Aspen Self-Guided Tour: Tales of Wealth, Wildness and Rebellion

Aspen , United States

Aspen Self-Guided Tour: Tales of Wealth, Wildness and Rebellion

Active

(1 reviews)

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Aspen is a town where the mountains are steep, the parties are legendary, and the truth is often stranger than fiction. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover the rebellious spirit and untold stories behind Aspen’s glittering facade, from counterculture movements to celebrity hideaways.

This 60-minute tour starts at the historic Old Armory, once Aspen’s City Hall. You’ll explore the former headquarters of Hunter S. Thompson’s outrageous campaign for sheriff, where the father of gonzo journalism hoped to disarm police and rename Aspen “Fat City” to deter investors. You’ll weave downtown, past designer boutiques housed in Victorian-era buildings, and along peaceful trails with natural beauty that’s drawn both celebrities and free spirits for decades.

The tour ends at the peaceful John Denver Sanctuary, across the Ron Krajian Bridge and tucked along the banks of the Roaring Fork River, where the beloved singer-songwriter found inspiration for his most iconic songs.

Available options

Aspen Self-Guided Tour: Tales of Wealth, Wildness and Rebellion

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

You’ll pass by the Aspen Art Museum, known for its contemporary art exhibitions and striking architecture, but please note that admission to the museum is not included in this tour.

You’ll pass by The Little Nell, a renowned luxury hotel at the base of Aspen Mountain, but please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

Stop 3 Pass by

You’ll pass by the Silver Queen Gondola, offering scenic rides to the top of Aspen Mountain, but please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

You’ll pass by the Christopher Martin Gallery, known for its contemporary reverse glass paintings, but please note that admission to the gallery is not included in this tour.

You’ll pass by Paepcke Park, a peaceful green space with mountain views and public art, but please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

You’ll cross the Ron Krajian Bridge, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and Roaring Fork River, but please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

Stop 7 Pass by

You’ll pass by the John Denver Sanctuary, a serene park dedicated to the life and music of John Denver, but please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at Start: The Old Armory at 130 South Galena Street. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Aspen

Aspen, Colorado, is a picturesque mountain town known for its stunning natural beauty, world-class skiing, and vibrant arts scene. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, it offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and luxurious amenities, making it a year-round destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and excitement.

Top Attractions

Aspen Mountain

A premier ski resort offering world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking and mountain biking in summer.

Adventure Full day for skiing, 2-3 hours for hiking Moderate to Expensive (lift tickets required)

Maroon Bells

Two iconic peaks offering breathtaking views and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and photography.

Nature Half day to full day Free (parking fee in summer)

Aspen Art Museum

A contemporary art museum showcasing innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free

Independence Pass

A scenic mountain pass offering stunning views, hiking trails, and historic sites.

Nature Half day to full day Free

Aspen Skiing Company

Operates four ski resorts in the Aspen area, including Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.

Adventure Full day Moderate to Expensive (lift tickets required)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rocky Mountain Oysters

Deep-fried bull testicles, a local delicacy and adventurous dish.

Appetizer Not vegetarian or vegan

Green Chile

A spicy stew made with pork, green chiles, and potatoes, a staple of Southwestern cuisine.

Main Course Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Aspen Burger

A gourmet burger topped with local ingredients like truffle aioli, foie gras, or wild mushroom compote.

Main Course Contains meat, can be made vegetarian or vegan

Rocky Mountain Trout

Freshly caught trout prepared in various ways, such as grilled, fried, or smoked.

Main Course Contains fish, can be gluten-free

Popular Activities

Skiing and snowboarding Mountain biking Hiking and backpacking Rock climbing and bouldering Whitewater rafting and kayaking Soaking in hot springs Spa and wellness treatments Yoga and meditation classes

Best Time to Visit

December to March (Winter), June to August (Summer)

Winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and festivals. Crowds are highest during these peak seasons, especially around holidays and major events.

-5 to 15°C (Winter), 10 to 30°C (Summer) 23 to 59°F (Winter), 50 to 86°F (Summer)

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7, GMT-6 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Aspen is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in isolated areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards, and monitor your accounts for any unauthorized transactions
• Use reputable taxi services and negotiate fares in advance

Getting there

By air

Aspen-Pitkin County Airport • 2 km (1.2 miles) from downtown
Denver International Airport • 310 km (193 miles) from Aspen

By bus

Downtown Aspen

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and efficient, with frequent services and free downtown shuttle.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Aspen West End Snowmass Village Basalt

Day trips

Glenwood Springs

105 km (65 miles) • Full day

A charming mountain town known for its hot springs, caves, and outdoor activities, offering a relaxing and scenic escape from Aspen.

Vail

155 km (96 miles) • Full day

A popular ski resort town offering world-class skiing, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, with a charming mountain atmosphere.

Crested Butte

145 km (90 miles) • Full day

A charming mountain town known for its wildflowers, mountain biking, and outdoor activities, offering a scenic and adventurous escape from Aspen.

Festivals

Aspen Winter X Games • Late January Aspen Ideas Festival • Late June to early July Aspen Film Festival • Late August to early September

Pro tips

Book accommodations, lift tickets, and other activities in advance, especially during peak seasons and major events
Dress in layers for changing weather conditions, especially in winter and summer
Take advantage of Aspen's farm-to-table cuisine and local products, and support local businesses and farmers
Explore the town's historic sites and cultural attractions, such as the Aspen Art Museum and Wheeler Opera House
Be mindful of your carbon footprint and consider offsetting your emissions, as Aspen is committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact