Blogs from Aspen, Colorado, United States, North America

In 1971, the White River National Forest issued a unique special permit and Ashcroft became the first self-sustaining cross-country ski area in the U.S. Located 12 miles above Aspen in the upper reaches of spectacular Castle CreekValley, the ski area offers excellent terrain for all levels of Nordic skiers. Thirty-five kilometers of meticulously groomed trails wind across 600 acres in the sub-alpine valley surrounding the Ghost Town of Ashcroft, a turn-of-the-century mining town designated on the National Register of Historical Places. At an elevation of 9,500 feet . The winter season runs Thanksgiving day until early April A full-day pass to use the trail system is $15; a half-day pass (after 12:30 p.m.) is $10. There are special rates for senior citizens and children. Ashcroft offers skiing trails, groomed for classic and skate styles, and separate ... read more

Independence Ghost Town, the wooden skeleton remains of a Colorado mining operation of the 1880s, provides historical intrigue, perfect in conjunction with a hike on trails easily accessible from Independence Pass Road. Located on Highway 82 Just past mile marker 57, 16 miles SE of Aspen, CO, on Independence Pass. In early Spring and late Fall, check Colorado Department of Transportation road closure updates for Pass status. Guided interpretive tours available from June 19 - Labor Day. Suggested fee for adults: $3. Kids are free. Off-road parking. No dogs allowed. Overview In 1879, miners established the Beldon tent camp, hoping to strike it mineral rich. On July Fourth of that year, they hit pay dirt and renamed the camp Independence. After a short heyday, with a population of 500, in 1881, the expansion of the railroad ... read more

Aspen Don’t get fooled by the bland brick building and simple Victorian architectures around town. Aspen is very opulent; the epitome of luxury, style, and grace. Strolling down the streets, big fashion names that fill Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Fifth Ave in Manhattan, Avenue Montaigne in Paris, and Bond Street in London are well represented here. Arts Galleries that cater to the strangest tastes are as common as Toyota in Tokyo. I never heard the “organic contemporary style” term till I opened the Aspen Home Design magazine. The style, according to the magazine, should include classic, clean, and simple sinuous lines. It incorporates pieces crafted from reclaimed wood and recycled materials. Furthermore, the style uses fabrics that utilize vegetable dyes. I would remember that for future reference. Either I was way behind with my vocabulary ... read more

Leadville is surrounded by 2 of the highest mountains in CO and I got to see the sun turn the peaks pink this morning when I was walking the dogs! We spent the morning touring the National Mining Museum. I didn’t realize that so many consumer products contain minerals that must be mined. Leadville had all kinds of mines at one time - silver, gold, lead, zinc and copper. Small boom towns sprung up all over the area. In the afternoon we did a short version of a driving tour of former mines and mining communities in the area. It took us above Leadville and even on a dirt road that reminded us of Alaska. Can’t say there was a lot left to see just piles and piles of mine tailings (dirt leftover from mine operations). ... read more

Thursday, Today was our 15th Wedding anniversary. At least I bought Kylie a card and some chocolates, Hey were on a trip of a lifetime, what more does she want !! We went for a bike ride around the State Park today, they have real good tracks to ride on. This park had a wildlife Park inside it, not that we saw much. Just rabbits all around our site. Theres a model airplane area just over the way from our site. There is someone there from 1st thing in the morning to last thing at night. Josh and I went over to be noisy. Some of these guys are really into it. One guy had a car sized closed in trailer, with a tool box and bench in the front. Carpet throughout and shelves and tie ... read more