Spectacular Colors, World-Class Festivals and Unlimited Outdoor Activities define Autumn in Aspen

ASPEN, Colo. (August 1, 2021) – Autumn is one of the finest times to experience the splendor of the mountains in Aspen, Colorado. As a world-class year-round destination, Aspen elevates fall beyond leaf-peeping with a variety of festivals, cultural events and outdoor activities that make it the ideal choice for a Rocky Mountain getaway.

Below are some exceptional ways to experience Aspen in all its vibrant autumn glory:

Arts & Culture Events: 

Culinary Aspen. Renowned culinary festival The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen returns from Sept. 10 - 12 moving from their traditional mid-June dates to fall. There are some exciting offerings expected to be announced soon in addition to the tastings, classes and presentations from renowned chefs. Passes went on sale in late April, and the festival is currently sold out. 

High Notes. JAS Aspen Labor Day Experience (Sept. 3 - 5) is one of the top Fall events in Aspen and the perfect way to officially end the summer. Back for its 30th Anniversary, the outdoor festival in Snowmass will feature the legendary Stevie Nicks, Aspen favorite Sheryl Crow, country star Eric Church, rock group Kings of Leon, and singer-songwriter Maren Morris. Most of the artists had previously committed to performing at the 2020 festival, which was postponed due to COVID19.

Literary Aspen. Aspen Words summer festival has moved to Sept. 26 – Oct. 1 for an in-person gathering. Recognized as one of the nation’s top literary gatherings, Autumn Words is a six-day celebration of words, stories, and ideas held annually in Aspen. Advanced workshops with renowned authors and teachers, meetings with literary agents, public panel discussions provide inspiration and insight for writers and readers alike. 

Outdoor Pursuits:

Aspen by Air. Fall colors will never look the same after paragliding over the town of Aspen. Aspen Paragliding tandem guides take guests to the top of Aspen Mountain to take flight and enjoy the adrenaline rush.  

On the River. Enjoy the autumn hues and views on the Roaring Fork and Colorado River with Aspen Kayak & SUP Academy. Aspen Kayak & SUP Academy offers guiding kayaking and stand up paddleboarding along with high level instruction in and around Aspen. For those looking for more of a thrill, whitewater rafting with Blazing Adventures or Elk Mountain Expeditions will get your heart pumping while enjoying the valley’s riverside beauty.

Climb a Peak. The spectacular gold hues of aspen trees in and surrounding the town are one of fall’s greatest draws. Favorite fall hikes in Aspen include Grizzly Peak, Cathedral Lake, American Lake, and the Hunter Creek Trail. For gear, maps and guides, visit the Ute Mountaineer or book a guided adventure with Aspen Alpine Guides or Aspen Expeditions.

On two wheels. Aspen is a biker's paradise and was recognized as a gold destination by the International Mountain Biking Association as some of the best in the world, to a variety of road biking, e-biking, and gravel biking options with breathtaking views like those offered by the Maroon Bells road, Castle Creek Road and Rio Grande trail. Some of Aspens’ top bike shops that offer rentals as well as guided rides are Aspen Velo Bike Shop, Aspen/Snowmass Four Mountain Sports, Hub of Aspen, and Ute City Cycles.

Sweat it out. The Labor Day Motherlode Volleyball Tournament is one of the oldest outdoor pro/am volleyball tournaments in the country and back to Aspen for its 48th year. Players come from across the country to play volleyball in Aspen's parks, competing for cash, prizes, and a chance to get their name on the courts at Koch Lumber Park.

Naturally Aspen. Visit Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) on the Hallam Lake Reserve. Take in the autumn hues while learning more about the native trees, birds, and animals that thrive in the high-alpine environment. ACES also hosts workshops, private guided hikes of the Hunter Creek Valley, and tours of Ashcroft and Independence ghost towns.

Golden Leaf Half Marathon. Named by Trail Runner as one of “America’s 14 most scenic races”, the Golden Leaf Half Marathon on Sept. 18 is a race like no other. It gains 970 feet in elevation on a narrow, winding single-track before peaking out at 9,400 feet above sea level.

Aspen Ruggerfest. Hard hitting rugby players square off each fall in Aspen competing in the annual Aspen Ruggerfest. The full-contact championship match features teams from around the country.  This year Aspen Ruggerfest celebrates its 53rd year with the competition set for Sept. 23-26.