Local Guide (hidden gems + more)
Food scene
Local restaurant nestled in the heart of Woody Creek! This quirky restaurant is a fun hangout spot for locals, visitors and celebrities.
The Woody Creek Tavern retains a unique atmosphere reminiscent of old time Aspen. Plastered on the walls are newspapers, articles, and photographs so that you too can be a part of that history. If you are looking for a good time head down to the Tavern enthusiastically embrace the colorful history that has made it what it is today.
We recommend the burger but also love the nachos and appetizers!
41 locals recommend
Woody Creek Tavern
2858 Upper River RdLocal restaurant nestled in the heart of Woody Creek! This quirky restaurant is a fun hangout spot for locals, visitors and celebrities.
The Woody Creek Tavern retains a unique atmosphere reminiscent of old time Aspen. Plastered on the walls are newspapers, articles, and photographs so that you too can be a part of that history. If you are looking for a good time head down to the Tavern enthusiastically embrace the colorful history that has made it what it is today.
We recommend the burger but also love the nachos and appetizers!
In the Woody Creek Plaza there is a small store called the Aspen Outfitting Company. While most customers come to buy fly fishing and outdoor gear, we offer the local knowledge of fresh Colorado Doughnuts that they sell. If you go morning/midday they typically have a wide variety of doughnuts and coffee. We love to support this local business and the doughnuts are impeccable!
Woody Creek Plaza
Woody Creek PlazaIn the Woody Creek Plaza there is a small store called the Aspen Outfitting Company. While most customers come to buy fly fishing and outdoor gear, we offer the local knowledge of fresh Colorado Doughnuts that they sell. If you go morning/midday they typically have a wide variety of doughnuts and coffee. We love to support this local business and the doughnuts are impeccable!
City/town information
Right up the road from Woody Creek, Basalt offers an incredible array of outdoor activities for all seasons.
The Ruedi Reservoir provides the perfect setting for summertime watersports and fishing. While there is an abundance of camping, hiking, hunting, rafting, golfing, four-wheeling, horseback riding, don't forget about the downtown shopping district. Shopping options are plentiful, and there is no shortage of dining choices.
There is also a healthy dose of culture awaiting visitors, with numerous galleries and a live theater scene. During the summers, the town’s hosts a renowned summer concert series.
If you have any further questions about Basalt of want restaurant recommendations please reach out - we would love to share!
22 locals recommend
Basalt
Right up the road from Woody Creek, Basalt offers an incredible array of outdoor activities for all seasons.
The Ruedi Reservoir provides the perfect setting for summertime watersports and fishing. While there is an abundance of camping, hiking, hunting, rafting, golfing, four-wheeling, horseback riding, don't forget about the downtown shopping district. Shopping options are plentiful, and there is no shortage of dining choices.
There is also a healthy dose of culture awaiting visitors, with numerous galleries and a live theater scene. During the summers, the town’s hosts a renowned summer concert series.
If you have any further questions about Basalt of want restaurant recommendations please reach out - we would love to share!
Hidden Gems
Penny Hot Springs is a hidden natural wonder!
The Springs are naturally fed with hot mineral water and is free to use. It’s located on the Crystal River just past Carbondale.
The springs are surrounded by rugged snow capped peaks and breathtaking canyons. It makes for a rejuvenating experience after a long day enjoying the area’s recreation.
You can go during the summer, fall, and even winter. Small private pools exist but with lots of tourism, there may be crowds on the weekends.
41 locals recommend
Penny Hot Springs
Penny Hot Springs is a hidden natural wonder!
The Springs are naturally fed with hot mineral water and is free to use. It’s located on the Crystal River just past Carbondale.
The springs are surrounded by rugged snow capped peaks and breathtaking canyons. It makes for a rejuvenating experience after a long day enjoying the area’s recreation.
You can go during the summer, fall, and even winter. Small private pools exist but with lots of tourism, there may be crowds on the weekends.
The Grottos Trail in Aspen is a hiking path that travels past waterfalls, rapids, and grottos. During the winter, the pools inside the caverns freeze, covering them in ice. In the colder months, visiting this snow-covered path with family can be a lot of fun, as long as the weather isn’t too rough to cause a closure.
7 locals recommend
Grottos Trail
26692 CO-82The Grottos Trail in Aspen is a hiking path that travels past waterfalls, rapids, and grottos. During the winter, the pools inside the caverns freeze, covering them in ice. In the colder months, visiting this snow-covered path with family can be a lot of fun, as long as the weather isn’t too rough to cause a closure.
Sightseeing
World class skiing, views, and landmarks - Welcome to Aspen, Colorado! Hit paradise bakery for a stellar ice cream cone. If you are not planning on skiing, we advise you to go on the Gondola at least once to see what the mountain is all about. In downtown, there is no shortage of activities. However, if you are planning on dinner, please do make reservations as places tend to book up fast.
If you have any specific questions about Aspen we would love for you to reach out and we will be as helpful as possible!
44 locals recommend
Aspen
World class skiing, views, and landmarks - Welcome to Aspen, Colorado! Hit paradise bakery for a stellar ice cream cone. If you are not planning on skiing, we advise you to go on the Gondola at least once to see what the mountain is all about. In downtown, there is no shortage of activities. However, if you are planning on dinner, please do make reservations as places tend to book up fast.
If you have any specific questions about Aspen we would love for you to reach out and we will be as helpful as possible!
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Don't miss the Shrines on Aspen Mountain
Aspen Mountain is littered with shrines paying respect to legendary locals, remembering fallen friends, and iconic idols offering a glimpse into the storied history of Aspen, Colorado.
The many shrines on the Mountain are one of the best-kept secrets amongst locals. Far more than a plaque or a memorial, Aspen’s shrines are a mysterious and historical layer to skiing in Aspen that sit hidden from plain sight, tucked away in the trees, and kept secret— we will attach a link with more information below.
https://www.aspensnowmassshrines.com