MORNING the Maroon Bells Start Off Your Day with a Visit to One Of

MORNING

Start off your day with a visit to one of the most scenic destinations in the U.S. Just sixteen miles from

Snowmass, the Maroon Bells peaks cast their towering reflection into Maroon Lake. You'll want stroll around the lake with your camera and then check out the interpretive center. Consider bringing a picnic and heading out for a longer hike up to Crater Lake or beyond. Keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife, which are often sighted in the area. Road biking back down from the Bells is a popular way to end the experience.

Anderson Ranch Tour and Lunch

At Anderson Ranch, you'll find a heady mixture of history and art. Situated on a picturesque 4.5-acre campus, this internationally renowned arts center features state-of-the-art studios housed in the historic buildings of an original Snowmass ranch. Stroll the garden-lined paths between the studios, meet the resident artists at work, peruse the local exhibits and galleries, and imagine what life was like in Snowmass a century ago. When you're done, stop by the Ranch Cafe where artistry of an edible sort is prepared daily. On select Fridays throughout the summer, Anderson Ranch offers lunchtime

"Auctionettes" and the chance to bring home an original piece by a visiting artist.

Woody Creek Tavern Scenic Drive

The renowned Woody Creek Tavern is the perfect destination for a short scenic drive and a meal.

Located just seven miles down-valley from Snowmass, the tavern originally opened in the 1980s for the residents of Woody Creek like Hunter S. Thompson. Today this popular and funky restaurant serves everyone from bikers to celebrities. Explore the eclectic decor, which boasts a photo montage of diners, license plates, and original art. Between the eyeful and the plateful, you're guaranteed a great casual meal. Before heading home, drive up the dirt road to the old historic mining site of Lenado to get a feel for life in the valley a century ago.

Woody Creek Tavern Scenic Bike Ride

The renowned Woody Creek Tavern is the perfect destination for a short scenic bike ride and a meal.

Located just seven miles down-valley from Snowmass, the tavern originally opened in the 1980s for the residents of Woody Creek like Hunter S. Thompson and is accessible by the paved Rio Grande Trail.

Today this popular and funky restaurant serves everyone from bikers to celebrities. Explore the eclectic decor, which boasts a photo montage of diners, license plates, and original art. Between the eyeful and the plateful, you're guaranteed a great casual meal. Check the Roaring Fork Transit Authority bus schedule and you may be able to catch a bike bus back home.

Morning Road Bike Trip

In the Roaring Fork Valley, a vast network of paved trails and roads awaits the road biking enthusiast. If you've got a family and want to avoid traffic, the Rio Grande Trail is the ideal route. This scenic paved trail follows the gentle old railroad corridor and extends 80 miles from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. The

Roaring Fork Transit Authority bus system offers bike stops along the way to get you back home. If you're looking for a more serious workout, try the Owl Creek Road from Snowmass to Aspen or a ride up to the majestic Maroon Bells, where traffic is limited to mostly shuttle buses. Those seeking seeking a serious climb should head up Independence Pass which tops out at over 12,000 feet at the Continental

Divide. Local companies offer guided bike tours throughout the region as well. No matter which option you choose, you're assured of a beautiful morning with mountain scenery all along the route.

Mountain Biking The hardest part about mountain biking at Snowmass is choosing which trails to ride. Whether you crave the adrenaline rush of a downhill ride, the tricks and dirt shredding of a Gravity Logic freeride course, the fun of rolling cross country terrain, or a scenic pedal out amidst wildflowers, you've got a network of over 50 miles of trails from which to choose. Many trails are lift-served by the Elk Camp Gondola or you can head out on your own for some jaw-dropping vistas. If you need a refresher on the basics or want to improve your skill, Aspen/Snowmass bike clinics and a new beginner park are available as well.

