Aspen and Maroon Bells in the Fall
Aspen is a beautiful small mountain city. Regardless of when you visit, Aspen is beautiful but in the fall – it shines. Summer in Aspen has some nice hikes. Winter in Aspen I’m sure has fabulous skiing (haven’t tried it yet). Fall in Aspen – is my favorite time to visit (actually so far it’s been the only time we visit). Maroon Bells in the fall is spectacular and a photographers paradise.
Fall in Aspen (and most areas of the Colorado Rockies) is actually considered “off season.” Some things will be closed including some restaurants and activities but things are cheaper and much less crowded.
Aspen and Maroon Bells in the Fall
Aspen is a beautiful small mountain city. Regardless of when you visit, Aspen is beautiful but in the fall – it shines. Summer in Aspen has some nice hikes. Winter in Aspen I’m sure has fabulous skiing (haven’t tried it yet). Fall in Aspen – is my favorite time to visit (actually so far it’s been the only time we visit). Maroon Bells in the fall is spectacular and a photographers paradise.
Fall in Aspen (and most areas of the Colorado Rockies) is actually considered “off season.” Some things will be closed including some restaurants and activities but things are cheaper and much less crowded.
How to get to Aspen and Maroon Bells
We like to make Aspen a weekend trip from Denver through Independence Pass. Independence Pass is an amazing Colorado Fall drive with lots of stops to stretch your legs. A large hike on Saturday, a small hike Sunday morning, then we make our way up to Gleenwood Springs for lunch then east on I-70 for our return trip.
When is the Best Time to visit Aspen and Maroon Bells for Fall Colors.
The best Fall colors in Aspen are mid September to mid October with 1-2 weeks during that time the colors are the most vibrant. We generally go during fall break which is usually the first or second week of October. During our first trip to Aspen this was perfect and the colors were ridiculously vibrant. On our second attempt the trees were fading but the colors were not as bright in other areas of the state either due to a strange weather pattern. Usually color predictors are able to pick the best fall color dates by the end of August or early September. Wind storms and early snows can cause leaves to drop sooner than planned I’d pick the last week of September or very early October if you need to plan ahead.
Where to stay in Aspen / Snowmass in the Fall
We stay overnight just north of Aspen in Snowmass Village. Both times we visited we booked through Groupon Deals and found excellent prices on stays. We probably paid about a 3rd of what we would have pain in the busy seasons.
One of my kids favorite things to do in the mountains is to play in the pool, especially when it’s cold. Our first trip we stayed at Timberline and the pool was so much fun. The weather was perfect and the background fall colors were beautiful. It was a little chilly getting back to the room but a wonderful experience.
Where to Eat
We generally like to pack our lunches for hiking and cook most of our meals in the condo just to be easy but there are several choices for food in Snowmass. However, half were closed for the season.
We also enjoyed a couple of restaurants in Aspen. They all had a laid back feel and were very kid friendly. I’m sure there are also high dollar, more uptight places too – but we luckily avoided those.
Where to go in Aspen and Snowmass for the Best Fall Colors
My favorite places for fall photos in the Aspen area are Maroon Bells, Ashcroft Ghost Town, and Independence Ghost town along Independence Pass.
Maroon Bells – Photo Journey
The Maroon Bells are said to be the most photographed mountains in North America and for good reason. These mountains are beautiful. The mountains are their most photogenic earlier in the morning and can get more crowded later in the day.
After parking, wait your turn to get your dream picture. Although getting that iconic shot is a must I enjoy getting away from the crowds more. There is a hike that leads through the Aspen groves (but can be a little steep – we did not go far down that one) then a hike that meanders through the meadow and around other very photogenic bodies of water.
This is not a trail or area where you want to rush. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. Take frequent breaks to enjoy the surroundings, relax and look at those views.
There are longer hikes and some people do hike the mountains themselves but it’s not a good idea. The bells are beautiful but also have the nick-name deadly bells due to loose rocks causing severe accidents with extreme hikers.
Maroon Bells – The Iconic Photo
The photo everyone has to have that visits Maroon Bells is a very short walk. I can be crowded in this area so be patient and wait your turn. There are numerous other just as photogenic locations but this is the photo you have to get to prove you’ve been here.
Aspens of Maroon Bells – photos
When we visit Maroon Bells we tend to wander. I love going through some of the Aspen Groves but I also love the meadows.
Our first trip to Maroon Bells was definately more vibrant. On our second trip the leaves were a little more muted.
Meadows of Maroon Bells – photos
Maroon Bells has amazingly peaceful meadow areas. My favorite part about this area was walking through the meadows and enjoying the winding streams. During our second trip there was some damage from avalanches over the winter that was being repaired but it was still beautiful.
Maroon Bell Potraits
If you can’t get a good photo in Maroom Bells then you might want to give the camera to someone else.
Ashcroft Ghost Town
Aschroft Ghost Town is 11 miles outside of Aspen and has a $5 daily fee. The town started in 1880 to search for silver deposits. Within 3 years the town had 2000 residents including a school, newspapers, and 20 saloons. It was larger than Aspen at the time. Within 5 years of the start of the town, it went bust when the shallow silver viens quickly dried. In 1885 only 100 summer residents.
A small amount of people stayed and the last remaing of the founders passed in 1939. Plans for the area changed toward planning a European-style ski resort that was detoured by WW2. The land was leased to the army and used for training for the 10th mountain division.
The area was then used a training grounds for huskies raised by the owners and eventually the area was named as a national register historical site.
Today the ghost town has a scattering of buildings that are fun to look and explore. However, my favorite part of this area are the Aspen’s. For our trip here, they were really putting on a show.
Independence Pass and Ghost Town
Independence Pass and Ghost Town between Aspen and Leadville is another wonderful place to get some amazing fall views. Either drive from Leadville to Aspen via Independence Pass and stop at Independence Ghost Town on the way or from Aspen drive up to the pass with stops.
We’re a family of 5 (Physician Assistant mom, IT project manager dad and 3 kids ages 3,6,10) taking a gap year from normal life to travel. For blog posts, locations, and more information on how we did it and how you can to click here.
