Tag Archives: aspen colorado

Maroon Bells - My Aspen Rental

Top 10 Places to See Fall Foliage

We’re counting down the days until the official start of Autumn- 8 days to be exact! Fall is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times of year. The colors are changing, the air is crisp, and apples are finally in season- and you don’t have to go far to see spectacular fall colors up close and personal. Here are the 10 best places to see fall foliage in the United States:

  1. The Catskills, New York. Located in southeastern New York, the area consists of six major river systems and 35 mountain peaks, all taller than 3,500 feet. The Catskills are home to the town of Woodstock, which hosted the iconic Woodstock music festival in 1969. With densely forested hills, fall colors are vibrant and abundant. The foliage is at its peak coloring from late September to mid October.
  2. Aspen, Colorado. Named after a tree known for its rich fall coloring, Aspen, Colorado is the premier destination for those wanting to get a good look at some beautiful fall sights. From mid September through the first week of October, the foliage is stunning all around the Maroon bells area. The deep gold and red hues of the Aspen trees contrast perfectly with the evergreens and breathtaking mountain peaks. After spending the day in the crisp Autumn air, My Aspen Rental wants to keep you warm and comfortable at night.

    Maroon Bells - My Aspen Rental
    Flickr: Greg Willis
  3. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon. Located in the Cascade Mountains, the Columbia River Gorge is home to a variety of different trees. The maples, cottonwoods, and Oregon ash trees all turn vivid reds and oranges. Take in the sights on a scenic drive, while hiking or biking on the trails, or while rafting down the river. The best time to view the fall foliage and the 208 ft. Wah Gwin Gwin waterfall is between mid September and mid October.
  4. Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee. As one of the most visited national parks in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains is host to over 100 different native trees, including scarlet oaks, hickories, and sweetgums. The trees turn an array of golds, scarlets, purples, and oranges from early October to early November.

    Great Smokey Mountains - My Aspen Rental
    Flickr: Phil Varney
  5. The Berkshires, Massachusetts. The Berkshires are a highland geological region that is a part of a mountain range in Massachusetts. It features narrow, winding roads that offer up close and personal views of changing leaves. When taking a break from the magnificent colors, The Berkshires have a plethora of art galleries and antique shops. The best time for fall foliage is between late September and mid/late October.
  6. Green Mountain Byway, Vermont. Color-changing trees line this eleven mile route that cuts across the state of Vermont. The beautiful drive connects Waterbury- which is the home of Ben & Jerry’s- to the famous ski resort Stowe. Rich golds and crimsons can be seen throughout the entire eleven miles, stunning drivers and passengers alike. The leaves begin to change the second week of September, but peaks during the first week of October.
  7. Upper Peninsula, Michigan. With over four million acres, the Michigan state forest system is home to more than twenty forested state parks on the Upper Peninsula. Located between three Great Lakes, the azure water is a picture-perfect contrast to the warm-toned and vibrant leaves.
  8. Glacier National Park, Montana. If you like to be alone with the great outdoors, then Glacier National Park in the fall is the place for you. By the end of September all of the park’s concessions have closed and most of the guests have left. This leaves just you and the abundance of larch trees, whose needles turn a bright gold. Set against the peaks of the Continental Divide, the colors are picturesque.

    Glacier National Park - My Aspen Rental
    Flickr: GlacierNPS
  9. Lake of The Ozarks, Missouri. While the Lake of The Ozarks is a popular summer getaway, the surrounding forest turns into beautiful shades of scarlet, gold, crimson, and orange in the fall. Popular ways of viewing the fall foliage include hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. If you want to spend a little bit more money, you can take in the sights on a yacht or while sipping wine at one of the nearby wineries.
  10. Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico. While most people would not think of New Mexico when thinking of fall colors, the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is an 83 mile loop that is riddled with Aspen trees. When their leaves change in late September or early October, the Byway sees an array of vibrant reds and oranges. The loop circles Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico.
Aspen Snowmass - Bob's Watches

The Ultimate Guide for Your Ski Vacation in Aspen

Winter is just around the corner!

When Old Man Winter starts knocking on the door of Colorado’s High Country, fresh powder powers the plans of adventurers from all over the world. Aspen happily stands right in the center of all of the action, hanging out at an elevation of 8,000 feet. If you’re on the hunt for an awesome adventure this ski season, the Rocky Mountains have you covered!  So call now to book your next Aspen vacation rentals today.

My Aspen Rental- The Ultimate Guide for Your Ski Vacation in Aspen
Flickr: Aspen Snowmass

This is your ultimate guide for a ski vacation in Aspen!