Rock Climbing

Whether you're a never-ever or an expert, the rock climbing scene near Snowmass is pitch-perfect. A variety of local areas allow you to test your mettle against Rocky Mountain granite, and you can explore the options independently or with certified local guides who know the best routes by heart. In the

Roaring Fork Valley, favorite local destinations include sections along Independence Pass and the newly reopened Gold Butte climbing area above Aspen. Rifle Mountain Park, a renowned sport climbing area for advanced climbers, is a little over an hour away.

Snowmass Hike Beginner: The Ditch Trail

If you're just getting acclimated to the altitude and want to stretch your legs on a gentle trail, the Ditch

Trail offers the perfect combination of ease and mountain vistas. Paralleling an old irrigation ditch on the back side of Snowmass, the trail crosses meadows filled with wildflowers and takes you through serene aspen groves. Gorgeous views of Snowmass' Mt Daily line the route, and if you're feeling up to it, the trail connects to additional trails for a longer jaunt into the Snowmass Creek Valley.

Snowmass Hike Intermediate: The Rim Trail One of the locals' favorite trails, the Rim Trail provides an excellent workout with panoramic views of

Snowmass Village and the Elk Mountains as your reward. You'll start off with a steep climb to the top of a ridge that parallels the Snowmass ski area. The trail then follows the ridgeline for several miles before dropping down to the Brush Creek Road near the rodeo lot again. Be sure to pack snacks or a picnic for the top, where you'll find a 25-foot Yin/Yang marble platform on which to relax and stretch before continuing on.

Half Day Jeep Tour

If you want to access the back country by wheels that aren't human-powered, the mountains around

Snowmass are filled with 4-wheel drive and forest service roads to explore. Guided adventures head out for morning excursions to the top of Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Independence Pass, and more remote destinations like Taylor Pass. If you've got some 4-wheel drive experience under your belt, try renting a jeep and heading out on your own for a few hours. Favorite local drives include up to the

Ashcroft Ghost Town, across Aspen Mountain, and down past Woody Creek to the historic Lenado townsite.

Half Day Raft Trip

From roaring rapids to gentle floats, the region's waterways offer a variety of places to put in and get wet. If you're feeling adventurous, sign up for a trip to Class IV rapids on the Arkansas River over

Independence Pass or on the aptly named Slaughterhouse Falls on the upper stretch of the Roaring Fork

River. Float trips on milder stretches of the Roaring Fork and the nearby Colorado River take you through lazy, winding sections with spectacular canyon views and the chance for wildlife sightings. If you're interested in fly fishing, a float trip down one of the nearby Gold Medal rivers offers the ideal way to spend a part of your day.

Half Day Horseback Ride

Saddle up and head into them thar hills for a taste of what mountain travel used to entail. Many guided trail ride options are available. No matter your skill level, you'll get to journey through pristine forests and across meadows stirrups-deep with wildflowers, while taking in gorgeous views of the surrounding

Elk mountains. Knowledgeable local cowboys lead the way, sharing stories of the mining, ranching, and natural history of the region.

Half Day Kayak, Ducky, or SUP trip

If you're seeking to captain your own ship on the local rivers, kayaks, duckies, or stand up paddle boarding (SUP) are the way to go. Sign on with a local outfitter for a half-day tour or rent the gear from local shops and head out on your own. In addition to the nearby Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers where tours are run, the Northstar Nature Preserve above Aspen offers a beautiful, winding waterway for smaller craft. In Glenwood Springs (40 minutes away), a whitewater park provides the chance to ride large standing waves as well.

AFTERNOON

Shopping in Aspen

Whatever your retail pleasure, you're sure to find it in Aspen, which offers a heady combination of high fashion retail, casual flair, outdoorsman goods, and everything in between. On Saturdays in the summer, you can stroll Aspen's Saturday Market, picking up fresh local produce and artisan crafts. You can easily while away an afternoon strolling the tree-lined pedestrian mall, where Aspen Music Festival students often serenade shoppers with impromptu concerts. Stores in Aspen boast everything from art galleries and books to designers like Prada and Christian Dior to antiques and custom crafts. A few favorite stops include Carl's Pharmacy, Explore Booksellers, Boogie's, Pitkin County Dry Goods, and Ute Mountaineer.

