How To Do Fall in Aspen
As Aspen quietly transitions from sun-soaked afternoons to quaint crisp fall mornings we welcome new visitors to MOLLIE Aspen to explore the many fall activities that help you embrace the cozy and calm season. Aspen’s beauty takes on a new form during the fall months as the Aspen groves turn into vivid golden forests. Discover ways to admire the change of colors in Aspen along with other fall activities at MOLLIE Aspen to truly embrace the season.
Leaf Peeping Hikes
Aspen is renowned for its outdoor activities in the summer months and continues to be an enjoyable place to explore the outdoors in the fall for one main reason: leaf peeping. Explore a variety of hikes that are sure to give you an expressly fall experience.
Length: 1.9 Mile (Loop)
Difficulty: Easy
For a pleasant and short hike, try this scenic loop that is both highly accessible and takes you to the most photographed mountains in Colorado. Take in the breathtaking views along with the changing leaves as you make your way around the Maroon Bells.
To ensure you make the most out of your Maroon Bells experience you must make a reservation for either parking or a shuttle into the Bells. Please visit here for further information about parking or shuttle options.
Length: 3.9 Miles (Out & Back)
Difficulty: Moderate
During the fall months, this hike is truly extraordinary with the entire 3.9-mile trail shaded by golden Aspen groves. This intermediate trail makes for a great family outing that is sure to create lasting memories surrounded by Colorado beauty.
Length: 6.8 Miles (Out & Back)
Difficulty: Hard
This trail climbs through glowing butterscotch Aspen groves, pine forests, and open meadows to a high mountain lake offering a great workout and beautiful views. Beginning hikers might find this hike a bit challenging depending on the conditions of the trail, but for experienced hikers this trip will likely take about three hours or so. If you are looking for a lighter hiking day, enjoy the first half of the trail which is amongst golden Aspen groves.
Scenic Fall Drives
Another way to immerse yourself in the fall colors is to explore the area in one of our Rivian vehicles, available for 2-hour test drive experiences during your stay. Uncover a different side of Aspen by driving to the surrounding areas within the valley and admire the fall colors along your route.
Castle Creek Road
Wind through in wonderment of the yellow, gold, orange, and red trees around you during this drive. This road ultimately leads to the ghost town of Ashcroft, a silver mining town founded in 1880 and features the remains of several historic buildings. Altogether, this drive makes for a perfect evening outing to celebrate the beauty of nature.
Highway 82 to Independence Pass
Take your day to new heights by driving to the top of Independence Pass, sitting at 12,095 feet above sea level. The drive to the top is surrounded by White River National Forrest and is sure to include fall colors along the way. On your way there are several spots to pull over to enjoy the scenery as well as at the top where there is a parking area and restrooms. As a bonus, just four miles from the top you can visit the ghost town of Independence where 1,500 brave souls lived during Colorado’s silver boom in the 1880s.
Events
While the Aspen Saturday Market is popular during the summer months, the tradition continues through the first week in October. Spend the first fall Saturday mornings at the Aspen Farmer’s Market. Locals have fueled this event since 1998 as a pleasant way to support the community by buying Colorado-grown produce and Colorado-produced artisan products.
Each fall, Aspen Filmfest attracts captivating and thought-provoking films from around the world. This year the festival celebrates its 45th anniversary of bringing together a community to enlighten, enrich, educate, and entertain through film.
MOLLIE Events
Game Nights
Get ready for evenings filled with laughter, strategy, and fun at MOLLIE Aspen with game nights every Monday during the Fall season. Dive into cozy nights of Mancala, Cards Against Humanity, Catan, Scrabble, and Chinese Checkers. Plus, attend five game nights, and you’ll be entered into a raffle for a luxurious MOLLIE stay-cation night. Let the games begin!
Cocktail Classes
Unleash your inner mixologist during October at MOLLIE Aspen! Our expert bartenders will guide you through the art of crafting classic cocktails. Whether you’re a seasoned shaker or a curious beginner, join in for a fun and interactive class.
Make sure to stay up to date on our local fall colors with the fall colors tracker.