Pitkin County - 45 Attractions You Must Visit

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About Pitkin County

Pitkin County is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, just southwest of Aspen. The county is home to several ski resorts, as well as the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area. Tourism is a major industry in Pitkin County, and the area is popular for both winter and summer recreation. In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, while in the summer they can hike, fish, and camp. The county is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the

Types of Attractions in Pitkin County

Activities Around

List of Attractions in Pitkin County

Hagerman Peak

Hagerman Peak

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Hagerman Peak is the highest point in Pitkin County, with an elevation of 12,966 feet. The peak is located in the Sawatch Range, on the continental divide between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. Hagerman Peak is named for George Hagerman, who was the first person to survey the area. The peak is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are several trails leading to the summit, and a number of campsites are located nearby.

Holden Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum

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.

Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness

Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness

2-5 Day Treks

Forests

Wildlife Sanctuaries

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 Ghost Town

Independence Ghost Town

Old Ruins

Old Towns

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.

Independence Lake

Independence Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

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.

Independence Pass

Independence Pass

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Passes

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.

John Denver Sanctuary

John Denver Sanctuary

Monuments

Memorials

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.

Linkins Lake

Linkins Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

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.

Lost Man Lake

Lost Man Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Outdoors- Other

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.

Maroon Bells

Maroon Bells

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

The Maroon Bells are two of Colorado's fourteeners, peaks that rise more than 14,000 feet above sea level, located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen. The Bells are some of the most popular hiking destinations in Colorado, and theirreflective beauty has made them a favorite subject of photographers. The peaks get their name from the maroon-colored boulders that dot their slopes. These colorful rocks are actually sedimentary deposits that were formed millions of years ago.

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Forests

The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is a large wilderness area, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and bears. The wilderness is also home to a number of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the area's majestic mountains and forests. This is a popular destination for both day hikers and overnight backpackers. The wilderness also offers excellent fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Maroon Lake

Maroon Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

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.

McClure Pass

McClure Pass

Viewpoints

Mountain Passes

McClure Pass is located in the Elk Mountains of Colorado and is named after Colonel John McClure, who surveyed the area in 1879. The pass sits at an elevation of 8,755 feet and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter months. McClure Pass is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and eagles.

Mount Daly

Mount Daly

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Mount Daly is an imposing sight in Pitkin County, Colorado. It is the tallest mountain in the Elk Mountains, and its summit towers over 14,000 feet above sea level. The mountain is a popular destination for climbers and hikers, who come to enjoy the dramatic views and challenge themselves on the steep trails. However, Mount Daly is more than just a pretty face. The mountain is also home to a wealth of plant and animal life, including several rare and endangered species.

Mount Oklahoma

Mount Oklahoma

Viewpoints

2-5 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Mount Oklahoma is located in Pitkin County, Colorado. It is the highest peak in the Elk Mountains, and it has an elevation of 12,953 feet. The mountain is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and eagles. There are also several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Mount Oklahoma is a popular destination for climbers and hikers alike, and it is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Mount Sopris

Mount Sopris

Viewpoints

2-5 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Mount Sopris is a mountain in the western United States. The peak of the mountain is 12,965 feet (3,960 m) above sea level. Mount Sopris is notable for its two summits, East Summit and West Summit, which are separated by a saddle. The mountain is part of the Elk Mountains range and is situated between the towns of Aspen and Carbondale. Although it is one of the shorter mountains in the Elk Mountains range, Mount Sopris is still a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

North Star Nature Preserve

North Star Nature Preserve

Viewpoints

Outdoors- Other

1 Day Treks

Forests

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.

Pyramid Peak

Pyramid Peak

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

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.

Redstone Coke Oven Historic District

Redstone Coke Oven Historic District

Outdoors- Other

Old Ruins

This is the remains of a coal mining and coking operation that was active from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The coke ovens at the site were used to convert coal into coke, a form of fuel that was used for smelting and other industrial processes. It is significant for its association with the industrial development of the region and for its architectural and engineering features. The ovens at the site are well-preserved examples of this type of industrial structure.

Silver Queen Gondola

Silver Queen Gondola

Outdoors- Other

Cable Car Stations

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.

Map of attractions in Pitkin County

Comments

For more information about Pitkin County, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitkin_County,_Colorado