Shopping & Exploring Snowmass

Retail therapy is the best way to spend a few extra hours, and Snowmass offers several different locations to explore for that perfect vacation memento or splurge. Stroll along the Snowmass Village

Mall and you'll find everything from sporting goods & apparel shops to chocolates and picnic supplies. At the end of the mall, try your hand at Snowmass' slopeside bowling alley or learn about Snowmass' amazing recent fossil discoveries at the Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Center. Take the gondola down to

Base Village where more shopping awaits, while across the street in the Snowmass Center you can pick up grocery items and custom gifts. Every Sunday Snowmass features a farmer's market in Base Village where you can pick up fresh produce, specialty items, and artisan gifts. Whether you're exploring on foot or riding the free Snowmass shuttle around town, you're sure to find whatever necessities, gifts, or indulgences that you're looking for.

Golf

Snowmass is ideally situated if you're looking to explore the challenging world of high-altitude golf. In

Snowmass, a traditional championship Irish links course designed by award-winning architect Jim Engh twists and turns around the landscape, boasting sculpted fairways, demanding greens, and bunkers that are downright frightening. After you've hung up the clubs, stop by the Snowmass Club restaurant to soak in the magnificent views of Mt. Daly and the Snowmass valley. In Aspen, you can try out the Aspen

Golf Club, which was rated the best municipal golf course in Colorado three years in a row. Further afield even more courses await. Basalt is home to the Roaring Fork Club, while Carbondale's scenic River Valley

Ranch offers 18 holes as well.

Disc Golf

If a game of traditional golf seems a little tame, Snowmass offers a more rugged option: disc golf. Head up the mountain to test your aim against two 18-hole courses that meander through meadows, into the woods, across gullies, and all over the mountain terrain. Snowmass' disc golf courses are some of the highest in the nation and boast plenty of elevation gain between the top of the Elk Camp Gondola and

Base Village. You're ensured a great workout, big mountain views, and a fun, challenging way to spend the afternoon.

Independence Pass

This winding, narrow road weaves up from Aspen to the top of the Continental Divide and is considered one of the most scenic drives in Colorado. In addition to the interpretive trail and look-out at the top of the pass, you can linger over a variety of stops along the way, including the ice caves and waterfalls at

The Grottos, the Devil's Punchbowl, and the historic ghost town of Independence. The pass area is known for its rock climbing hot spots and also a variety of day hike options. The six-mile round-trip

Difficult Creek Trail leads hikers to the remains of four old cabins, while the Lost Man Trail heads to several small lakes and tops out at Lost Man pass. Whether you spend a few hours or a full day exploring the area, Independence Pass is well worth the visit.

Ice Age Discovery Center & Walk

In 2010 one of the most exciting fossil discoveries in Colorado was made right here in Snowmass. You can learn about this fascinating story with a stop at the free Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Center at the end of the Snowmass Village Mall. The center offers interactive displays including mammoth and mastodon fossils, videos, and an on-site specialist from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science who can talk about the 41 different kinds of Ice Age animals found while preparing fossils from the dig. After your visit, head out for a 2-hour hike along a trail adjacent to the discovery site with a trained naturalist who shares stories from the dig along with interesting facts about the natural history of the area.

Rejuvenate & Relax

Whether you're pampering the mind, body, or spirit, Snowmass offers plenty of ways to relax and rejuvenate in luxurious surroundings. After a morning out & about, head to one of Snowmass' several spas to relax, including the 7,000-foot spa at the Viceroy, the Snowmass Club Spa, or the Westin

Snowmass Spa, where you can choose from dozens of treatments to help you unwind and relax. Looking for something a little different? Try one of the unique high altitude treatments on offer. If you'd rather find a place to soak away the hours, stop by Snowmass' unique saltwater pools at the Snowmass

Recreation Center. No matter which treatment you choose, the stunning mountain views in every direction are sure to help invigorate and refresh you.

