15 Things to Do in Aspen, Colorado in the Fall
Ghost towns, scenic gondolas, art galleries, and farmers markets—Aspen packs it all in, especially when those famous golden aspen groves start showing off.
No matter your vibe, the best fall activities in Aspen will make you want to linger.
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1. Hike the Maroon Bells Scenic Trails
Maroon Bells is Colorado’s poster child for mountain views, and in fall, it’s a stunner. Twin peaks rise up behind golden aspen forests, making every hike feel like you walked into a painting.
The Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail is a mellow walk around Maroon Lake, great for families or anyone wanting to take it easy. The reds, golds, and blues are unreal this time of year.
Why It’s a Must: The state’s signature peaks, plus those legendary golden aspens, make for an unbeatable fall hike.
2. Bike the Rio Grande Trail
The Rio Grande Trail runs 42 miles from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, following the Roaring Fork River. It’s mostly paved and gentle, so anyone with a bike can hop on and enjoy the ride.
Golden aspens turn the trail into a moving postcard as you pedal along this old railroad route.
The RFTA bus system makes it easy to ride one way and catch a lift back—no need to double back if you’d rather just coast into the sunset.
Why It’s a Must: Easy, scenic, and lined with fall color—great for a casual ride or a full-on cycling day.
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3. Explore Aspen Art Museum
The Aspen Art Museum lives in a striking modern building. Inside, it’s all about contemporary art and boundary-pushing exhibits.
Galleries change up often, so there’s usually something new to see. Free exhibitions invite you to connect with the latest in the art world.
Why It’s a Must: Fresh, provocative art in a cool historic space—perfect for a dose of culture between outdoor adventures.
4. Visit the John Denver Sanctuary
The John Denver Sanctuary sits right by Rio Grande Park, and it’s about as peaceful as it gets.
Boulder-lined paths, engraved lyrics, and the sound of the river—it’s easy to see why Denver loved it here.
Come fall, the colors frame the gardens in gold. Take a quiet walk through the song garden, find your favorite lyric, and just take it all in. There’s no admission, and it’s open dawn to dusk.
Why It’s a Must: Gorgeous autumn scenery and a heartfelt nod to John Denver’s love for Colorado.
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5. Take a Jeep Tour to Independence Pass
Hop in a Jeep for a half-day tour and watch the landscape shift from aspen groves to alpine meadows, all splashed with fall color. Guides share stories as you climb above 11,000 feet.
Independence Pass tops out at 12,095 feet, making it one of Colorado’s highest paved passes. In autumn, gold and green clash with the rugged peaks for a view you won’t forget.
Why It’s a Must: Dramatic mountain views and fall colors from way up high.
6. Stroll Through Aspen Historic District
Aspen’s core is a living postcard of the Old West, with Victorian buildings that once buzzed with silver miners. Now, they house everything from boutiques to cozy coffee shops.
The Wheeler Opera House, dating back to 1889, still puts on shows. Walking these streets, you really get how Aspen grew from a mining camp into a quirky, cultured town.
Why It’s a Must: Step back in time, surrounded by autumn color and small-town charm.
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7. Attend Aspen Filmfest
The 46th Aspen Filmfest runs September 16-21, 2025, bringing together a handpicked lineup of films from across the globe. Documentaries, comedies, and foreign flicks get their moment in the mountain air.
Started in 1979, this festival happens at the cozy Aspen Film Isis Theatre. Many of the films are fresh off the circuit from Sundance or Cannes.
Why It’s a Must: Catch buzzworthy movies and indie flicks before they hit the mainstream—all in a mountain town setting.
8. Photograph Fall Colors at Maroon Lake
Maroon Lake is where you go if you want that classic Aspen fall photo. The Maroon Bells rise up behind, making it almost impossible to take a bad shot.
Come peak season, golden aspens wrap the lake. The Maroon Bells are probably the most photographed peaks in North America, and it’s easy to see why in autumn.
The best shots are taken during early morning, when the water’s still and the crowds haven’t arrived.
Why It’s a Must: Aspen’s most iconic fall photo spot with golden trees, red peaks, and glassy water.
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9. Shop at Aspen Saturday Market
The Aspen Saturday Market runs from mid-June to early October, but fall is when the produce really shines.
Colorado apples, pumpkins, and late-season veggies fill the stands, plus local honey and handmade crafts.
Everything’s Colorado-made, grown, or produced, so you’re supporting the local community. Fresh food, small-batch cheeses, and one-of-a-kind gifts are the norm.
Why It’s a Must: Find unique fall treats and crafts while supporting Colorado makers.
10. Visit the Wheeler Opera House
The Wheeler Opera House has anchored Aspen’s arts scene since 1889. In fall, the historic theater hosts music, film, and theater against a backdrop of changing leaves.
Why It’s a Must: Experience live performances in a venue where every seat feels special.
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11. Take a Scenic Drive on Castle Creek Road
Castle Creek Road is a winding, tree-lined drive that puts on a serious show in fall. The route through Pitkin County winds past aspen stands and mountain vistas that seem to go on forever.
The road follows Castle Creek and eventually reaches the ghost town of Ashcroft. If you’re feeling adventurous, side roads like Little Annie Road offer even more mountain drama.
Why It’s a Must: Every bend reveals another jaw-dropping fall scene—it’s one of Colorado’s best leaf-peeping drives.
12. Explore Ashcroft Ghost Town
Ashcroft Ghost Town is tucked ten miles south of Aspen in the White River National Forest. It’s a budget-friendly outing with a side of Colorado history.
Founded in 1880, it’s a relic from the silver rush days, with weathered buildings and plenty of stories.
Wander through the old structures and picture life back when miners filled the valley. The Aspen Historical Society keeps the site open under Forest Service oversight.
Why It’s a Must: Step back into Colorado’s Wild West, framed by golden aspens and mountain peaks.
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13. Ride the Silver Queen Gondola
The Silver Queen Gondola whisks you up over 3,000 feet in just 15 minutes. Fall colors blanket the valley as you rise toward the 11,212-foot summit of Aspen Mountain.
At the top, hiking trails let you wander among the autumn scenery. There’s a mountaintop restaurant with views that might make you forget about lunch altogether.
Why It’s a Must: Epic fall views from high above Aspen—worth it for the ride alone.
14. Go Fly Fishing on the Roaring Fork River
Autumn on the Roaring Fork River means peak trout fishing. The river flows right through Aspen and boasts Gold Medal waters filled with rainbow and brown trout.
Cooler temperatures in September and October wake the fish up, and the water’s so clear you can spot them from the bank.
Plenty of easy access points, and local fly shops can set you up with a guide or gear if you’re new to the sport.
Why It’s a Must: World-class trout fishing, mountain views, and expert guides if you want a little help.
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15. Scenic Drive to Glenwood Hot Springs
The 40-mile stretch from Aspen to Glenwood Springs is Colorado showing off. Golden aspens crowd the roadside, and the mountains aren’t shy about stealing the spotlight.
Traveling along Highway 82, you get a front-row seat to rivers glinting in the sunlight and flashes of autumn color around nearly every turn.
After winding through all that beauty, slipping into the legendary hot springs feels like the only right way to wrap it up.
Why It’s a Must: The fall colors turn the drive into something unreal, and the hot springs at the end is just the cherry on top.
