Spend your Aspen getaway skiing Aspen Mountain, taking in the views from the Silver Queen Gondola, and exploring the shops and restaurants downtown. When the season is right, make time for a separate trip to the Maroon Bells, where mountain peaks rise above Maroon Lake. There's plenty to enjoy here without filling every hour of your trip.
Yes, 38 of our Aspen homes allow dogs—so feel free to bring Fido along. (Just make sure to check individual home listings for any limits on the number and size of dogs they allow).
Browse dog-friendly homes >Yes. 74 of our Aspen vacation rentals have internet access, so you can stay connected throughout your trip.
Browse homes with internet access >Absolutely. Our local Aspen team includes professional housekeepers who care for all our homes here. They’ll clean thoroughly and restock amenities, so everything is ready for your arrival—and all you have to do is settle in and relax.
Learn more about Vacasa Premium Clean >Start with what you most want to do: ski, explore town, or spend time in the mountains. For a ski trip, compare each rental's location with the mountain you plan to visit. If shopping and dining are high on your list, look at how you'll get downtown. Leave a half-day or more for the Maroon Bells if they're part of your plans.
Aspen vacation rentals give your group a place to come back to between outings. As you compare homes, think about how much space you need and whether you'll bring a car. Amenities, parking, and pet policies vary, so check the individual listing before you book.
You don't have to ski to enjoy Aspen. Start with mountain views and a walk around downtown, then leave a little room for an easy outdoor stop. For scenery beyond town, put the Maroon Bells on your list and use the day-trip guidance below to plan your visit.
Aspen Mountain rises right above downtown, making it a natural starting point for a ski-focused trip. The terrain is best suited to intermediate and experienced skiers and riders, so consider everyone's ability before choosing it for your group.
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Not skiing? A seasonal sightseeing ride on the Silver Queen Gondola offers another way to experience Aspen Mountain. Take in the views on the way to the summit, and plan around the gondola's seasonal sightseeing schedule.
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Leave time to wander downtown rather than rushing straight from one activity to the next. Browse the shops, stop for a meal, and explore the pedestrian-friendly streets on foot. It's an easy way to spend part of the day when you want a break from mountain activities.
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For a quieter stop, head to the John Denver Sanctuary near the Roaring Fork River. Gardens, streams, and song lyrics etched into river boulders make it a pleasant place for a short walk or family picnic.
Downtown is a convenient place to grab a meal while you're out exploring. Try a bistro on East Hopkins Avenue or sit down to Mediterranean food on South Mill Street, then take a walk through town before heading back to your rental.
Bear Den is a downtown bistro and wine bar on East Hopkins Avenue. Keep it in mind when you're ready for a meal during a day of shopping and exploring.
On South Mill Street, The Wild Fig's Aspen restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes, including seafood and handmade pasta. It's another option for dinner downtown after a day outdoors.
Make the Maroon Bells your first consideration for a scenic outing beyond town. If you'd also like a little local history, Ashcroft Ghost Town offers a different kind of half-day trip.
Set aside time for the Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake south of Aspen. Allow a half-day for the journey and lakeside views, or a full day if you want to hike. Access changes with the season, and shuttle and vehicle reservations are required during the main visitor season. Plan this outing in advance rather than assuming you can drive to the lake whenever you like.
For an optional history stop, head up Castle Creek Road to Ashcroft Ghost Town. Explore historic buildings and interpretive signs in alpine meadows, with seasonal docents adding context to a self-guided visit. Allow a half-day, and remember that dogs aren't permitted in the ghost town.