Fly fishing

Some of the best fly fishing in Colorado is right here in the Roaring Fork Valley. Whether you're a pro or a novice, you'll be able to find a tranquil stretch of river to cast that line. From Snowmass, head up- valley to the headwaters of the Colorado River or down-valley to sample stretches of the Roaring Fork,

Frying Pan and Crystal rivers, all of which have had sections designated as Gold Medal Waters. The high country's many lakes and streams offer another type of angling adventure. Knowledgeable local outfitters can take the guesswork out of the equation with guided float or day trips, gear rental, and advice on what's hatching to ensure you've got the best chance of landing your dream trout.

Ashcroft Ghost Town Drive For a true taste of the mining west, there's no better place to start than at the ghost town of Ashcroft. In

1883, Ashcroft was home to 2,000 residents and boasted two newspapers, a sawmill, a school, and 20 saloons. Only two years later, the population had dwindled to 100 seasonal residents. Situated fifteen miles from Snowmass and high up the pristine Castle River Valley, Ashcroft's remaining buildings bear witness to the cycle of boom-and-bust mining towns. Stroll down the old main street, peer through the windows of cabins, explore the shell of an old two-story hotel, and learn all about the town's history on this self guided interpretive tour. If you're so inclined, continue further up the road for lunch at the Pine

Creek Cookhouse, which offers a gourmet menu and spectacular views of the surrounding Elk

Mountains.

Elk Camp Gondola Ride

The top of the world is just a short ride away when you head up Snowmass' Elk Camp Gondola, where a mountain playground of adventure awaits. From here, you can continue higher on the Elk Camp chairlift to top out at 11,325 feet in elevation. Bring a picnic, soak in the panoramic views of the Elk Mountains, or hike back down on one of the many trails to the Elk Camp restaurant to sample a menu that features fresh rotisserie, pizza, and baked goods. Afterwards, you can head out to explore activities that range from a eurobungy and climbing wall to disc golf. Paintball, mountainboarding, and hiking and guided naturalist walks all take place nearby, while the Bike Snowmass area offers a shredder's dream of downhill and freeride trails. From extreme rides to pristine mountain hikes, you'll find the perfect afternoon adventure at the of the gondola.

EVENING

Thursday Night Concerts Pack up your beach blanket, a picnic, and your dancing shoes for this beloved Thursday evening tradition that draws crowds by the thousands to Fanny Hill. You'll love the mountain music vibe as acclaimed national acts rock the Snowmass Summer of Free Music Series stage. Kids can be set free in the Kid

Zone, which is filled with activities like a bouncy house, face painting and hoola hooping, while adults can kick back and watch the sun set to the sweet tunes of rock, bluegrass, funk, R&B or Zydeco.

Backcountry Sunset Dinner

With their big mountain sunsets and brilliant starry skies, evenings in the west are worth celebrating.

There's no better place to do it than in the backcountry. After riding a jeep up to the historic Burlingame

Cabin on Snowmass Mountain and into the surrounding forests for a jeep tour at dusk, you'll be treated to a delicious dinner hot off the grill. As the sun sets, you can cozy up around a campfire, listen to live music and cowboy tales, and make S'mores under the night sky. It's the perfect way to end a Colorado day.

Nightlife in Aspen/Snowmass

In the olden days mining towns boasted more saloons than any other kind of business. Little has changed in Aspen/Snowmass. You could head out for a week's worth of evenings on the town and still only scratch the surface. In Snowmass, restaurants and bars line the slopes within easy walking distance from lodging. In Aspen, the after-hours scene ranges from music venues featuring national touring bands to cozy bars serving craft cocktails to scene-and-be-seen watering holes. Whether you head out & about in Snowmass or to downtown Aspen, free shuttles and buses make returning home a breeze.

