When life gets busier than anyone would like and it’s time to enjoy a well-deserved break, some quality time spent in Snowmass, Colorado is always a refreshing solution. While this beautiful alpine retreat is a must-visit when you have extended time set aside on the calendar in the name of vacation fun, it’s just as inspiring of a destination if you only have a day to adventure! Whether you’re hoping to relax and unwind or you can’t wait to make the most of outdoor adventures, the following guide will help you plan a day trip to Snowmass this year that you won’t soon forget with impeccable accommodations to match.
Head Out Early to Get New Discoveries in the Mountain Underway
No matter where your point of origin might happen to be, your day trip to Snowmass deserves to get underway as early as possible so you can make the most of the sunrise over the mountains and savor every second of your experience. If you happen to be traveling into Snowmass from Denver, you’ll want to give yourself about 3.5 hours of drive time to complete the 196-mile trip following I-70 West. If you can manage to arrive in town around 7:30 am, you’ll be right on time to be first in line for a delicious breakfast and coffee at Fuel Café. You’ll find this savory stop at 45 Village Run Circle in the heart of Snowmass Village, located in Snowmass Mall. They’re open from 7:30 am until 5:00 pm daily, and it’s a great place to enjoy customized breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, bacon, eggs, and more! The coffee options here are equally vast, and you can easily request tea or a smoothie if that’s more your beginning-of-the-day style.
Hit a Local Hiking Trail in Good Company
Once you’re sufficiently energized and fueled up for the day ahead, it’s time to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails alongside your fellow travelers. Snowmass is a place you could easily spend an entire summer season checking out the beautiful mountain trails on foot, but when you only have a few hours to spare during a day trip this way, we recommend setting your sights on the Rim Trail. This is a popular route among locals and visitors alike because it can be broken into manageable sections or attempted in its entirety if you have more time available. It’s a trail that’s rated as moderately difficult and runs through the scenic Roaring Fork Valley. Above all, this is a trail that treats hikers to spectacular views, whether you opt to lean into the South route, the North route, or enjoy both. Together, the trails span around 8 miles of terrain and the singletrack setup brings you through fields of wildflowers and aspen trees while offering up observation points over ridgelines, too. The elevation gain on the Rim Trail is around 1,453 feet, and if you’re looking to enhance the views along the way further, don’t miss out on time enjoyed at the Spiral Point overlook. The Rim Trail offers hikers easy parking options right at the Snowmass Village Mall, and it’s a pet-friendly trail to explore as long as your dog remains leashed at all times.
Treat Yourself to Lunch at The Edge Restaurant and Bar
After conquering the Rim Trail, there’s a good chance that cravings will come calling once again. That’s when it’s time to freshen up and head over to The Edge Restaurant and Bar for lunch. Located within the Timberline Condominiums community at 690 Carriage Way, this eatery is sure to be a palate-pleasing experience for everyone in your group. When you dine at The Edge Restaurant and Bar, you can make the most of fresh-air patio seating options while indulging in menu options like fondue, homemade sausage, schnitzels, soups, salads, or fresh-caught fare of the day. The ambiance is decidedly warm and welcoming, and if you happen to be heading this way with little ones, there’s a kids’ menu to enjoy too, making your dining experience that much more customized for everyone.
Explore the Snowmass Mall
For day trippers heading to Snowmass with a passion in place for some well-deserved retail therapy, the next stop on the list is Snowmass Mall. Here, there are great opportunities to spend some time with a shopping bag in hand, checking out the unique artisan jewelry boutiques, souvenir shops, and storefronts showcasing mountain outdoor recreation gear too! No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here, and if you’re more in the mood to just window shop, that’s a fun option as well. If you’re on the hunt for bicycle, snowboard, or ski rentals while you’re in town for the day, you’ll want to be sure to make your way to Snowmass Mall’s Snowmass Sports. This is a locally owned shop where you’ll find quality brands available to use, spanning Spyder to Patagonia, to name a few of many. They also have convenient ski storage options on-site if you’re day tripping this way in the winter. For those spending the day in Snowmass who are interested in adding a guided hike or tour to their itinerary, making your way to Blazing Adventures is a must. Here, you can link up with professional guides that will help you set up adventures departing from Snowmass Mall and out into the surrounding wilderness, where you’ll enjoy learning more about your surroundings.