Best Bunny Hill & Beginner Slopes

If you have little ones or inexperienced skiers in your pack, you’ll probably want to start off slow. Bunny hills are a great way to get your feet wet, so to speak, and they offer experiences that are intentionally away from crowds so new skiers won’t feel intimidated by others.

Buttermilk Park takes the lead for inexperienced skiers in Aspen. Before you start Googling the name and think we’re pulling your leg, beware that this mountain has major personality conflicts. On one side, it plays host to the the world’s Winter X Games. It’s also the notable backdrop of the Red Bull Double Pipe event. But rest assured, there is a family-friendly side that’s laid back and great for beginners. The easy-going side of Buttermilk tends to stay uncrowded, and youngsters will find a learning center with innovative skills training sessions to make skiing easier.  More and more families are turning to dedicated vacation rentals sites to book their next dream vacations.

 

Most Well-Rounded Mountain

Family vacations that require skill can be tough to plan. You might have a combination of first-timers, fearful ones, and experienced adventurers in your crew.  Aspen Snowmass takes this cake. This mountain boasts of state-of-the-art facilities. A top-of-the-line ski school provides instruction to those who are just starting out, while skilled skiers can set out on the mountain’s 150 miles of trails. 30% of Snowmass is categorized as expert-level (double black diamond), while easy, difficult, and most difficult levels are fairly evenly available across the mountain.

 

Scintillating Steepness

If steep drops are your thing, head to the S1 run on Aspen Mountain. This run, known for being almost completely vertical, will lead you down a foundation of former mine debris. The plummeting descents are coupled with man-eating moguls that will guide you down the narrow path. This 900-foot run is characterized by border of aspen trees, pitches as steep as 42 degrees, and a total drop of more than 540 feet.

Aspen Snowmass - My Aspen Rental
Flickr: Aspen Snowmass

Exhilarating Backcountry Experiences

If you’ve been bitten by the bug that prefers the backcountry, Aspen’s series of trails and huts will be happy to have you along. Experience is ideal you’ll be taking the backcountry ski trails, as the untamed terrain can be susceptible to avalanches, the powder is raw, and the trails can be unpredictable, but experienced guides are available, too.

The Alfred A. Braun Hut System and the 10th Mountain Hut & Trail System are two reputable backcountry experiences, but be advised: backcountry accommodations fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Bookings for the next ski season usually begin in March.

Get your gear ready, and get ready to hit the slopes at exciting speeds! Winter will be here before you know it, and My Aspen Rental is ready to welcome you in with open arms!

My Aspen Rental-

Why Renting in Aspen is the Best Choice for Your Next Vacation

Few places offer the same panorama of beauty, outdoor recreation, and entertainment found in Aspen, Colorado. An Aspen vacation rental in the heart of the city puts you just steps away from all that’s exceptional about this iconic mountain village. Easily accessed from major highways and airports, Aspen is a leading year-round destination for many good reasons.

Silver mining drew its first full-time residents in the 19th Century, and now it’s the skiing, hiking, cycling, fishing, the performing arts, unique shopping and fine dining that pull people here. When you combine your vacation in Aspen with a house rental, you’ll have everything you need the moment you arrive to enjoy all that this mountain town offers, and you can

  • Simplify packing and reduce baggage by using the washer and dryer inside the Aspen vacation rental.
  • Stretch out after a hike on comfortable furniture in a spacious living area.
  • Use a fully equipped kitchen and serve the same healthy meals you eat at home.
  • Enjoy easy access to the vibrant life in Aspen day and night to get the most from all this area offers.

Arts and Culture

The city is home to the Aspen Music Festival & School, has over 100 restaurants, where you might spot celebrity chefs enjoying the local cuisine. The Aspen Music Festival is held each summer in the southeast corner of the city and hosts concerts open to the public. Students from around the world attend and renowned professional musicians offer master classes. The performances occur through late June to August and ticket costs are nominal.

Noted thinkers and scientists present public lectures throughout the summer months, some in conjunction with The Atlantic magazine at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Theater lovers can enjoy the live plays, lectures, films and opera at the Wheeler Opera House, one of Aspen’s most respected landmarks and organizations.

Art galleries and boutiques abound in downtown Aspen, where you’ll find unique art galleries, jewelry, home décor and clothing.

My Aspen Rental-
Flickr: Frank Denis, Aspen Chalk It Up

The Great Outdoors

Just off Main Street, you’ll find Aspen Mountain Summer Road that will take you to the summit of Aspen Mountain, a five-mile distance one-way. Aspen sits at 7,908 feet and the peak of Aspen Mountain reaches 11,211 feet, earning this hike a moderate to strenuous rating. The gravel road connects to seven other trails for hikers and mountain bikers.

