Aspen Self-Guided Tour: Tales of Wealth, Wildness and Rebellion
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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.
Your experience
Stop 1
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.
Stop 2
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
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.
Stop 4
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.
Stop 5
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.
Stop 6
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
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 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
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Meeting and pickup
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.
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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