Travel & Outdoors

Milk It

Buttermilk Belies Its Beginner Rep and X Games Alter Ego with Wide-Ranging Terrain

Discover kids’ tree trails, terrain parks for all skill levels, and lots of powder.

12/23/2020 By Abby Eagye

Earn Your Turns

Tackle Aspen Highlands’ Flagship Terrain

Hiking to the top of Highland Bowl is just the half of it—here’s what to consider when skiing down.

12/23/2020 By Tim Mutrie

Hidden Valley

Discover Sunlight Mountain Resort

This fifth ski area near Aspen merits a visit for family-friendly pricing, new expert terrain, and old-school charm.

12/23/2020 By Cindy Hirschfeld

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

tweet this

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