The region surrounding Aspen, Colorado is one of the most visited in all of the state, and it is easy to see why. No matter the season of the year, Aspen is one of the most beautiful small towns in not only Colorado but the entire United States. Spring brings sun-drenched ski slopes, which give way to a bloom of crocus, daffodils, and Crab Apple Trees. The hiking trails start to appear from the depths of the deep snow that covered them all winter while bicyclists can ride to Maroon Bells. The melting snow also creates the best time for white water rafting, as the rivers are at their strongest.
Summer boasts some of the nicest temperatures in the Rocky Mountains, as a high in the 70s is common, making it ideal to take advantage of the miles of hiking trails in the region. At night, the Milky Way is bright in the dark sky, thanks to very little light pollution in the surrounding area. This makes the warm summer months ideal for astro photographers. The town hosts countless festivals, which draw worldwide visitors. Keep an eye on the events calendar to plan your summer trip to the mountain paradise.
Autumn in Aspen is a photographer’s delight, as it hosts some of the finest fall colors in all of Colorado. The seemingly endless valleys of Aspen trees turn a bright yellow, which compliments the blue skies for photographers of all skill levels. While knowing the exact turning of the leaves is impossible to predict, the third week of September is usually a good time to aim for.
When people hear “Aspen”, they automatically think of winter, and for good reason. The region is home of some of the best, and most consistent, snow in all of the United States. While lift tickets have seen a sharp rise in price over recent years, if you plan to spend an extended time on the slopes, most resorts offer cheaper rates for the purchase of additional days.
Pristine powder and dramatic clouds also make Aspen an ideal time for photographers who are brave enough to endure the cold temperatures. With the average high of just above freezing (35°F) and the average low is a bone chilling 10°F, photographers should be prepared for the elements by dressing warmly and having a warm car and dry clothes nearby. New Year’s in Aspen is also well known for an incredible fireworks show, so be sure to get high on an overlook to capture the warm fireworks over the cool, snow covered ground.
No matter what time of year you decide to visit Aspen, you can be rest assured that you are experiencing one of the most beautiful and unique regions in North America, and the below photos prove it.
For more information on when to best visit Aspen, visit the Aspen Tourism website as well as the Colorado Tourism website.
Thank you to our photographer contributors to this story. Krystle Blackburn, Toby Harriman, Casey McCallister, Mark Gvazdinskas, Jason Hatfield, and Michael Bonocore.