This 17-mile (27-kilometer) hike presents a continuous visual buffet line of amazing mountain scenery. Gin-clear alpine lakes, cascading streams, beaver ponds, and endless mountain peaks are the norm rather than the exception. Time this two-day hike in late July for an amazing wildflower display. Camping options abound in the Minnehaha Gulch area. As an exclamation point to the hike it ends at the base of the famous Maroon Bells. From Snowmass follow Divide Road past Krabloonik's Restaurant. After a deep descent, take the left fork. The trailhead is at the end of the road.

If you are seeking a mountain bike trail that does not require driving out of town, pedal up to this old mining road. The opening two miles (3.2 kilometers) of loose-graveled switchbacks dominate the ride until you reach the Iowa mine. From there you can either bounce back down, or continue on for the Hunter Creek Loop, which covers just under eight miles (13 kilometers) and returns you to Aspen via Red Mountain Road. Follow residential Smugglers Mountain Road until you reach the well-marked trailhead.

During the height of Aspen's silver boom in 1888, Jerome Wheeler built this stunning Queen Anne home for his wife. But after his wife refused to live in it, Wheeler was stuck with an empty mansion until 1905, when Edgar and Mary Stallard moved in and occupied the place for 40 years.The Aspen Historical Society bought the estate in 1969 and it has been a house museum every since. Displays include an 1892 Knabe piano, which Albert Schweitzer played at the 1949 Goethe convocation, Renaissance Revival furniture, 10th Mountain Division uniforms and ski equipment, and dolls dating back to the 1880s.

Even when the weather outside is frightful, the inside of this rink is always delightful. It is open year-round, so even during July you can still glide around the ice and satisfy your winter fix. Without the ruts and bumps of a frozen pond, the marble-like ice is perfect for beginners, especially with the hockey boards to cling on to. The rink is open to public skating, youth and adult hockey leagues, figure skating, and can be rented out for private parties. Skate rentals are available. Call the rink for schedules, as its availability changes daily.

It is rare that the word "free" can be attached to anything in Aspen, which is why this cross-country center is all that much more special. It provides over 90 kilometers (56 miles) of groomed tracks, making it a perfect (and free) alternative to downhill skiing. There is an on-site pro shop to rent or buy equipment, as well as waxing, tuning and repair service. For those who are new to the sport, or would like to brush up on their skating techniques, lessons are available. In addition, there are also his and her locker rooms, a warming hut and a public ski waxing room.

This family-friendly environmental center is an ideal sojourn for those who are outdoor-curious, but backcountry shy. Located in the Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, which is right in town, it is a perfect introduction to the great outdoors. A self-guided nature trail snakes around the preserve's 25 acres and is a favorite with bird-watchers. You can also check out its resident birds of prey, which include golden eagles and screech owls. The visitor center features an indoor trout stream swarming with native cutthroats, as well as an environmental library and a gift shop full of books, gifts and toys. For a true outdoor education, look for its weekly lecture series, which varies from season to season.

Located just four miles below the Independence Pass Summit, this ghost town not only offers a hands-on look at history, but also spectacular mountain scenery. Formed in the summer of 1879, this former mining town hauled out almost 200 thousand dollars' worth of gold in a two-year span. By 1890, however, the rush was over and so was the town's future. Today five structures in standing and collapsed conditions serve as weathered reminders to the area's mining past. Admission is free and the surrounding mountain views are spectacular. Follow Highway 82 out of Aspen for 13.5 miles (21.7 kilometers). The ghost town, which is visible from the road, will be on your right. Please note that the highway closes during winter.

Discover Aspen on an entertaining walking tour with a local guide. Aspen's DarkSide Tour brings guests through the tarnished past of ghosts, murder, and mayhem; while Aspen's Past to Present Tour is about classic Aspen history, including information about the Ute Indian hunting grounds, Silver Mining Camp, and a world famous resort.

The Rio Grande Park in Aspen is where all the fun is. At this airy park you will find locals who come here to relax, play or just meet up with friends. Inside the park there is a lot of activity where kids play basketball, outdoor sports and adults walk about. But the Rio Grande Park is most noted for its skateboard park which has excellent skateboarding and skating facilities. The Park council has laid down a few rules to follow while at the park.

Visitors who go shopping on Aspen's Galena Street should expect to be treated by the beautiful natural surroundings and a variety of shops and restaurants. Those interested in a romantic getaway should stay at The Independence Square, where guests can enjoy the popular bed-and-breakfast service. If you are still hungry, check out the hip and bustling Zele Cafe, a popular weekend spot for locals and tourists alike.