TAME2EXTREME ITINERARY: THE OUTDOOR SCENE
For Roughing It, or Taking It Easy

TAME:
Lodging:  Aspen has options for the adventurer on a budget to those looking to splurge.  The Little Red Ski Haus offers affordable accommodations and is located just outside the center of town.  Reservations can be made by calling 970.925-3333, or by visiting their website at www.littleredskihaus.net.  If money is no object, and posh accommodations and a location right next to the gondola are important, The Little Nell can’t be beat.  Reservations can be made by calling 970.920.4600, or by visiting their website at www.thelittlenell.com.

Activities: Although Aspen is famous for its rugged beauty and sometimes unattainable peaks, the town has a kinder-gentler side that includes paved bike and jogging paths and buff trails that offer endless vistas and gorgeous views of the surrounding Elk Mountains.  Free maps are available throughout Aspen which highlight the many walking paths and trails that climb directly from edge of town.  The Ute Mountaineer is a friendly shop that will happily supply you with the proper maps, knowledge and advice on where to go, www.utemountaineer.com.

Eats: Aspen has approximately 80 restaurants for guests to choose from during their stay.  For a great Italian meal and some quality carbo-loading before a long day outdoors, visit L’Hostaria.  They offer pastas that are prepared daily, and have a great unpretentious atmosphere with live music on Tuesday nights.  L’Hostaria is located at 620 E. Hyman Avenue, and can be reached for reservations at 970.925.9022. 

EXTREME:
Lodging: A burly outdoor excursion wouldn’t be complete without camping.  Difficult Campground is less than a five minute drive or a quick bike, run or tube on the river (which runs right through the campground) from the center of Aspen.  Difficult Campground has 47 sites available for $18/night, and if you have a large group, reserve the group site for $50.  Group reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling the National Reservation Center at 1-877-444-6777.

Activities: Where to begin?  Whether you are looking to summit some of Colorado’s toughest 14er’s, fly-fish, go on a mountain or a road bike ride, kayak, raft, tube, run, backcountry ski or rock climb, Aspen has what you are looking for.  Fly fishing can be found directly in town, and Aspen is home to more gold-medal water than any other part of Colorado.  Mountain bikers will find ample rides from Aspen to Snowmass, and road-riders have plenty of rides to choose from as well.  For an uphill battle, Independence Pass is as tough as any ride in the state.  Ask any hiker familiar with the 14er’s surrounding Aspen (there are over 10), and they will tell you that getting to the top of Pyramid Peak, the Maroon Bells, Snowmass or Castle Peak is as challenging as Colorado 14er’s get.  For maps and guidebooks on trails in the Aspen area visit the Ute Mountaineer, for directions visit their website at www.utemountaineer.com.

Eats: For a reasonably priced meal like mom makes at home, try Little Annie’s Eating House (an Aspen staple since the 70’s), located at 517 Hyman Avenue, or by phone at 970-925-1098.  For an early morning bite before heading out for a ride or hike, Jour de Fete offers fresh breakfast sandwiches made to order, it is located at 710 E. Durant Avenue, or by phone at 970-925-5055. 

Insider’s Tip: During the spring, summer and fall months in Aspen, the town is noticeably quieter than in the winter months, leaving trails and paths in the area to be enjoyed by a somber few.  In addition to less people, all of the hottest hotels and restaurants offer patrons unequaled discounts on accommodations, services and food.  The ‘off-season’ is unarguably the best time to visit and enjoy everything that Aspen has to offer.