Elevate the View with a Gondola Ride
No matter when you plan a day trip to scenic Snowmass, elevating the view is an easy thing to do when you make time on the agenda for a trip on the local gondola. Planning for a trip of this type is a great way to make as much as possible of your inspiring surroundings, even if you’re on a strict timeline! You can access the gondola at Snowmass Base Village and when you step inside, you’ll find yourself enjoying an 8-person cabin offering panoramic views as you rise above the terrain. The gondola is set up to transport passengers to Elk Camp Meadows and the corresponding restaurant, which sits at 9,765 feet. You’re going to want to be sure to have a camera on hand for the ride up, because the views are truly unsurpassed from this vantage point. Even after you step off the gondola at the top, there’s a lot waiting to be experienced and enjoyed! Passengers can pick and choose between mountaintop dining options, hiking the easy-to-access mountain trails, or embracing thrills at the Lost Forest Adventure Zone complete with ropes courses, disc golf, zip lines, and an alpine coaster. A ride up the gondola is a great family-friendly activity to add to your day trip itinerary in Snowmass, and a round-trip ride is $39 per person. It’s good to note that if you’re traveling with kids, those 6 and under can enjoy time on the gondola at no cost.
Explore the Anderson Ranch Arts Center
Once you’ve made your way down from the summit to base level once again, it’s time to head over to the Anderson Ranch Arts Center. Conveniently located in the heart of Snowmass Village, this inspiring stop is a place where you can embrace your creative inclinations of all kinds. The Anderson Ranch Arts Center was first established in Snowmass back in 1966, and it continues to be a place where creative minds collide. Throughout the year, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center hosts a variety of on-site workshops and residencies where participants can enjoy learning more about ceramics, painting, photography, woodworking and sculpture as well. Even if you don’t choose to be a part of a formal class on-site, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center is a great place to drop by and simply explore the impressive exhibitions and displays waiting to be discovered. Many feature the work of local talent, and galleries are updated regularly so every visit is a one-of-a-kind experience. You’ll find the Anderson Ranch Arts Center at 5263 Owl Creek Road, and it’s open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm making it an easy addition to even the most packed day trip itinerary.
Make Time for Dinner at Element 47
After a day packed with fun and adventure across Snowmass, it’s time to enjoy an elegant and mouthwatering meal over at Element 47. You’ll find this refined eatery at 675 E Durant Avenue in nearby Aspen, and whether you choose a table indoors or opt for an elegant outdoor patio seat, you’re in for a delicious treat. Element 47 is known and loved by patrons for its menu that features Colorado-inspired fare, and the warm and welcoming ambiance makes it easy to want to return time and again. You’re definitely going to want to have your reservation in place ahead of time to enjoy dining at this Michelin Guide-recommended stop on the map. In addition to an impressive menu of options, Element 47 has earned a reputation for excellence around its award-winning wine program to match. Dinner here is served from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday, but the bar is open until 11:00 pm daily. Whether you go for the wagyu, golden chicken, dry-aged Rohan duck, or the antelope loin, it’s a dining experience you’re not going to want to miss. When you’re looking forward to ending your evening on a sweet note, you’re sure to love that the dessert menu here features options like tiramisu, chocolate cake, and rhubarb pie as well.
Tips for Ensuring Your Day Trip to Snowmass Is a Success
In absolutely every season of the year, a day trip to Snowmass is worth your while, but there are certainly steps you’ll want to take to ensure your journey is smooth, memorable, and successful from start to finish. Above all, be sure to book your accommodations as early as possible to ensure the best prices, views, and access to area fun when you’re working on a strict travel timeline. You’ll also want to check in on the local event calendar before you arrive to see if there are any seasonal concerts or festivals happening in the area on the day you’ll be in town that you can weave into your lineup of fun! Don’t hesitate to use any free transportation options offered through your rental community to save time getting from point A to point B, and keep as much in your day trip travel fund too. Snowmass’s altitude can sneak up on those who are visiting for the first time, so having a reusable water bottle in hand at all times is highly recommended. Similarly, make sure to pack layers for your stay, because as you move from one elevation point to the next, temperatures and weather trends can fluctuate rather drastically in this mountainous area.
Book an Unforgettable Stay Through Timberline Condominiums
Even if you’re only in Snowmass for a day and night, there’s no reason your getaway shouldn’t include elevated standards of comfort, luxury, and style. At Timberline Condominiums, we provide travelers heading this way for both the day and extended stays access to incredible accommodations that are ideally located and packed with top-tier amenities, too. Pick and choose from our charming studios to multi-bedroom condos and lofts that are fit for large groups. No matter what property option you select, you’ll wake up each day within easy reach of Snowmass Mall and only minutes from downtown Aspen. Guests of Timberline Condominiums can enjoy time in the community’s heated outdoor pool, steam room, fitness center, BBQ grilling area, or hot tubs whenever they’d like to unwind on-site. We offer complimentary shuttle services around Snowmass Village and our daily housekeeping, gear rental options, and concierge support make your stay truly easy to customize every step of the way.
When you’re ready to turn your Snowmass travel plans into a reality, booking your stay through us is the place to start! Reach out today to learn more about our day trip property options available as well as our rental options ideal for longer stays. We can’t wait to help you create an unforgettable journey and look forward to seeing you in scenic Snowmass soon.
