Pictured: The magestic peaks in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness area near Aspen.

Aspen is a renowned ski resort, a historic mining town, a relaxing mountain retreat and a cultural hot spot with its art galleries and glittering stars who vacation here. The town began as a remote mining camp in 1879 and became one of the richest silver producing areas in the world until the silver market crashed in 1893. In the Roaring Fork Valley, Aspen offers a winter wonderland for all outdoor enthusiasts and in summer hosts a music festival, theater, ballets and other entertaining events. Fishing spots, hiking and mountain biking trails abound on public forest lands near this mountain town. The Maroon Bells is said to be one of the most photographed peaks in North America and is a must-see. Down the road in the Crystal River Valley is towering Mount Sopris. Its peak reaches 12,953', and dominates the vista of the charming town of Carbondale. Formerly the only stagecoach stop on the 40-mile run to Aspen, Carbondale takes pride in its specialty shops, local arts and crafts and fine restaurants. Pick from one of many nearby mountain bike trails, fish the Roaring Fork River for its large trout or enjoy the scenery on the Crystal River.

Thirty miles from Aspen and 12 miles from Glenwood Springs, this valley, surrounded by the White River National Forest, offers unique charm and secluded, untouched beauty. For a retreat even further off the beaten path, try the Redstone-Marble area with its mining past, ghost towns and dramatic mountain scenery. Redstone was founded by John Cleveland Osgood at the turn of the century as a model community to house employees of his coal mines. Although the workers and their families lived in simple cabins, Osgood built the luxurious Cleveholm Castle for himself, furnished with Tiffany chandeliers and Italian paintings. Marble was best known for its quarries, which produced a pure marble that rivaled Italy's Carrerra marble. Some of it was used in the Lincoln Memorial monument and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The difficulties of mountain transportation closed down the quarries, but you can now take a tour.

Aspen boasts four ski resorts in the area, including Aspen Highlands Ski Resort, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk Ski Resort and Snowmass Ski Resort.

Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements.

Aspen & Crystal River Valley is near: Glenwood Springs, Grand Mesa Area & Ruedi Reservoir