Aspen Self-Guided Tour: Tales of Wealth, Wildness and Rebellion

About this activity

Aspen is a town where the mountains are steep, the parties are legendary, and the truth is often stranger than fiction. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover the rebellious spirit and untold stories behind Aspen’s glittering facade, from counterculture movements to celebrity hideaways.

This 60-minute tour starts at the historic Old Armory, once Aspen’s City Hall. You’ll explore the former headquarters of Hunter S. Thompson’s outrageous campaign for sheriff, where the father of gonzo journalism hoped to disarm police and rename Aspen “Fat City” to deter investors. You’ll weave downtown, past designer boutiques housed in Victorian-era buildings, and along peaceful trails with natural beauty that’s drawn both celebrities and free spirits for decades.

The tour ends at the peaceful John Denver Sanctuary, across the Ron Krajian Bridge and tucked along the banks of the Roaring Fork River, where the beloved singer-songwriter found inspiration for his most iconic songs.

Itinerary

1. Aspen Art Museum · pass by

   You’ll pass by the Aspen Art Museum, known for its contemporary art exhibitions and striking architecture, but please note that admission to the museum is not included in this tour.

2. The Little Nell Wine Cellar · pass by

   You’ll pass by The Little Nell, a renowned luxury hotel at the base of Aspen Mountain, but please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

3. Silver Queen Gondola · pass by

   You’ll pass by the Silver Queen Gondola, offering scenic rides to the top of Aspen Mountain, but please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

4. Aspen Fine Art Gallery · pass by

   You’ll pass by the Christopher Martin Gallery, known for its contemporary reverse glass paintings, but please note that admission to the gallery is not included in this tour.

5. Stop 5 · pass by

   You’ll pass by Paepcke Park, a peaceful green space with mountain views and public art, but please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

6. Stop 6 · pass by

   You’ll cross the Ron Krajian Bridge, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and Roaring Fork River, but please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

7. The John Denver Sanctuary · pass by

   You’ll pass by the John Denver Sanctuary, a serene park dedicated to the life and music of John Denver, but please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: The tour ends at the John Denver Sanctuary.

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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