The Snowmass Rodeo For a true taste of the Colorado West, head to the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday nights. The oldest continuously running rodeo in Colorado offers thrills and fun for the whole family. The evening kicks off with a Western-style barbecue and ends with a campfire sing-a-long and a marshmallow roast under the stars. In between, thrilling competitions like saddle bronc and bull riding and technical horsemanship events such as team roping and barrel racing will keep you on the edge of your seat. Children can try their hands at activities like mutton busting and the popular calf scramble. The Snowmass Rodeo is the perfect way to spend a Colorado evening and see Snowmass' ranching heritage in full swing.

Valhalla Nights

In Norse mythology, Valhalla is the majestic hall of the god Odin. At Snowmass, Valhalla Nights introduce you to a different kind of majestic hall with the entire night sky as the ceiling. On scheduled Fridays and

Tuesdays throughout the summer, you can ride the scenic gondola up to Elk Camp. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. At the top, you can pick from a variety of activities ranging from hiking and biking the local trails at twilight to lawn games. When you're appetite overwhelms, a delicious outdoor barbecue dinner awaits. Finish off the evening with live music, a bonfire, and S'mores.

Dining in Snowmass

The perfect plate is only steps away when you head out for a meal in Snowmass. With over 30 restaurants centrally located around the lodging and a free shuttle service throughout the village, you can be seated and checking out the menu within minutes of leaving your accommodations. Flavors run the international gamut from European to Pan-Asian with ambiances to match any taste. Whether you're looking for a culinary experience with locally sourced ingredients, pizza and take-out for the kids, a western barbecue, a romantic evening, or a late-night bite at a local bar, you'll find it with ease in

Snowmass.

Dining in Aspen

Aspen is indisputably a foodie's paradise with over 80 restaurants within its borders. From haute cuisine to hamburgers and chic casual eateries to old world charm, any craving or desire can be fulfilled. Aspen's downtown district is easily accessible either by car or by the free RFTA buses. Once there, you can stroll down Hopkins Avenue, better known as Restaurant Row, to check out many of the options. Feeling overwhelmed? Relax and people-watch with a cocktail in one of the outdoor lounge areas before choosing your flavor or theme for the night.

Aspen Culture

A major metropolitan area would be hard pressed to offer as many world-class cultural events as Aspen.

From ballet to art exhibits to theatre, most evenings offer multiple options to choose from. Hundreds of classical musical performances take place each summer from the Aspen Music Festival & School. Buy tickets and sit closer to the action or bring a picnic blanket and listen for free outside. Jazz Aspen

Snowmass brings top national jazz acts to town year-round for both weekend festivals and intimate café performances. On the stage, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and Theatre Aspen offer high caliber and intimate productions. The historic Wheeler Opera House and Belly Up host everything from nationally renowned musicians to acclaimed film festivals, while the Aspen Institute lures top authors and visionaries to town for lectures. With its new 30,000-square-foot home, the Aspen Art Museum is a must-see, along with the dozens of galleries in the downtown core. Exploring the culture scene of Aspen has always been less about what's available than about what you'd like to see.

FULL DAY ADVENTURES Family Fun

Snowmass has always been synonymous with family fun. Start your day with a visit to the Snowmass Ice

Age Discovery Center, where kids can get hands-on with some of the fossils found right here in

Snowmass. A walking tour with a naturalist up to the site of the discovery can follow or you can meander along the educational Nature Trail and learn about local flora and fauna. Be sure to pick up a trail map!

In the afternoon, the kids will revel in a gondola and chairlift ride that top out at over 11,000 feet in elevation. You could spend an entire afternoon exploring the top of the gondola area, which includes a climbing wall and Eurobungy. Have older kids? Try a game of paintball or head out on the disc golf and downhill biking trails. Younger kids can explore the new beginner's bike park. Finish off the afternoon at the Snowmass Village Recreation Center, where your kids can explore the skateboard park, indoor bouldering, or the water features at the center's unique saline pools.

