(((Buyers Agents this site is available. Click for listing information.))) Aspen, Co has a population of approximately 6,000. Aspen is an affluent resort located on the Roaring Fork River in the Rocky Mountains. Aspen is named after the Aspen tree. Aspen was settled by prospectors in the 1880s. The WPA built a ski run in the 1930s, but the development of Aspen as a modern ski resort did not take place until after WWII. Worth magazine ranks Aspen as number 4 on the list of the 250 Richest Towns. Aspen received national attention for 1976 shooting death of champion skier Spider Sabich, by Claudine Longet, ex-wife of singer Andy Williams. Some interesting facts about Aspen:
Things to do in and around Aspen: The hiking trails in and around Aspen will give you a great workout, as well as a gorgeous view. The Maroon Bells (970-925-8484)is one of the most popular hikes. The area is known for its twin 14,000-foot peaks. Cathedral and American Lakes are classic hikes in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, which was one of five areas in Colorado designated wilderness in the original Wilderness Act of 1964. Both are only 13 miles from Aspen in the beautiful Ashcroft valley. Shuttle buses (970-925-3445)are available from the Aspen Highlands base area, or catch a city bus from the Ruby Park Bus Station in town and take it up to Highlands. Other hikes include Lost Man Loop, 18 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82, on Independence Pass. It has spectacular views of the Continental Divide. Hunter Creek is conveniently located in town. It’s a moderate hike with views of the Elk Mountain Range and town of Aspen. Biking is one of the most popular summer activities throughout Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. Aspen has mountain biking trails for all abilities, from paved paths to country dirt roads, to rugged single and double track trails. Hop on the Rio Grande bike path, which is a paved, two-mile trail that runs along the Roaring Fork River out of town. The Government Trail spans almost 10 miles from Aspen to Snowmass Village and is one of Aspen’s most popular mountain bike trails. Hit the trails on the mountain, and try to make it to the 11,212-foot summit of Aspen Mountain and catch a ride down on one of the trails. You also can transport your bike to the top on the Burlingame chairlift in Snowmass. Fly fishing is another active sport in the Aspen area. Sections of the Fryingpan, Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers are considered Gold Medal. Hire a guide to fish Drakes on the Fryingpan, or chase Cuts in the high country. They’ll help you master the waters. Guides offer half- and full-day wading trips on the Fryingpan and float trips on the Roaring Fork or Colorado Rivers. They also have custom, multi-day backcountry pack trips. White water rafting is popular throughout the region. The Colorado, Roaring Fork, and Arkansas Rivers offer everything from relaxing float trips to white water rapids. The area’s calmer waterways, such as South Canyon rapids, are suitable for families with children as young as six. Rafting companies offer full- and half-day trips, including all of the gear. Boat trips are led by guides while paddleboat trips require the passengers to paddle. The Mill Street Fountain is a “must-do” for everyone who visits Aspen, especially the kids. It’s one of the town’s main attractions. The fountain is at ground level, and it’s computer-driven. The jets squirt up out of the ground randomly and in a pattern that is constantly changing. Kids will make every attempt not to get wet, but they always do. The fountain is in front of the Wheeler Opera House. |