MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES
If you are looking for mountain magic in Colorado, that is exactly what Carbondale, Aspen, and Vail, in the Rocky Mountain region, can offer. From quirky small-town charm and rugged landscape to the ultimate playground for outdoor enthusiasts, high-end shopping, and haute cuisine. One thing is certain, you won’t be bored.
bike ride along the river
Just about 10 miles south of Glenwood Springs in the Roaring Fork Valley, is another quaint little town, Carbondale. An easy and picturesque bike ride along the Roaring Fork River with the iconic Mount Sopris, a twin-peaked mountain, dominating the skyline. No matter what direction, you see nothing but nature at its finest. Breathing in the crisp mountain air makes you feel like something heavy has been lifted from your shoulders.
Bike trail along Roaring Fork River
Sunflower in the Peace Garden (left), sculpture in Carbondale (right)
Carbondale
UNIQUE AMBIANCE
Walking down Main Street, Carbondale, and you’ll experience a vibrant creative atmosphere among numerous galleries and art studios. The unique ambiance in this small town is so tangible. Take the time to get coffee, or a matcha latte; and a freshly baked muffin at one of the local coffee shops. Maybe bring your computer and work for a few hours in these serene and peaceful surroundings.
peaceful sanctuary
Right behind Main Street, you’ll find the beautiful Peace Garden. It’s a tranquil and therapeutic environment with sacred spaces, a reflexology path, a wishing tree, a variety of native and adaptive plants, and medicinal herbs. The Peace Garden is part of True Nature Healing Arts, an intentional sanctuary that provides retreats, workshops, and wellness. Entrance to the garden is free and worth a visit.
Dinner in Carbondale
If you crave pizza and craft beer, White House Pizza in Carbondale is the place to visit. It has a relaxed and rustic setting, live music, and an outdoor patio.
If you like flavors from around the world, Izakaya Carbondale, a Japanese-style tavern, is a great choice. Here you’ll find a laid-back mountain vibe in a rustic yet elegant setting for delicious small plates, sushi, and sake.
Ganesha sculpture in Carbondale Peace Garden (left), Matcha latte at a local Coffee House (right)
Aspen
SOPHISTICATED ASPEN
The drive from Glenwood Springs to Aspen is nothing less than breathtaking. The Roaring Fork River wrapped around green and red mountains, suddenly gone from your sight only to emerge around the next bend.
The view of Mount Sopris when heading towards Carbondale and Aspen
Aspen is another, more renowned resort town in the Rocky Mountains. It is known as a popular ski resort in the winter but in the fall, before the majestic peaks are covered in snow, it’s the vibrant golden colors of the aspen trees that catch your eye.
From low-key to high-end
The distance between Glenwood Springs to Aspen is less than an hour but the two mountain towns couldn’t be more different from one another. A walk around Aspen quickly tells you why the area is a popular destination for everyone seeking a sophisticated atmosphere and refined experiences. From upscale restaurants to high-end boutiques and art galleries. I was wearing a light summer dress and sandals, after all, it was a warm day, and I felt out of place among fashionable sweaters, stylish jackets, boots, scarves, and earth-colored, felted Aspen hats.
Dinner in Aspen
I was picking up Allan from the airport on a Friday night, and we were having dinner at Creperie du Village, a French Alpine Bistro. It was designed as a high-end mountain chalet, which gave it a very eclectic and intimate atmosphere. We had the most amazing cheese fondue with a green salad, charcuterie, cornichons, and a glass of cold white wine.
Make reservations well in advance when dining in Aspen, especially during the weekends as it gets very busy.
BEAUTIFUL MAROON BELLS
One of the highlights of Aspen is Maroon Bells, one of the most beautiful and most photographed mountains in North America. On a Sunday afternoon, we took a shuttle up the mountain to Maroon Bells and walked the 2.5-mile scenic hike around Maroon Lake. There are other, longer hikes in the area but this one was just gorgeous. Because it was early fall the groves of aspens were starting to turn golden yellow, the mountain air felt crisp, and we had mostly blue skies.
For more information on Maroon Bells shuttles press here.
A culinary celebration
This happened to be the weekend of the annual Food and Wine Classic of Aspen. Usually, this culinary celebration of the world’s food and wine is held in June and access passes start at $1600.
Well, no we didn’t attend the festival, but stopped in the tiny town of Basalt on the way back and had lobster rolls at Butch’s Lobster Shack. A very low-key lunch place and as the name says, just a shack, famous for its $35 lobster rolls.
Basalt
Another hidden gem
The charming little town of Basalt will get a special mention here. It is located near the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Rivers. and is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. It is named after the basaltic rock formations in the area and has a quaint downtown with restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
Vail
VAIL Mountain
On a beautiful Saturday morning, we went on a day trip to the charming alpine village, of Vail, located about an hour east of Glenwood Springs in Eagle River Valley. Vail Mountain is one of the largest and most diverse ski resorts in North America. In the summer and fall, when there isn’t any snow, Vail is still packed with opportunities for outdoor adventures and recreation.
Mountain biking in Vail
For years Allan tried to make me go mountain biking with him but I have flat-out refused. Too much work going uphill, and too scary going downhill. He insisted on bringing the bikes to Vail and convinced me to take our bikes up the gondolas and ride them down. I didn’t want to risk getting stuck on the mountain so we had some intense deliberation on what the easiest way down was, before riding the gondola up.
Gondola One from downtown Vail
The view from Vail Mountain
Bumpy and downhill
First, we went on Gondola One from downtown Vail. We took the wide, paved Post Road down and not the actual mountain bike trails. However, it was still a pretty bumpy and steep downhill ride. Allan happened to get a flat tire…twice!
Looking down
The scenery overlooking the surrounding mountains of Vail and Lionshead was incredible and as usual, pictures do not do nature justice. Allan convinced me to go up the gondola one more time from the Lionshead Village side of the mountain. This time I let go of the breaks a little and started to relax and enjoy the downhill ride.
If you want to explore more, here is a beginner’s guide to mountain biking in Vail.
Mountain biking on Vail and Lionshead Mountain
worth it?
Earlier that day I had seriously questioned if there are any reasons to start doing something you are afraid of when you are over 50. The way I felt about myself when we ended our adventurous day at a pretty little restaurant with a glass of cold white wine, overlooking the creek, eating mussels, goat cheese salad, and truffle fries, was answer enough for me. I did it, I felt proud of myself, and no doubt I would do it again!
Read more about other amazing places in Colorado
Glenwood Springs – The Ultimate Hot Springs Paradise
Colorado Springs and Denver – How to Spend a Great Time in Two Iconic Cities