While less traveled, Castle Creek Road is filled with aspen groves and offers mountain beauty at every turn, making it one of the most scenic ways to explore Aspen. Follow this alpine road to experience a variety of unforgettable adventures along the way.
Ashcroft Ghost Town
Ashcroft Ghost Town is full of restored structures, artifacts, and signage that recounts Aspen’s rich history. From Ute hunting grounds to a silver mining hub to a world-renowned ski resort, Aspen's history is fascinating. Located 11 miles up Castle Creek Road, during summer, the Ghost Town sits in vibrant meadows scattered with wildflowers and is surrounded by striking mountain backdrops. Self-guided tours allow visitors to roam the historic area and admire the views at their own relaxed pace.
Catto Center at Toklat
Nestled in the serene Castle Creek Valley, the Catto Center at Toklat was originally the home of Stuart and Isabel Mace and has since been restored and reopened. Through the Aspen Center for Environment Studies (ACES), the Catto Center at Toklat focuses on ecological education, providing tours and workshops to visitors, in addition to residencies that invite scientists, artists, and writers to immerse themselves in nature. Besides offering programming, the center invites visitors to simply stop by, aiming to connect the community to the natural environment.
Bike
Hop on your bike and enjoy a ride along the picturesque Castle Creek Road. The steady incline makes the ride a rewarding one, but if you're looking for a leisurely road biking experience, rent an E bike at one of downtown Aspen’s many rental shops. Looking for an adrenaline rush? The Roaring Fork Valley is a designated IMBA Gold Level Ride Center, making it home to exceptional mountain biking terrain. The Castle Creek Valley is no exception- you'll find a range of exhilarating mountain biking trails.
Hike
Castle Creek Valley is home to some of Aspen’s best hiking trails, offering a diverse range of terrain for a variety of abilities. Many of these trails are impassable with snow and should be explored during the summer. American Lake and Cathedral Lake are rewarding climbs with paths that venture through pine forests and colorful meadows. While fairly difficult, the trails eventually reach pristine alpine lakes, making the trek worth it. Conundrum Hot Springs boasts panoramic mountain views and meanders through streams, meadows, and forests until it ends up at natural hot springs. The trail is popular among backpackers but requires a permit for an overnight adventure. Pearl Pass is a challenging, lengthy ascent that can be used to connect to the town of Crested Butte. If you’re looking for a mellow stroll or family-friendly outing, creekside trails near the Ashcroft Ghost Town are very gradual and offer equally spectacular mountain views.
Dine and Horseback Ride
After a morning or day packed with adventures, you’ll be ready to refuel! Pine Creek Cookhouse is located at the base of the Elk Mountains, making it a peaceful and scenic dining favorite. From wild game to fresh fish, delicious dishes are created with locally sourced ingredients, embracing our valley’s natural flavors and beauty. In addition to tasty meals, Pine Creek Cookhouse’s Ashcroft Touring and Adventures offers guided horseback riding tours, inviting guests to enjoy an exciting outdoor experience with a local expert.
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