Aspen is recognized as a luxury travel destination for the rich and famous – celebrities, politicians, business tycoons, and other A-listers frequent this area year-round. However, despite the upscale prices of many stores, hotels, and restaurants in Aspen, it is possible to explore the breathtaking natural scenery, eclectic history, and vibrant arts and culture scene without overspending. If you are planning an affordable trip to Aspen, this comprehensive list presents free things to do that you should not miss.
Pedal Around Town on a Bike
Experiencing Aspen by bike is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Thanks to Aspen’s WE-cycle bikeshare program, you can enjoy short trips on traditional pedal bikes or electric bikes (e-bikes) at no cost.
WE-cycle provides free, unlimited rides for up to 30 minutes. If you exceed this limit, the fare is $0.50 per minute for pedal bikes and $5 per minute for e-bikes. The program is tailored for short, point-to-point trips. Thus, you can easily travel from a restaurant on one end of town to a museum on the other. Additionally, you can dock the bike at one of WE-cycle’s 50 stations and check out another bike to begin a new free 30-minute ride. For those seeking longer rentals or specific bike types, several rental shops are available downtown. Many hotels also offer complimentary bike use for guests.
Hum a Tune in the John Denver Sanctuary
John Denver was one of Aspen’s most distinguished residents. Although the renowned singer-songwriter, known for “Rocky Mountain High,” passed away in 1997, his legacy continues through the John Denver Sanctuary, located along the banks of the Roaring Fork River in downtown Aspen.
This serene spot, nestled within Rio Grande Park, showcases colorful perennials, grassy knolls, flowing streams, small waterfalls, and native greenery. Even if you are not an admirer of Denver’s music, it is an idyllic location for a picnic or a contemplative moment enjoying the hummingbirds. The sanctuary also features massive boulders inscribed with lyrics from Denver’s songs.
The site, which also serves as Aspen’s stormwater filtration system, remains free and public. For those interested in further celebrating Denver’s life, you might consider attending the John Denver Celebration, an annual multi-day event held each October, where many activities are without charge.
Travel Back in Time at Independence Ghost Town
Gold was discovered near the Continental Divide on July 4, 1879, leading fortune-hunters to establish a small community named Independence at an elevation of 10,830 feet. This mining town surged in population, reaching around 1,500 residents by 1882, complete with multiple post offices and businesses.
However, as gold production declined, many miners relocated to nearby Aspen for its milder climate and ample job opportunities, leaving Independence gradually empty. Today, Independence Ghost Town is preserved by the Aspen Historical Society and is free to explore, although a $5 donation per person is suggested. The site features walking paths, interpretive signs, artifacts, restored log cabins, and ruins from the 1880s.
Try Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing
If you have your own equipment, enjoy the opportunity of free cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Ski Trail System, one of the largest free trail systems in the nation. With over 55 miles (90 kilometers) of trails, several are dog-friendly, and some are designated for fat bikes, allowing for ample exploration.
For beginners or those looking to refine their skills, group and private lessons are available for a fee ranging from $20 to $50, along with guided cross-country ski tours. You can rent equipment or have your gear tuned at the Aspen Cross Country Center.
Get Inspired at the Aspen Art Museum
Aspen is home to a remarkable art museum which is always free to the public. Its striking three-story structure features a facade resembling a woven basket, and inside, natural light floods modern galleries spread across the first two floors. The museum’s third level offers a hybrid indoor-outdoor space with a rooftop garden showcasing art along with a popular lunch café.
With rotating exhibitions and a variety of programming that includes lectures, musical performances, film screenings, workshops, and events for children and adults, the Aspen Art Museum provides a vibrant cultural experience.
Check Out the Goods at Aspen Saturday Market
Every Saturday from June to October, the downtown streets of Aspen bustle with activity as farmers, ranchers, vendors, and artisans gather. Even if you don’t purchase anything, the free Aspen Saturday Market is perfect for people-watching, enjoying local artistic offerings, and chatting with Colorado growers while basking in the sunshine.
Scope Out the Aspen Institute
In 1946, Herbert Bayer, a Bauhaus artist, was invited to Aspen by the philanthropic couple, Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke, who sought to transform the city into a cultural and intellectual hub.
The Paepckes founded the Aspen Institute, a venue for lectures, discussions, and concerts, and commissioned Bayer to design the campus. Today, the campus is a prominent example of Bauhaus style, showcasing geometric shapes and vibrant colors. Visitors can utilize their free online walking guide to discover Bayer’s artwork and architectural innovations across the expansive 40-acre grounds. Furthermore, the on-site art galleries welcome public access without charge. If you seek accommodations during your trip, the campus also features the 98-suite hotel, Aspen Meadows Resort.
Hike to the Top of Aspen Mountain
Before and after ski season, you can hike up Aspen Mountain for free—no lift ticket or ski pass required. The Ute Trail, commencing just steps from downtown, ascends through evergreen and aspen trees, offering breathtaking views of the city below. A perfect goal is to reach the Sundeck restaurant, where you can perhaps treat yourself to a pizza and beer (not free!).
Align your hike with weekend classical and bluegrass performances on the mountain in summer, although, to attend, a gondola or sightseeing ticket is required.
Get Creative at Anderson Ranch Arts Center
Travel to Snowmass, Aspen’s neighboring community, to explore the grounds of the Anderson Ranch Arts Center. This artistic hub was founded in 1966 by ceramist Paul Soldner, who envisioned a vibrant creative center in the Rockies. Today, Anderson Ranch hosts artist residency programs and offers studios for artists, along with lectures, workshops, salons, and various events.
The lovely, tree-lined campus is open to the public without cost. Walk through the Patton-Malott Gallery, which features rotating exhibits, and explore the outdoor sculptures in the “(Still) Sculpturally Distanced” exhibit as a nod to the Covid-19 pandemic. The ranch also includes a cafe and a store that sells art supplies and original artworks. Additionally, downtown Aspen boasts many art galleries to explore, providing wonderful window-shopping opportunities.
Take a History Lesson in Mining and Ranching
Managed by the Aspen Historical Society, the Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum is situated on the grounds of the Holden Lixiviation Works, which processed silver ore during Aspen’s mining boom. The plant was operational for only a year before the silver market collapsed. Subsequently, the Marolt family acquired the property and established the Marolt Ranch, where they raised livestock and cultivated potatoes.
Today, the museum offers insights into Aspen’s history, showcasing stories and artifacts from the city’s industrial and agricultural past. Admission to the museum and its grounds is free to the public, although hours may vary seasonally.
Walk, Cycle, or Rollerblade the Rio Grande Trail
The Rio Grande Trail extends 42 miles between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, providing a free, accessible route that is mostly flat and paved. This makes it an ideal place to enjoy Aspen’s fresh air. Additionally, the trail connects users with a network of other routes, allowing for diverse outdoor experiences without the need for a vehicle.