Travel & Outdoors

Inside Line

This Winter’s Ground Rules for Skiing in and Around Aspen

Everything you need to know for a successful pandemic-adjusted sojourn on the slopes

12/23/2020

No Lift Ticket, No Problem

8 Off-Slope Ways to Play in the Snow

With Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice karting, dogsledding, and more, the Roaring Fork Valley offers a wealth of wintry outdoor adventures.

12/23/2020 By Cindy Hirschfeld

retreat to nature

19 Great Hikes Around Aspen

High-mountain passes, alpine lakes, wildflower-strewn meadows, fragrant forests—the Aspen area offers adventurers all of this and more.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

safety first

Be Prepared to Hike in the High Country

Before setting out, read over these trail tips.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

all together now

Family-Friendly Hikes

Whether because of their accessible length or level of challenge, these trails are great options for kids who like to explore.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

top tarns

Hike to a High-Mountain Lake

At these unforgettable locations, the water glistens in the sunlight, small waves gently lap the shore, and trout ply the depths.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

crowd sourced

Classic Aspen Hikes

These are some of the most popular routes, with good reason—just be prepared to share the trail with other enthusiasts.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

Aim High

4 Ways to Ascend a Mountain Pass

This worthy goal rewards you with a view into another valley.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

Round and Round

On Loop Hikes, New Vistas Unfold the Whole Way

Don’t want to see the same scenery twice? Set out on one of these routes, which circle back to your starting point.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

Hiking Elevated

19 Great Hikes in the Roaring Fork Valley

High-mountain passes, alpine lakes, wildflower-strewn meadows, fragrant forests—the Aspen area offers adventurers all of this and more.

07/16/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

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A Birding Big Year in a Small Valley

Aspen and its environs are home to more than 150 avian species; two local birders set out to view as many of them as possible in 12 months.

07/14/2020 By Rebecca Weiss Photography by Mark Fuller

Your Perfect Day

Where to Golf in the Roaring Fork Valley

Get a taste of the private life at a fraction of the cost at these public courses.

07/13/2020 By Todd Hartley

Golden Hoofbeats

During a Legacy Anniversary, the Roaring Fork Hounds Pony Club Rides On.

An offshoot of the "Highest Hunt in America," the club grooms young equestrians in horsemanship and much more.

07/08/2020 By Linda Lafferty

on the run

Rickey Gates Is Running’s Renaissance Man

The Aspen native shares his epic journey across the country through photos and essays in a compelling new book.

07/02/2020 By Allison Pattillo

Perfect Getaway

Alternatives to Aspen's Most Popular Spots

Leave the throngs behind with one of these scenic stand-ins to our most-loved places.

07/02/2020 By Catherine Lutz

Wheel Deal

Why the Roaring Fork Valley Is Considered Colorado's Top Cycling Spot

New trails, a huge bike park addition, and the start of a pro stage race highlight this summer.

07/02/2020 By Allison Pattillo

Field Notes

Hike of the Week: Chapman Lake Trail

This short hike in the upper Fryingpan Valley has a big payoff.

06/24/2020 By Aspen Sojourner Staff

Photo Essay

Skiing into an Apocalypse

A 100-mile backcountry ski tour is supposed to be life altering. What happens when the whole world changes while you’re away from it? Follow photographer Tim Romano's epic journey from Aspen to Vail at the onset of the pandemic.

04/29/2020 Photography by Tim Romano Edited by Ted Katauskas

Gear of the Week

Honey Stinger Organic Cracker Bar

Fuel your workout—or your work at home—with this tasty and satisfying snack.

04/22/2020 By Aspen Sojourner Staff

Slope Savvy

Where Should We Ski Today?

Best powder stashes? On-mountain après spots? Places to get bragging rights? Make the most of your time on the slopes with our local insight.

02/27/2020 By Catherine Lutz Photography by Matt Power