Visitor Center and Maps
by Sagespot
When you visit Aspen for the first time you'll want to stop by the Visitor Center on the corner of Rio Grand Pl. and North Mill. They will be able to provide you with directions and transportation tips for the entire city.
They will also give you a large yellow map of some of the more popular destinations....but through our trip we found the the "North Face" and the "Aspen Picture Maps" to be the best. If you see either one pick it up. It provides more detailed locations for parking and is easier to read while trying to navigate through the city if there is construction on the Western entrance. The gondola ride to the Roof of Aspen.
Aspen Beauty
by painterdave
"Special Place in Colorado"
Aspen has always been a special place in Colorado. It has tried to keep a quality image and not pursue the plasticity of a tourist trap. It has basically succeeded, but on the other hand, it is a place for mainly the well to do.
The surrounding mountain area of Aspen is well worth a visit, especially Maroon Bells. This place has been set aside, and its maintenance is paid for by a small entrance fee. Expect to stay a whole day and picnic. There is a great hiking trail and several lakes along the way.
In the other direction you can drive up to an old ghost town called Independence.
I have place photos of each below.
"Independence...ghost town"
On Independence Pass just out of Aspen you will find this old gold mining town. Most of the houses are gone now, but you can walk down to the few that are still here.
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Maroon Creek Road
Aspen
