Aspen is located southwest of Denver on Highway 82. Reudt Reservoir and the White River National Forest are nearby.

The Ute Nation, first known residents, named this area the Shining Mountains. In 1897, prospectors came west from Leadville and settled a camp they called Ute City. The growing town was renamed Aspen in 1880.

Famous for skiing and snowboarding, this little city in the Roaring Fork Valley is a year-round resort. Concessioners in Aspen offer helicopter tours, hiking, paragliding, bicycle tours, river expeditions, back-country jeep excursions, balloon rides, trail rides and overnight pack trips.

Two-hour walking tours of the downtown and West End areas are offered by the Aspen Historical Society. Local events include Winterskol, Aspen's winter carnival, held in mid-January; late June through August the Aspen Music Festival presents concerts and recitals by renowned guest artists. Aspen Filmfest is a combination of film events held several times a year.