Tips for an Eco-Friendly Trip to Aspen

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the quaint town of Aspen offers year-round outdoor activities. Committed to preserving its stunning natural surroundings, Aspen is a leader in sustainability, operating entirely on renewable energy.

This dedication helps reduce your environmental impact during your visit, enabling you to enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and camping while protecting the tranquil landscape. Here are some simple tips for an eco-conscious trip to Aspen.

Eco-Friendly Transportation Options in Aspen

For a truly car-free getaway, navigate Aspen by walking, biking, or taking advantage of the efficient public transit system, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA). The RFTA app provides all the necessary information at your fingertips, allowing you to buy tickets, check routes, and track bus schedules easily.

Thanks to the WeCycle community bike-sharing initiative, getting around town by bike is free for rides under 30 minutes and incredibly enjoyable. For those who prefer to walk, Aspen is also wonderfully pedestrian-friendly.

Support local businesses by shopping small in Aspen

Aspen is renowned for its shopping scene. You’ll discover locally owned shops offering everything from handcrafted collectibles and custom cowboy hats to artwork, locally made jewelry, and unique souvenirs. Supporting these independent stores not only boosts the economy but also helps create jobs and lower carbon emissions.

Visit the Aspen Saturday Market for baked goods, snacks, and fresh produce sourced from local farms. For a complete farm-to-table experience, head to Rock Bottom Ranch to enjoy healthy fruits and vegetables from nearby farmers. Use the Roaring Fork + Farm Map to locate farms in the region.

Experience the stunning outdoors of Aspen while contributing to its preservation and protection

One of the primary attractions for visitors to Aspen is the breathtaking landscape, which can be enjoyed through activities like hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and wildlife observation. Guided experiences, such as horseback riding through aspen groves and meadows followed by a meal at Pine Creek Cookhouse, provide a perfect opportunity to connect with nature. Engaging in nature activities for all ages with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is another excellent way to interact with locals and learn about the area's flora and fauna.

While exploring the mountainous terrain independently, it’s essential to remain aware of your surroundings. Additionally, respect wildlife habitats by observing animals from a safe distance. These responsible practices ensure everyone’s safety and help preserve the environment for future generations.

When hiking or biking, be mindful of closed trails, pack out all your trash, ensure your cell phone is charged in case of emergencies, and carry a map. Also, practice responsible social media tagging by using generic location tags instead of specific ones. This approach helps prevent overcrowding and mitigates the human impact on Aspen’s stunning landscape, preserving its iconic natural beauty.

Eco-Conscious Hotels and Restaurants

Aspen boasts a diverse selection of hotels and restaurants committed to green practices, striving to minimize their environmental impact for an eco-luxury getaway. To promote the long-term sustainability of the region, establishments like Limelight, Aspen Meadows Resort, The Little Nell, and MOLLIE embrace environmental initiatives such as energy-efficient lighting, refillable shampoo and conditioner dispensers, glass cups instead of plastic, seasonal ingredients, and waste reduction strategies.

Dining at eateries that focus on locally sourced and organic cuisine, like Cache Cache, Ellina, and Spring Café Aspen, offers a delightful culinary experience. Bosq, a Michelin-starred restaurant and James Beard Award semifinalist, elevates this experience with tasting menus crafted from local and foraged ingredients. At The Little Nell, savor dishes prepared with Colorado-sourced ingredients at Element 47 and Ajax Tavern, renowned for its truffle fries and Wagyu burger.

Take the Aspen Pledge

Aspen's dedication to sustainability invites both visitors and residents to participate in the Aspen Pledge online, committing to protect the local environment by practicing responsible exploration, staying on designated trails, using car-free transportation, being courteous, avoiding littering, and more. Additionally, for each online pledge signed, the Aspen Chamber Resort Association will contribute $18.80 to either the Independence Pass Foundation or the Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers.