20 Attractions to Explore Near Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

Aspen Chapel is a beautiful building located in Pitkin County. The building was designed by renowned architect, Charles Elliot Saltzman and completed in 1981. The chapel is built out of concrete, stone, and glass, with a large skylight that allows natural light to fill the space. The building is set amidst stunning natural scenery, and features a large pond and a variety of trees and plants. Inside, the chapel seats up to 120 people and features stained glass windows, a marble altar.

The Holden Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum in Pitkin County, Colorado is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the American West. The museum tells the story of the region's mining and ranching heritage through a series of interactive exhibits. Visitors can pan for gold, ride a mechanical bull, and even participate in a cattle drive. There is also a replica of an old-time general store and a blacksmith shop.

Aspen Mountain is a towering mountain peak in Pitkin County, Colorado. The mountain is popular with climbers and hikers, who come to scale its heights and take in the stunning panoramic views. The mountain is also home to a ski resort, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Aspen Mountain provides a challenging climb, but the rewards are well worth it. The views from the summit are truly breathtaking, and the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.

Aspen Mountain Ski Area is located in Pitkin County, Colorado. The resort opened in 1947 and today covers 673 acres. Aspen Mountain offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with 37% of the trails rated beginner, 32% intermediate, and 31% advanced/expert. In addition to the downhill skiing and snowboarding, Aspen Mountain also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice skating.

Buttermilk Ski Resort is located, just outside the town of Aspen. It is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and beginner-friendly terrain. However, the resort also offers a variety of challenging trails for more advanced skiers. Buttermilk Ski Resort first opened in 1958 and has been owned by the Aspen Skiing Company. The resort is home to three lifts, including a high-speed quad chairlift, and offers a variety of amenities, such as ski and snowboard rentals, lessons, and child care.

The Wheeler–Stallard Museum in Aspen, Colorado is a museum dedicated to the history of the American West. The museum was founded in 1977 by brothers John and Malcolm Wheeler, and houses a collection of artifacts and artworks relating to the subject. The museum is located in the former Wheeler Opera House, which was built in 1889. The building itself is a landmark, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.

The Silver Queen Gondola is a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike. Sitting at an elevation of 11,212 feet, the gondola provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The gondola cars are large and comfortable, and the ride is smooth and relaxing. Visitors can choose to disembark at the top of Ajax Peak or at the Mid-Mountain Lodge, where they can enjoy a meal or a drink before heading back down.

Aspen Art Museum is a must-see for art lovers visiting Pitkin County, Colorado. The museum features a variety of contemporary artworks, with something to appeal to everyone. The museum also has a commitment to education, with a range of programs and events that help to connect the community with the arts. With its stunning setting and rich program, Aspen Art Museum is an essential destination for anyone interested in contemporary art.

The John Denver Sanctuary is located in Pitkin County, near the town of Aspen. The sanctuary is a memorial to singer and songwriter John Denver, who died in a plane crash in 1997. The sanctuary is situated on a hillside overlooking the Rocky Mountains, and it consists of a grove of aspen trees and a granite monument inscribed with some of Denver's most famous lyrics. The sanctuary is open to the public year-round, and it is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, and birdwatching.

Aspen Skiing Company is the largest ski resort operator in the United States, with a total of four ski areas in Colorado: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Highlands. The company was founded in 1946 by Walter Paepcke, and its first ski area, Aspen Mountain, opened in 1947. Today, Aspen Skiing Company employs over 3,000 people and welcomes over 1 million visitors each year. Located in Pitkin County, Colorado, the company is a major contributor to the county's economy.

The Smuggler Mine is a historic silver mine that was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Smuggler Mine is significant for its high-grade silver ore, which was some of the richest ore ever found in Colorado. The mine operated from 1879 to 1893, and produced over $20 million worth of silver during that time. The Smuggler Mine is now a popular tourist destination, and visitors can tour the old mine workings and see the equipment that was used to extract the silver.

Smuggler Mountain Road is a winding, mountainous road located in Pitkin County. The road is popular with tourists and locals alike, as it offers stunning views of the valley below. However, the road can be treacherous during winter weather, and it is not recommended for inexperienced drivers. The road is also home to a number of businesses, including a restaurant, a gas station, and a small grocery store. Despite its challenges, Smuggler Mountain Road is a beautiful and enjoyable drive.

North Star Nature Preserve is a beautiful piece of land located in Pitkin County, Colorado. The preserve is home to a variety of different plant and animals species, and it provides a great opportunity for people to experience nature up close. The preserve is also a great place for hiking, fishing, and camping. There are several different trails that wind through the preserve, and each one offers its own unique views of the surrounding area.

Conundrum Trailhead is located in the White River National Forest in Pitkin County. The trailhead is accessible from both the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and the adjoining Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness. The Conundrum Trailhead is a popular starting point for backpacking and hiking trips into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. There are several trails in the area, ranging from easy to difficult. The Conundrum Hot Springs trail is a popular destination for backpackers.

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort is located in Pitkin County. The resort consists of four ski areas: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. Snowmass is the largest of the four areas, with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort receives an average of 300 inches of snow each year. Aspen Mountain is the oldest ski area in the United States, and was founded in 1946. The mountain has a vertical drop of 3,267 feet and offers a variety of trails for all levels of skiers.

Maroon Lake is a stunning alpine lake, Surrounded by soaring peaks, the lake is well-known for its dramatic scenery and is a popular destination for hikers and photographers. The Maroon Bells, two 14,000-foot peaks that reflect in the lake's waters, are especially popular. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking on the clear waters of the lake. While there are no developed campgrounds at Maroon Lake, visitors can find primitive camping sites along the shoreline.

Pitkin County is home to a number of natural wonders, but none is more impressive than Crater Lake. The lake is located in a former volcanic crater and is one of the deepest lakes in the United States. It is also one of the most pristine, as it is fed entirely by rain and snowmelt. The blue-green waters of the lake are incredibly clear, and visitors can often see fish swimming in the depths. The shores of the lake are lined with forests of evergreen trees, creating a picturesque setting.

Pyramid Peak is one of the tallest mountains in the Pitkin County region of Colorado. Standing at an impressive 14,018 feet, it is no wonder that this peak is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and the climb to the top is both challenging and rewarding. However, Pyramid Peak is not without its dangers. The mountain is notorious for its unpredictable weather, and strong winds can make the ascent quite treacherous.

Ashcroft was once a booming town in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, but today it is a ghost town. Founded in 1880, Ashcroft was a silver-mining town located in what is now Pitkin County, Colorado. At its peak, the town had a population of over 2,000 people. However, the silver mines began to play out in the early 1900s, and as the population dwindled, so did the businesses and services in town. The last residents left Ashcroft in the 1950s, and today only a few buildings remain standing.