20 Attractions to Explore Near Grottos Trail

This is a former mining town located in Pitkin County. Founded in 1879, the town was a thriving community for many years, with a population of over 1,000 people. However, the mines began to play out in the early 20th century, and by the 1950s the town was largely abandoned. Today, It is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture. Visitors can explore the town's old mining equipment, visit its museums, and hike or camp in the surrounding mountains.

Linkins Lake is a beautiful natural lake that offers plenty of opportunities for recreation. The lake is situated at an elevation of 9,400 feet, making it a great destination for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is also popular for fishing, canoeing, and picnicking. There are also several campsites located around the lake, making it a perfect place to enjoy a night under the stars. This is a truly special place and is well worth a visit if you find yourself in central Colorado.

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.

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.

The Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness is located in the White River and Gunnison National Forests in central Colorado. It encompasses over 485,000 acres and includes the Hunter Creek, Fryingpan River, and South Fork Eagle River drainages. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, bears, and cougars. There are also numerous hiking trails that wind through the wilderness, offering breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

Independence Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. The pass is located on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 12,095 feet, in the White River National Forest. It is the highest paved pass in the United States. The pass provides access to the towns of Aspen and Crested Butte, as well as the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area. Independence Pass is typically open from late May to early October, depending on weather conditions.

Independence Lake is a serene and beautiful spot located in Pitkin County. This natural lake is nestled in the mountains, and it is a perfect place to enjoy a day of fishing, hiking, or simply picnicking with friends or family. The lake itself is fairly small, but it is deep and clear, with plenty of fish to be caught. There are also several hiking trails nearby that offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery. In short, Independence Lake is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

A majestic mountain located in the Sawatch Range in United States.Twining Peak is a “named” thirteener and a fun hike that should be started early in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. It can be done as a loop as shown: blue being the uphill route and yellow is the descent, although you can also descend on the blue line but you’d need to re-summit Blarney Peak.

Lost Man Lake is a small alpine lake located in Pitkin County, Colorado. The lake is situated at an elevation of 11,760 feet, and is surrounded by mountains and forests. Lost Man Lake is a popular destination for hikers and campers, who come to enjoy the scenic views and the peaceful atmosphere. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and small mammals.Lost Man Lake is a beautiful and secluded spot that is well worth a visit.

Grizzly Peak is a popular mountain peak in Pitkin County, Colorado. The peak is located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area, and it offers stunning views of the Continental Divide. Grizzly Peak is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and it is also a popular spot for camping and backpacking. The peak is named for the grizzly bears that once inhabited the area, and there are still a few bears in the wilderness area today. v

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Garfield Peak is a high mountain summit of the Collegiate Peaks in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 13,787-foot thirteener is located 5.6 miles south-southwest of Independence Pass, Colorado, United States, on the Continental Divide separating San Isabel National Forest and Chaffee County from White River National Forest and Pitkin County.Garfield Peak was named in honor of James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States.

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.