One of the best ways to see the splendor of the mountains is from a car
and no place has better access to the Rockies than Aspen. While the
road may vary from pavement to simply gravel - or even better yet,
bumping over boulders and streams on an exciting off-road adventure,
Aspen is a great home base for any four-wheel expedition. While
exploring, catch a glimpse of a rainbow, as it appears to reach down to
a valley floor or spy a herd of elk or bighorn sheep meandering through
a meadow.
For those who flew into Aspen, car rentals range from basic to
over-the-top. Choose from jeeps and other 4 x 4s, Suburbans, PT
Cruisers, VW Beetles and more. Local rental car companies can even
deliver a Mercedes, Lexus or other specialty vehicle to your door.
On the Road
Independence Pass
While only 40 miles long, this short journey packs in a considerable
amount - awe-inspiring vistas, picturesque aspen groves, hairpin turns,
nail-biting narrows and plunging shoulders, plus the ghost town of
Independence. Follow the road to Twin Lakes Village at the foot of the
two highest peaks in Colorado, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. This
block-long community is situated at 9,200 feet above sea level.
Frying Pan Road
Wind your way from nearby Basalt along the Frying Pan River to the
expansive Ruedi Reservoir. In route, this remote two-lane highway
passes red rock canyons, pastoral ranch lands and stretches of trout
filled waterways that beckon fly-fishermen to pull over and cast a
line. The name of the road and the river are well earned.
Castle Creek Road
The 13-mile journey to Ashcroft from Aspen offers some of the most
beautiful views around. Visit the ghost town and the cozy Pine Creek
Cookhouse restaurant. Reservations are suggested for lunch and required
for dinner. The menu features gourmet mountain cuisine - wild
game and fresh seafood, among other items.
Maroon Creek Road
In summer cars are permitted to access the famed twin peaks, Maroon
Bells, before 8:30 a.m. and after 5 p.m., so this is an ideal sunrise
or sunset excursion. During other daytime hours, buses provide access.
At 14,000 feet, both peaks are considered “fourteeners.” Remember to
bring your camera as the bells reflect onto Maroon Lake, making an
ideal photo op from down below.
Into the Wild
Do It Yourself
Experienced off-road drivers with hardy four-wheel-drive vehicles may
want to bounce around the area’s many jeep roads, providing
consideration is given to the environment. Drives include the rocky
road to the tiny mountain hamlet of Lenado, the idyllic Old Mill at
Crystal City (near Marble) or Little Annie Road, which climbs the back
side of Aspen Mountain ending up at the Sundeck Restaurant. Plan to
arrive around midday to enjoy a gourmet lunch.
Jeep Tours
Just along for the ride? Aspen outfitters will take groups on exciting
and scenic off-road trips including a climb up the front or backside of
Aspen Mountain.
Photo Courtesy: Aspen Chamber Resort Association - Maroon Bells in the fall, photo by Daniel Bayer
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