Everyone knows that extreme sports have gained in popularity in recent years. But in Aspen, they’ve been a way of life for decades. And it’s why some of the worlds top adventure athletes call it their home. Here, they pursue their punishing disciplines on the peaks, rivers, rocks and trails that make up this gigantic outdoor playground. But this natural amusement park isn’t just for the pros. Aspen has endless opportunities for all levels and all types of adventure.

Climb Every Mountain
Tackle a Colorado Fourteener
With the Elk, Collegiate and Gore Mountain Ranges of the Rockies in its backyard, Aspen is the gateway to Colorado’s “Fourteeners” (peaks higher than 14,000 feet). Seven of Colorado’s 54 “Fourteeners” are located in the Elk Mountain Range. Colorado’s highest peak, Mount Elbert, is a long, non-skilled climb, while Capitol Peak is a demanding technical ascent. Mount Sopris, located about 20 miles outside of Aspen, only tops out at 12,953 feet, however it does have the biggest vertical relief of any mountain in the state. True summiteers backpack the 3.6 miles in to Thomas Lake, camp overnight and then set out early the next day.

Favorite Local Hikes
Aspen’s trail system offers everything from scenic meanderings to leg-burning steeps. A favorite among locals is the Hunter Creek Trail, a beginner-to-intermediate day hike sprinkled with aspen groves and diverse vistas. The Sunnyside Trail hugs a beautiful ridgeline and during the fall is ablaze with colorful foliage. For those wanting to test their hiking stamina, the rocky Ute Trail, named after the Indian tribe, switchbacks up 1700-vertical feet in the first mile. The rugged perch at the top offers a stunning view of town and is a prime picnic spot. To learn the inside scoop, visit one of town’s many outfitters, including the Ute Mountaineer (970) 925-2849

Be A Rock Star
Rock climbing is an obsession in Aspen, and its mountains and rock walls are open to all. Independence Pass, a few minutes east of town, has hundreds of routes from the classic Edge of Time to the challenging Cryogenics. Before you go, though, it’s critical that you know what you’re doing. Visit the owner and director of Aspen Expeditions, Dick Jackson, a certified mountain guide with both the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association and the American Mountain Guide Association (IFMGA/AMGA). There are only 21 guides in the world certified at this level. His organization offers private or group lessons and courses in mountaineering and rock climbing. (970) 925-7625

Just Add Water
Kayaking
With the Roaring Fork, Crystal, Arkansas and mighty Colorado Rivers all nearby, Aspen is a hub for whitewater adventuring. State-of-the-art equipment has made this sport more accessible to the beginner and lures new thrill-seekers each season to test their mettle against the rushing rapids like Shoshone (on the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs), the menacing Meatgrinder (on the Crystal River) and Slaughterhouse Falls (on the Roaring Fork River in Aspen) - regarded as one of the best class four runs in the country. Because there are so many challenging rivers nearby, there are a comparable number of word-class kayakers who have risen to the challenge. One is Charlie MacArthur, a whitewater daredevil and qualifying Eco-Challenge competitor. He’s also one of the owners and teachers at the Aspen Kayak School, which offers group and private instruction to boaters of all levels. (970) 925-4433

Rafting
Another exciting way to get your feet (and probably the rest of you) wet is to join a rafting trip. Aspen has numerous outfitters who are ready to take you on the whitewater ride of your life - on the Colorado’s raging Shoshone, the Arkansas’ harrowing The Numbers or family-friendly Brown’s Canyon or the pounding Slaughterhouse Falls on the Roaring Fork. Or if a mellow, scenic float trip is more your speed, they can easily accommodate.