After decades as Colorado Natives, the hubby and I finally made it up to Maroon Bells and WOW was it worth it.
Seeing the Aspens turn at Maroon Bells. WOW!
The drive up to the base camp is so pretty you don’t ever want to go over 25 mph because you have to pull over every mile or so to take yet another spectacular photo. We were lucky enough to see it at the absolute peak of the “Aspen turning” season and a few of the 200 photos I took are below for you to enjoy.
I’d suggest an entire weekend, use one of those find a bargain hotel website and see what you can do for lodging. Aspen itself is such a friendly, beautiful, healthy, visitor friendly place. Do visit their animal shelter, it is one of the nicest and best-run centers I’ve ever visited. Everything is about the pets. They even let you rent-a-dog for the day while you are there to both give you your dog fix if you are missing your own and to help them adopt out the dogs. It’s where we found my youngest and favorite furry child Dobby.
Restaurants in Aspen
I will take my moment to tell you one place to avoid like the plague!
DO NOT GO TO UTE CITY GRILL!!
We had the worst service, rudest waiter, longest wait for everything and could not believe a restaurant like this was still in business. Pathetic! If you look at the ratings for the place you’ll see either glowing or horrible. I suspect the glowing ones are friends of the owner/wait staff that perhaps get treated like one should when they are dining out. UPDATE! They’ve gone out of business.. not surprised!
I DO recommend “The Red Onion!”
After being disgusted with our time at Ute City Grill, we wandered over to the outdoor walking mall and met many friendly locals. When we mentioned that we really had been looking forward to getting to sit outdoors and sip on a glass of wine and soak in the mountain atmosphere this Aspen local suggested the “Onion” and assured us they would take care of us and that it was happy hour. Not only did they take care of us but we ended up meeting a wonderful couple at the “community table” and were treated like regulars even though we were only there for a couple of days.
We also highly recommend visiting the John Denver Memorial Park
The trees are truly spectacular and with the warm temperatures, you can’t find a better time to see this spectacular vista. It’s known as the most photographed spot in all of Colorado, and once you visit you’ll know why.
Anytime you head to the mountains be sure to take water, wear layers and slather up with sunscreen.
