Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HIKING TO THE GROTTOS
One of the most popular summer playgrounds in Aspen and a great family hike, the Grottos area is accessed via a
complex web of short trails (most about half a mile in length) that sprout from old Weller Station on the original
Independence Pass wagon road, leading to waterfalls and sculpted gorges. The shortest, wheelchair-accessible
trail visits a series of thundering falls and swimming holes on the Roaring Fork River.
On the opposite bank, the Old Stage Rd leads upstream to Lincoln Creek, and an offshoot heads to unique
water-carved slots known locally as the
Ice Caves
. These are worth hunting for. Head up Independence Pass east
of town for 9 miles on Hwy 82 and look for a 'Trailhead' sign on the right-hand side of the road, nearly a mile
after passing Weller Campground. Leave your car or bike in the small parking area and start exploring. Be
warned: the rocks are slippery and the water icy. Deaths are not frequent, but have been known to happen.
Entertainment
Belly Up
LIVE MUSIC
( 970-544-9800;
www.bellyupaspen.com
; 450 S Galena St; cover varies; hour vary)
Long the top night-
spot in Aspen, Belly Up has built and maintained its street cred by bringing the best live
acts to the Aspen people. That means everything from local bluegrass bands to hip-hop
globalist K'naan and intimate, up-close throwdowns with all-timers such as BB King.
No matter who you see, the room will be intimate and alive with great sound. Easily the
best venue this side of Denver.
Theatre Aspen
THEATER
( 970-925-9313;
www.theatreaspen.org
; 470 Rio Grande Pl; prices vary; hours vary; )
A nonprofit
theater and drama school that hosts classes, workshops and periodic productions (mostly
in the summer and early autumn ) from its gorgeous, tented complex in the heart of Rio
Grande Park. Matinees include bonus views of the nearby mountains, evening productions
play beneath a starry sky. Check the website for details of upcoming shows and see one if
you can.
Wheeler Opera House
PERFORMING ARTS
(
970-920-5770;
www.aspenshowtix.com
;
320 E Hyman Ave; prices vary;
box office 11am-7pm winter,
)
Built in 1887, one of Aspen's oldest and finest examples of Victorian
9am-5pm summer;
