It’s time for another edition of my Eat, Play, Run series. This one is all about Aspen, Colorado. The hubs and I had a mini vacation that was jam packed with activities and eats.
Eat, Play, Run Aspen, Colorado
If you have never been to Aspen, it’s a considered to be one of the best ski resorts in the country as well as a year round vacation destination. It’s full of fabulous restaurants, a thriving art scene and an abundance of outdoor activities to meet every interest. Aspen is a short flight from Denver or a 4 drive. At around 8000 feet, the altitude can be a little bit of an adjustment.
Eat Aspen
We treated ourselves to ice cream a few times over the course of our visit. Hey it was National Ice Cream Day after all! I had a delicious spicy tofu and Japanese eggplant dish. My favorite salad was this rich and creamy Burrata with summer tomatoes.
Play Aspen
Aspen has so many options for outdoor activities to please just about anyone. The first morning, I took a unique Vinyasa Yoga class at the top of Aspen mountain. To reach the class, we had to take a 20 minute Gondola ride (ski lift) up 4,000 feet. I as a little off balance up there as I had not adapted to the altitude yet. This special yoga class was held right at the edge of the mountain with the most spectacular views.
One of my friends was in town and she joined me for this experience. With live flute and violin performers as well as a live DJ who rapped for part of the class, this was a yoga class like no other I had ever taken. There was a wedding the day before and we took advantage of a few photo ops.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Aspen. Maroon Bells and Crater Lake are the most photographed areas in Colorado. I’ve done this hike twice before and the views never disappoint. My husband even enjoyed it (although he will never admit it). It’s about 4 miles round trip.
On our last afternoon, we hit the river for some serious White Water Rafting adventure. We have done this before in Aspen twice and it’s always a blast. The adrenaline really gets pumping as you paddle through the swells and the cold water (in the 40’s) flies into your face to remind you that it was snow not too long ago. The river never disappoints.
Run Aspen
Did I mention the altitude? I set out for a short run. How could I not with the cool morning temps and low humidity? A few minutes into my run, I realized that it was not happening. I ended up on a 1 mile run and a 3 mile walk. No worries! I loved the scenery and crisp air. I need to stay longer next time so I can adapt to the altitude and get that scenic run in.
It is hard to beat the fabulous weather year around, the picturesque views and abundance of activities available in Aspen, Colorado. Hope to get back there next summer as well for some more eat, play, run Aspen.
linking up
Amazing pics!! Thanks for taking me along (virtually) 😉 I’ve been through Colorado, but have never actually stayed there…gotta get that state checked off my “States I’ve Run In ” list someday….
It’s quite beautiful and so much activity going on year around
Sounds like an amazing city to visit!
Such and active fun place to visit. It was hard to leave
What an absolutely beautiful place! How could you not enjoy it? That yoga class sounds amazing. A DJ? What the what?
Thanks for sharing!
It was like no other yoga class I have ever taken!
Everything looks so beautiful! The food..yummy. I did laugh when you mentioned your vacation was packed with lots of activities. I like vacations just to relax. 🙂
Glad you both had a great time.
I get antsy and I need to do stuff everyday 🙂
Oh my, what a beautiful vacation spot. Aspen is on my bucket list – my parents went there for their honeymoon and told me how amazing it was and I’ve always wanted to go!
It is a fabulous vacation spot all year around!
Looks like a great vacation and since I’ve never been, I am definitely adding it to my list.
It is one of those spots that is very hard to come home from!
What a fabulous trip! It all sounds amazing! The yoga sounds neat! That hike looks gorgeous!
The yoga was something else! A great few days there I love it out there
I love the beach, but I truly love mountains, too. Hiking is a passion, but I don’t really get to do it that often. And like I said, we did a hike in Sedona to a private yoga lesson on a clearing — it was one of the best experiences of my life.
I’ve been to CO a few times, but never to Aspen. Looks like you had a fantastic time! The altitude is no joke.
I loved the yoga experience it was definitely like no other class!
I’ve never been to Aspen! It’s so pretty there. That yoga class sounds amazing!
I’ve always wanted to visit Aspen! That ice cream looks so heavenly
hope you have a chance to visit someday soon
It looks like a beautiful vacation: sport, food, relax, scenic places and hubby who enjoyed it (even if he will never admit it).
Rafting has to be a wonderful experience.
yes all of the best things in one place
Beautiful views! I do tend to think of Aspen as a Winter destination so that’s cool to see how much there is to do in the Summer as well.
There may be even more to do in the summer time. It’s a year round destination for sure
I would LOVE to go to Aspen! What gorgeous photos. Also I can totally relate to the running at high altitude and turning a run into a walk haha. That altitude will get you!
The altitude is no joke for someone who lives at sea level
Looks like an amazing trip to Aspen. Running in altitude is always a humbling experience.
Humbling indeed!
Aspen is definitely on our vacay travel destination dream list! Love this helpful guide!
Hope you make it there sometime soon it’s a special piece of paradise
The food looks absolutely delicious! Oooh, that ice cream! I am currently in Colorado too – Steamboat Springs. Running out here is a challenge for us “flatlanders”. There is so little air in the air!
Running out there is a crazy challenge! It’s so hard to breathe
Aspen is on my list of places to visit by the end of the fall because I keep seeing posts and friend’s photos from this past weekend and I am having mountain envy. lol. By the way, that roses arch! That must have been some wedding!
It is a one of a kind place to visit. Hope you make it there sometime soon
Even I have to adjust to the additional altitude in the mountains. My home is at 5400 feet, and going up to 8000 is still a challenge.
Ok that makes me feel a little better! I was dying out there 🙂
I was hoping I’d be somewhat close to Aspen for my road trip but it’s 3 hours out of the way and I don’t have it in me to do another 6 hours. :'( I’m definitely gonna have to come back to Colorado to visit though because I lovelovelove how many outdoorsy things there are to do, so next time! <3! I'd love to go whitewater rafting there!
Colorado is so much fun all year around. There is always something to do