Weekend in Aspen, Colorado
Aspen’s best kept secret…SPRING is one of the best times to visit! Why? Because the trees are blooming, it isn’t as busy, and lodging rates are lower. But make sure you bring your own coffee because some coffee shops are closed for the season or don’t open until 8 am…lesson learned!
Weekend road trip from Greeley, Colorado to Aspen, Colorado was full of hiking and relaxing! It was a 4 hour to drive from Greeley to Aspen and the drive was great…maybe because I was just taking in the amazing mountain views rocking the co-pilot vibes.
We left Greeley Friday afternoon and arrived at the Timberline Condominiums in Snowmass Village (small town right outside of Aspen). We stayed in a studio which had a small kitchen (stove, fridge, microwave). The condo was $297 for two nights.
For remote workers, there was a co-working space called Engaged Coworking within walking distance from the condo. It looked great!
After we checked into our condo, we went on a hike to get some movement in after the 4 hour car ride. We hiked the Spiral Point Via Rim Trail South which is a 2.7 mile out and back with elevation gain of around 500 feet. Elevation max was 9,203 feet and minimum was 8,613 feet. Total hiking time was one hour. It was a great hike, not to steep but got our hear rates up. Cool 360 view at the top!
After our hike we went to Clark’s Market to get groceries for the weekend. To save money and eat healthier we buy groceries for a few days. Clark’s had healthy options, it was more expensive than other grocery stores, but less than eating out. We spent $53 on groceries for two days.
After we made dinner, we relaxed and prepped for our Saturday adventure.
Saturday Adventures:
Saturday morning at 8 am we hiked the Lani White and Hunter Valley Loop Trail in Aspen. It was a 20 minute drive from our condo. The rushing river was gorgeous, the river is what made the hike cool. The weather was warm for spring, the snowmelt caused the rivers to be flowing!
The weather in Aspen was perfect for hiking. It was around 55 degrees, sunny with a little rain drizzle here and there.
Lani White and Hunter Valley Loop Trail was a 5.61 loop. It took us 2 hours and 29 minutes. Elevation gain was 1,180 feet lowest elevation was 7,875 feet and max was 8,988 feet. It is a moderate hike.
About half way up, make sure you stop at the Smuggler Mount Viewing Point, the view is beautiful!
We originally wanted to go to Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness but you have to get a pass and they were sold out. Plan ahead and check to see if the park requires a pass.
I use the app All Trails for trail navigation and finding trails to hike. The app has directions to the trailhead, navigation during your hike, and usually good information on current trail status and parking.
After our morning hike we went downtown Aspen, walked around, stopped for coffee at Gorsuch Ski Café, and lunch at Hickory House. They say they have the best ribs and steak in Colorado…I can’t say they were the best in Colorado but it was tasty. I had the Protein Power lunch which was a salad and probably a pound and a half of meat. It was a good healthy option that was enough meat for lunch and dinner!
After lunch we went on another hike…this was a hiking fail! But it was still a good hike. We tried to do the Ditch Trail, Government Trail, and Campground Connector, we got half way up and it said trail closed so we turned around and went back. The hike had a really steep incline that got our hearts pumping and didn’t seem to end. There was a little snow on the trail in a few spots. Even though we couldn’t finish the trail there were a few pretty views on the first half.
After hiking and walking around downtown Aspen it was time to relax and enjoy the hot tub at the condo!
We did get rained on a few times and one time small hail fell while we were hiking. It seemed to rain a little bit every day so be prepared for rain during spring!
Sunday Adventures:
Before we started our drive back to Greeley, we were in need of some coffee…remember I said Aspen’s best kept secret is spring is a great time to go visit? Well, it is, BUT make sure you bring your own coffee or wait until 8 am when some coffee shops open up. Since it is slow season some shops, restaurants, gas stations and coffee shops were closed or had limited hours for the season and opened up around June.
After we check a few coffee shops and a local gas station (which was closed on Sundays) we went back to Clarks and they had a coffee shop in the grocery store! The morning had been saved by Clarks…our road trip adventure could begin!
On our way back to Greeley, we stopped at a Colorado Rockies game. It was a great game, sunny day, and the first time I had been to a Rockies game. Also, LOVED that no-one was required to wear a mask at the game…that made life feel a little more normal since COVID started last March.
Aspen, CO Weekend Budget Breakdown:
Timberline Condo: $297 for two nights
Aspen food & coffee: $55
Groceries: $53
Gas: $70 from Greeley to Aspen and back
Rockies Game: $60
Lunch on road trip home: $20
Total: $555, per person $277.50
The weekend in Aspen was a great weekend road trip, I would love to go back! I am a fan of traveling in off season to save money and it is less crowded. AND who knew that spring is one of Aspen’s best kept secrets, take advantage of a little less busy and slower paced trip.
Find your financial freedom, and live your ADVENTURE friend!
Cheers,
Britni Jo