The adventurous can go paragliding or take a balloon ride from Aspen for a different perspective on the breathtaking scenery summer and fall. If you’re more comfortable on the ground, outfit yourself from one of the local cycling shops for road or mountain biking. Fly fishing an exciting quiet way to spend a day, and Aspen has plenty of outfitters. Winter skiing in Aspen-Snowmass is legendary, and passes are available for visitors.

My Aspen Rental-
Flickr: Wiley Photo

Staying a week in a downtown Aspen vacation rental gives you the luxury and comfort you want, with all the conveniences you need to enjoy this exceptional place.

3 Ideas for a Perfect Summer Day in Aspen, Colorado

Will you soon be traveling to Aspen, Colorado to stay in your Aspen vacation rental and seeking the perfect day? The following are a few suggestions for a perfect summer day in Aspen:

    • Scenario 1: Wake up and stroll into the town of Aspen for breakfast at an award-winning restaurant. Favorite Aspen breakfast spots include Poppycock’s, Peach’s Corner Café, the Aspen Meadows Resort, and Aspen Over Easy.After breakfast, walk through town and look in several trendy boutiques. Take plenty of time to enjoy the warmth of the summer sun between stores and also check out a few of the beautiful art galleries. Next, dare to treat yourself to a spa experience. There are several amazing spas throughout town, or you may want to head to a leading spa retreat on the fringe of Aspen. End your luxuries day with a glass of wine and dinner at a leading Aspen restaurant. You are sure to find one that suits your cravings, as there are a wide selection from which to choose.

  • Scenario 2: Wake up with the sun, pack a light breakfast, and head out for a morning hike around the American Lake. Make sure you wear comfy shoes because the round trip is 6.4 miles long. To get to the lake, take highway 82 from Aspen and turn onto Castle Creek Road. The trailhead is about 10 miles away after turning on Castle Creek Road. Once you get on the trail, you can find a beautiful spot in nature to enjoy your breakfast.Following your long hike, head back to your Aspen rental and shower off. You can then grab your favorite book and head to the John Denver Sanctuary for a couple hours. There you will be treated by flowing streams, large rocks, and comfy spots to enjoy your book.End the evening by heading into town to find a bit of entertainment. There are a number of great bars in town with live music, or you may even be able to find a play or musical to enjoy. Browse for events online to find the perfect one to fit your tastes.
  • Scenario 3: Fix a yummy breakfast in the comfort of your Aspen luxury vacation rental and then enjoy a scheduled adventure. You can choose from rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more. You can either schedule a private adventure or reserve a spot within a group adventure. Upon the commencement of your exciting day, you can either barbecue at home or head into town for a gourmet dinner and a bit of bar hopping.

 

The beauty of Aspen is that there are numerous summer activities to choose from. With a bit of creativity, you can have the time of your life! If you are seeking a vacation rental, you may want to check out Aspen VRBO. There you will find many amazing properties from which to choose.

John Denver Sanctuary to Be Expanded and Rededicated in Aspen

John Denver fans are sure to be excited to learn that the expanded portion of the John Denver Sanctuary in Aspen is soon to be open to the public. City work crews have been planting grass and beautiful vegetation within a newly constructed wetlands area between the Rio Grande Park and the preexisting John Denver Sanctuary.

On July 1, 2012 there will be a rededication of the sanctuary that will see Annie Denver, the first wife of the beloved singer-songwriter, speak at the event. Also attending will be various city officials and John Denver fans.

The new portion of the sanctuary will be a “stormwater catch” that will take one-third of the downtown runoff, which will then be sent back to the Roaring Fork River. This will make a dramatic impact to the cleanliness of the water and efficiency of the drainage system. Additionally, the catch will re-create an environmental habitat for birds, butterflies, and many other adorable critters.

Annie Denver had wanted to work with city officials to expand the sanctuary to 4.5 acres following the untimely death of Denver in 1997; however lack of funds limited the project and pushed it back by nearly 15 years. It is estimated that millions of visitors in the coming years will visit the sanctuary to pay tributes to John Denver, who was an environmental activist at heart. The expansion will offer many scenic vantage points featuring flowing water, beautiful rocks, and lush plant life.

Aspen, Colorado visitors staying within Aspen Rentals and hotels or visiting for the day can take part of the event on July 1. For those who need accommodation for the event, VRBO Aspen offers many Aspen vacation home rental options.

The sanctuary will also be open throughout the summer and is the perfect stopping point for those who want to pay homage to John Denver, while enjoying its beautiful flower gardens, waterfalls, boulder seats, and breathtaking wildflowers.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to gain renewal and honor John Denver and the nature he so loved. The sanctuary is awaiting your visit!