In the evenings, a variety of activities await. Head back to the Snowmass Village Mall for some slope-side bowling and campfire sing-alongs. For weekly events, check out the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesdays, the Fanny Hill concert scene with a kids' zone on Thursdays, or Valhalla Nights at the top of the Gondola on select Tuesdays and Fridays.

Additional day camps at the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center plus activities like rafting, horseback riding, and jeeping ensure the perfect family-friendly vacation for all.

Hike a Fourteener Day Trip The White River National Forest surrounding Snowmass is home to 6 of Colorado's "fourteeners" or peaks over 14,000-feet in elevation. From an easy day-hike stroll up Mt. Elbert to "bag" your first fourteener to an intermediate technical ascent up Pyramid Peak to the challenging expert alpine terrain of Capitol Peak, the West Elk Range offers a climb for every level of skill.

Signing up with a professional local outfitter is recommended for the more technical day-long and overnight hikes, although with know-how and advice from local shops, you can set out on your own as well. If bagging an official fourteener isn't a priority, you'll find countless other peaks to explore in the region. The nearby Mt. Sopris at over 12,000-feet is a local's favorite and offers an excellent opportunity to experience the exhilaration and satisfaction of reaching the summit paired with spectacular panoramic views of the region below.

Horseback Ride Day Trip

You'll get a real taste for the wild west when you head out on horseback with experienced cowboys to explore the mountains for a day. Winding up through majestic aspen groves to reach scenic stopping points, the horse trails around Snowmass also include river crossings, and some even climb up to

11,000-feet! You can custom design your trip to include picnics, meals, and stops along the way to try your hand at fly fishing in the local streams and beaver ponds. All you have to do is ride and snap pictures. The cowboys will take care of the rest.

Rafting Day Trip

In the heart of a Colorado summer, there's no better way to spend a hot summer day than on a river rafting trip. Pick your level of adventure and head out to renowned rafting destinations like Brown's

Canyon on the Arkansas river, which features exceptional canyon scenery and Class III and IV rapids. Closer to home, the Shoshone in the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River offer challenge and sweet floats as well. All you have to do is paddle and enjoy the view, and your guides will take care of the rest.

4-Wheeler Day Trips

One of the best ways to explore the back country in comfort for a day is by renting your own 4-wheel drive vehicle. Remote destinations abound for the experienced driver. Pack a picnic lunch in Snowmass, then head out to places such as the Crystal Mill, a gorgeous historic building perched on a cliff high above the Crystal River.

On the way, you can explore the old Crystal City town site and historic towns like Marble, where the marble for many of the country's monuments was quarried, and Redstone, which is an art and antique haven that's home to a spectacular turn-of-the-last century castle open for tours.

Looking for a place to pause and relax? Stop at the Penny Hot Springs, a secret local's spot on the way.

Other jeep day trips can take you to the top of Aspen Mountain and Taylor Pass or over to Leadville and

Turquoise Lake by Hagerman Pass. Guided jeep tours are available from local outfitters as well. No matter which road you chose, the high country scenery promises spectacular vistas, exciting terrain, and plenty of places to stop for photographs along the way.

Glenwood Hot Springs, Caverns & adventure Park

Just 40 minutes from Snowmass, Glenwood Springs offers a full day of adventure and relaxation. Start off at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, where you can ride a gondola up to tour the remarkable natural fairy caves and then get your thrill on with rides like a giant swing out over the canyon and the cliffhanger roller coaster.

When you're ready to relax, head back down the mountain to either the Glenwood Hot Springs or the

Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves. At the hot springs, you'll find the largest manmade hot springs in the world with over 15 minerals in the water to soothe and restore you. The historic facility, originally built in 1888 also has a full spa and fitness center. The vapor caves have been in use since the Ute Indians populated the area before 1860. Today these natural underground hot mineral steam baths flow through the cave floor and into three adjoining underground chambers to melt stress and tension away. Finish up your day with a stroll across the river and up Glenwood Spring's main street, where quaint shops and dining establishments are all within walking distance.

