How to Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Aspen
Stephanie Kroll
Stephanie Kroll
Memorial Day weekend, spanning from May 27 to 29, offers a three-day escape with ample opportunities for both adventure and relaxation in Aspen. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of this holiday weekend in our beautiful mountain town.
Location: 235 High School Road 81611
From May 27 to 28, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Native American culture at the Aspen Shining Mountains contest and pow wow, hosted at Aspen High School. The event features contest dancing and drumming, raffles, Native vendor booths, a fry bread and Indian taco stand, and presentation booths. This family-friendly event is an incredible opportunity to learn and celebrate Native American heritage.
Aspen's stunning natural scenery is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Weather permitting, you can embark on a variety of bike excursions. Choose a single-track trail for a challenging ride or opt for a scenic path with breathtaking views. Blazing Adventures offers options for all levels, ensuring a memorable experience for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.
An overnight stay at Maroon Bells is a must to witness the wildflowers, Maroon Lake, and the striking mountain range. Engage in activities like hiking, picnics, and stargazing once the sun sets. Remember to secure a reservation early as spots fill up quickly.
Embrace the mild weather with a round of golf at one of Aspen’s premier courses. Consider playing at Aspen Golf Club, Snowmass Club, or River Valley Ranch Golf Club for a fun and scenic Memorial Day weekend.
The Silver Queen Gondola opens for summer operations on Saturday. Take a ride to the top of Aspen Mountain and enjoy the spring views. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of Aspen from above.
For a more relaxed day, head to Independence Pass and explore Grottos Trail. This easy loop trail features waterfalls, ice caves, and cascades, making it perfect for a picnic and a gentle hike. Just ensure the snow has melted and spring runoff isn’t too high.
Add a touch of sophistication to your weekend with a wine experience at The Little Nell. Choose between a chef-paired wine dinner with a custom menu or a personalized wine tasting hosted by a sommelier, including a consultation, house-cured meats, local cheeses, and premium wines.
Kick off the weekend early on Thursday, May 25, with a live performance by The Texas Gentlemen at Belly Up Aspen. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $18, offering a fun evening of music and entertainment.
Extend your adventures downvalley to Glenwood Springs. The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will be open on Memorial Day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering special passes and tickets. Meanwhile, the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool kicks off its summer hours with attractions open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it a perfect spot for family fun.
As the weather warms and Independence Pass opens, be mindful of changing conditions. Trails may still be wet and muddy, so mountain biking might not be ideal. Always practice leave-no-trace principles, be prepared for any weather, and respect wildlife. In the year 2024, due to additional snowy weather, Independence Pass will not be open until May 30th.
Campgrounds are filling up fast. Check recreation.gov for availability and remember to follow fire safety guidelines.
For those who prefer indoor activities, the Aspen Art Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday but closed on Monday.
No trip to Aspen is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Make sure to visit some of Aspen's top restaurants to round off your Memorial Day weekend.
Whether you’re seeking high-energy activities or a relaxing escape with wine and scenic views, Aspen offers an unforgettable Memorial Day weekend experience. Enjoy the blend of culture, nature, and fun in our charming mountain town!
A crowd of military veterans, local first responders and members of the public envelop Veterans Memorial Park in Aspen during the morning hours to celebrate Memorial Day. Organized by the Aspen Fire Department, the event includes speakers, a laying of the wreath, the Pledge of Allegiance, an Honor Guard ceremony, and more. Memorial Day is an important time to honor those who served, so please participate in this ceremony to show respect to our military veterans who lost their lives for us.
Contact the real estate team at Avant Garde Aspen to sell your property, buy luxury ski property, and browse resort homes for sale in Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, and the rest of the Roaring Fork Valley.