When I moved to Aspen almost thirty years ago, we had two clearly defined visitor seasons: winter and summer. But Aspen's "off-season" is no more! Spring and fall have become special seasons in their own right and a great time to experience the town in a different and refreshing light. With the arrival of spring, Aspen's natural beauty comes alive with the blooming of wildflowers and the mountain peak snowmelt feeding our rivers and waterfalls.
The off-season is the perfect time to explore Aspen's beautiful trails and participate in outdoor activities like cycling, fishing, and golfing. The outdoor activities are enhanced with the kick-off of cultural events throughout town. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or culture, there's something for everyone in Aspen's off-season. Check out my curated list of things to do during this "quiet" time in Aspen.
Hiking and Biking
Aspen is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and there are plenty of
hiking and
biking trails to explore. The off-season is a great time to hit the trails, as the weather is mild and the crowds are thin. Hiking and biking trails, cna change dramatically depending on the weather. Please research before heading out.
Take a free tour through the Aspen Art Museum and enjoy unique, continually-rotating exhibits. Once you’ve finished admiring the art, have a seat on the outdoor deck of the rooftop cafe and enjoy lunch with an extraordinary, fifty-yard view of Aspen Mountain.
Spa and Wellness
Aspen has a variety of spas and wellness centers that offer a range of treatments and services, from massages to yoga classes. Heading downvalley? Check out
Iron Mountain Hot Springs or
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, offering a relaxing way to soak, recover and rejuvenate from the winter season. Both are open year-round,
Shopping & Dining
Some restaurants offer compelling off-season values. Some restaurants are open year round, while others may be closed so their staff can enjoy their own well-earned vacation. These restaurants typically stay open for a lot of the offseason; Aspen Public House, Aspen Tap, Catch, Brunelleschi's, Home Team BBQ, Clark’s, Jour de Fête, Matsuhisa, Steakhouse 316, White House Tavern and Woody Creek Tavern. Many of the shops remain open during the off-season, and you can often find great deals and discounts.
The Roaring Fork River and the Frying Pan River are known to be some of the best waters to fly-fish in North America. The off-season is a great time to cast your line in the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan or one of the many other streams and lakes in the area.
Golfing
