouraged to visit the beautiful John Denver Memorial stones, located a little past Rio Grande Park. And while you are down near Rio Grande Park, discover the world of contemporary art at the Aspen Art Museum. Starting on October 21, the Aspen Art Museum will be exhibiting a show called the Roaring Fork Open, which is slated to feature new work by artists who live in the Roaring Fork Valley.

There certainly is not a shortage of activities with which to fill your beautiful, autumn days. Go out and enjoy the fall colors, the chill in the air, and all the spectacular activities Aspen/Snowmass has to offer this fall season!