Paonia Day Trip

Just over the mountains from Snowmass lies a locavore and foodie playground. Paonia, Colorado, makes for a great day drive destination with its vibrant local food culture. The scenery along the way is is well worth the drive. You'll pass through the historic towns of Carbondale and Redstone before topping out over McClure Pass with spectacular views of the Crystal River and North Fork valleys.

On the other side of the pass, mountains give way to fertile farmlands. Stop at any or all of the local farm stands along the road to pick up fresh organic produce, breads, cheeses and local crafts. At some stands, you can sample local ale and wine or pick your own cherries, peaches and apples. For those interested in viniculture, nearly a dozen wineries dot the landscape, offering tastings and tours. On

Friday evenings for dinner or Sundays for brunch, stop by the Fresh & Wyld homestead to partake in gourmet, locally sources meals from their gardens. On your way home, make a stop in Redstone at the

Redstone General Store for a scoop of ice cream and a quick exploration of the vibrant arts & antique scene before heading home to Snowmass.

Snowmass Hike Full Day: The Government Trail

With 2.3 million acres of national forest surrounding Snowmass, the wilderness is just footsteps from your lodging. When you choose the Government Trail for a full day hike, it's the best of both worlds: the chance to explore deep into that wilderness with the reward at the end of the day being your arrival in

Aspen! The Government Trail winds almost ten miles through aspen and lodgepole pine forests and through meadows filled with wildflowers where you may spy wildlife ranging from deer and elk to fox, smaller critters and birds. With about 1,500 feet in elevation gain, the trail crosses from Snowmass past

Buttermilk into Aspen, where you can rest your weary feet at one of Aspen's countless watering holes.

Free RFTA buses return you back home to Snowmass at the end of an exceptional hiking day.

Rock Climbing in Rifle

A little over an hour from Snowmass lies one of America's premier sport climbing areas. Rifle Mountain

Park offers possibly the largest concentration of easily accessible challenging routes (think 5.13s and higher) in the United States. Over 18 climbing sections, each with multiple routes, are available on limestone caves and walls throughout this riparian canyon. Along the way, you can stop off at the Rifle

Falls State Park to visit the unusual lush falls, check out a local state fishery, or grab a bite to eat and a hot soak in Glenwood Springs on the way home.

Full Day Bike Trip Head out to explore the Roaring Fork Valley for the day by bike! From Snowmass, you can ride down the now paved original railroad corridor, making stops all along the way. In Basalt, check out the quaint historic main street shopping district or ride a little ways up the scenic Frying Pan River. Past Basalt, you can stop at Rock Bottom Ranch, a midvalley hub for environmental education. Tour the farmyard, gardens and wetlands. Further down the trail, keep an eye out for wildlife. Elk, mule deer, herons, eagles, and coyotes are often spotted around the trail. In Carbondale, you can peruse the picturesque main street in the shadow of Mount Sopris, stop for a meal at one of Carbondale's renowned restaurants, or head over to Sustainable Settings to check out local produce and pick out your dinner.

The best part? You don't have to bike home. RFTA offers special bike buses to return you back to

Snowmass.

OVERNIGHT TRIPS

Horseback Ride Overnight Trip

Overnight pack trips take you deep into the heart of the Elk Mountains. You'll ride through pristine high country landscape with magnificent views of lakes, mountain passes, meadows filled with wildflowers, and lush alpine basins. When you finally reach camp at the end of the day, you don't have to worry about setting up a tent! Relax, fish, or play horseshoes while the cowboys prepare all meals and handle the cozy accommodations. Your gourmet dinner is followed by a campfire and S'mores under a sky simply brilliant with stars. Kick back and enjoy this peaceful evening deep in the heart of the Rocky

Mountains before heading home to Snowmass the next day.

Blazing Adventures Rafting Trip Called them and they didn't have an overnight trip option. Other options?