Colorado - Day 2: Aspen
On Monday, August 12, 2024, I drove into Aspen for a leisurely walk around the city. I parked at the Rio Grande Parking Lot, conveniently located one block off Main Street at 425 Rio Grande Place. Finding it was a breeze, thanks to blue signs pointing the way. This covered parking garage offers 24/7 access, and with a daily max of just $12, it’s a great deal for visitors planning to explore Aspen all day.
Prior to arriving in Aspen, I created my own walking tour, which started at the iconic Hotel Jerome. This beautiful historic hotel, often called one of Aspen’s crown jewels, was just a quick four-minute walk from the garage. With its timeless charm and rich history, it made for a perfect first stop.
Next, I headed to the Wheeler Opera House, to get some photos of it from the outside. Unfortunately, it’s closed on Mondays, so I wasn’t able to explore inside the landmark. Even without a tour, it’s still an impressive sight!
Mill Street Fountain, a dancing fountain on Mill Street with the mountains serving as a beautiful backdrop, was next, followed by Wagner Park, a multi-use, vast, open field with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Both the fountain and the park are nestled in the heart of Aspen, and were wonderful spots to enjoy for a bit.
Next on my list was the Silver Queen Gondola, a 2.5-mile ride to the 11,200-foot summit of Aspen Mountain, renowned as the longest single-stage gondola in the world. However, it didn’t open until 10am, and it was only 9:30am by the time I was done at Mill Street Fountain. So with 30 minutes to spare, I wandered down Galena Street, known for its luxury shopping and fine dining, toward Galena Plaza, a charming park perched above the Rio Grande Parking Garage. In hindsight, this would have been an ideal starting point for my walking tour, but fortunately, I didn’t need to backtrack too much. From there, I continued along Hyman Avenue, a pedestrian-friendly street lined with upscale boutiques, art galleries, and cafés, and then on Cooper Street, home to various restaurants and shops, until it was time to head to the Gondola.
A single-ride ticket in August 2024 was $37, which included one round trip. Tickets can be booked online, by phone, or in person. I opted for an in-person purchase and had no issues.
It took about 15 minutes to reach the summit and offered breathtaking views of the Elk Mountain Range, including the iconic Maroon Bells. At the top are hiking and biking trails, lawn games like giant chess and bags (cornhole for non-Midwestern folks), and the Sundeck Restaurant for dining with a view.
I spent about 30 minutes at the summit, soaking it all in, though you could easily spend hours there if you’d like. I knew I had more places to explore in Aspen, and I was getting hungry. I had my sights set on White House Tavern—a cozy, upscale restaurant housed in a charming historic white cottage, known for its relaxed atmosphere and standout American comfort food. So, I took the gondola back down and walked over for lunch, arriving at 11:45am. I’d hoped for a spot on the patio, but, as I should have expected, it was busy with a long wait. Instead, I took a seat at the bar, which was just as enjoyable, and enjoyed a crispy chicken sandwich with an Aspen Brewing Co. blonde ale.
Once I was satiated, I headed to the W Aspen to check out their rooftop. It offers panoramic views of the Aspen Mountain slopes and surrounding peaks, along with a pool, hot tubs, cozy fire pits, stylish lounge seating, and a bar serving creative cocktails and small bites. I can imagine it’s the perfect spot in the evenings to enjoy the scenery, socialize, and unwind in style. Since it was only 1pm when I was there, the vibe was definitely more subdued. I just walked around, snapped some pictures, and then headed back out to walk to the Herron Park and John Denver Sanctuary.
Herron Park, located along the banks of the Roaring Fork River, is a popular and picturesque riverside park with a grassy lawn, picnic tables, and a small playground. One of its highlights is the shallow wading area along the river, where people can splash around, especially on warm days. After spending a bit of time at the park, I continued to the John Denver Sanctuary.
The John Denver Sanctuary is a serene and beautifully landscaped park built in memory of the great singer John Denver, who had a deep connection to Colorado. Nestled along the Roaring Fork River, the sanctuary features tranquil paths that wind through wildflower gardens, lush greenery, and large boulders engraved with Denver's song lyrics and quotes about nature and peace. Stone benches and shaded spots make it a peaceful place to reflect or enjoy a quiet walk. With its gentle streams, ponds, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, the sanctuary feels like a natural escape in the heart of Aspen—a fitting tribute to Denver’s love for the natural world.
I left Aspen around 2pm to drive back to the Days Inn by Wyndham Carbondale to settle in, read, and relax for the rest of the day. Maroon Bells was on the schedule for the following day, and I wanted to get there early to see the sunrise and hike Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail and Crater Lake Trail.
