Copyright: - US Forest Service
Maroon Bells in early autumn
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Description - The Aspen Ranger District surrounds the resort town of Aspen, at the upper
end of the Roaring Fork River Valley. It encompasses some spectacular
mountain terrain in the Elk Mountains, and Sawatch Range.
Attractions
- The Aspen Ranger District offers world-class skiing and snowboarding at it's
four mounrin resorts: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and
Buttermilk. On average, about 300 inches of snow falls per year. Cross-
country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and back country hut trips are
available as well. The availability and diversity of outdoor activities during
the summer months is amazing. Aspen is located in the middle fo the
spectacular Elk Mountains. Some of the most picturesque mountains in the
country can be found on this district, including the Maroon Bells and several
other fourteen-thousand-foot peaks. Portions of the Maroon Bells-
Snowmass, Hunter-Fryingpan, and Collegiate Peaks wilderness areas are
located in the Aspen Ranger District. The Maroon Creek, Castle Creek and
Hunter Creek Valleys are all easily accessible from town.
Recreation - Aspen is best known for its downhill skiing. The athletes mountain has
mostly difficult terrain and doesn't allow snowboarding except under rare
circumstances. Snowboarders need not worry because of the excellent
nearby mountains, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. These are
some of the best downhill snow riding opportunities in the world. Winter
enthusiasts are not restricted to the formal constraints of the ski resorts.
Backcountry skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and snow
camping opportunities in this region rival any in the state. When the
snow melts, Aspenites can hike, bike, climb, and paraglide to their hearts
content. As far as I can tell, you can find high quality permutations of every
outdoor activity imaginable, save ocean sports. Though you cant surf ocean
waves, locals have been know to surf waves in the river in their kayaks. All in
all, the Aspen area offers the opportunity for high-quality outdoor
experiences. Climate - In the valley bottoms, summer high temperatures extend into the mid 80s,
with cool evenings that can often dip into the 30s. Winter lows occasionally
dip to minus 30 degrees, though daytime temperatures are often in the 20s
to 30s. The relative humidity is quite low throughout the year. Most of the
area and its recreation facilities lie at higher elevations where significantly
lower temperatures and more precipitation can be expected. Afternoon
summer thunderstorms are common. Snow is possible at any time of year in
the highest elevations. The high elevation roads and trails are often not clear
of snow until mid-July. Location -
The Aspen Ranger District is located in the White River National Forest on the
western slope of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The district begins on the
Continental Divide and encompasses the headwaters of the Roaring Fork
River. Its boundaries include segments of the Hunter-Fryingpan, Mt. Massive,
Collegiate Peaks and Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Areas. The Ranger
Offices are located on Highway 82 on the northwest side of town.
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Ranger Tip: Summer is coming slowly to the Aspen area. The snowline is about
10,000 feet for south facing slopes and only 9,000 feet for north
facing slopes. Independence pass is now open and the snow drifts
at the top are quite impressive.
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