If you’re looking for an extraordinary experience in the Aspen area’s Roaring Fork valley that most tourists (and even locals) neglect, a backcountry jeep tour may be a great option. There are several tour providers throughout the Aspen valley region, so you can choose the location — and the company — that’s right for you.
Aspen Snowmass Jeep Tours
At the highpoint of our valley, known locally as “upvalley,” jeep tours in the Aspen Snowmass resort welcome adventurers to our pristine mountain landscapes. Blazing Adventures offers multiple backcountry tour options with experienced and enthusiastic guides. You’ll learn local lore and facts about the alpine environment, including identifying mountain flora and fauna. For our guests, Blazing Adventures even includes door-to-door transportation from the Aspen Square.
Aspen Half Day Jeep Tour
Take a four-hour tour in the morning or afternoon, and choose from three offerings - Aspen Mountain (Gold Hill), Lenado, or Independence Pass. The morning tour picks up between 8:15 and 8:45am, while the afternoon tour picks up between 1 and 1:30pm.
Taylor Pass Jeep Tour
If you head to Taylor Pass, the highest elevation of any local backcountry jeep tour, not only will you get above 11,000 feet during this six-hour ride, you’ll also get a wealth of knowledge about Aspen’s history and geology. You will head up Aspen Mountain to Richmond Ridge and then arrive at Taylor Pass, which faces towards the ski town of Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley. While at the summit, you’ll stop for lunch in the mountains before descending to the ghost town of Ashcroft and an historical tour of the remaining buildings in the former mining area. The Taylor Pass tour picks up between 8:30 and 9am. Immersing yourself in the Elk Mountains at the top of the world is an outing you’ll never forget.
Snowmass Jeep Tour with Sunset Dinner
You and your family can enjoy an evening of mountain fun on this four-hour sunset jeep excursion in Snowmass. Blazing Adventures takes you up Snowmass Mountain to the historic Burlingame Cabin in one of their custom jeeps. While there, guests enjoy tasty food, live music, and can even roast s'mores over a campfire After chowing down on some smoky BBQ, you’ll have the option to journey further for more scenic mountain views and an arrival at a breathtaking overlook. Watch the sun setting behind the mountains of the Roaring Fork Valley. Pickup begins between 5:30 and 6pm.
Marble, Colorado Jeep Tours
Believe it or not, Marble, Colorado (where the marble for the Lincoln Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was mined) is only 17 miles southwest of Aspen as the crow flies. Driving there, however, requires a more circuitous (yet stunning) route. After driving past Carbondale on Highway 133, you’ll wind along the two-lane road next to the Crystal River, passing historical sites and waterfalls as more and more peaks come into view. Be sure to watch for the chunks of white marble dotting the river banks.
The family-run tour company in Marble is named Crystal River Jeep Tours. Established in 1951, CRJT ranks as one of the longest-running adventure tour operations in Colorado. Their jeep tour guides are experienced off-road drivers with knowledge of the local history and geography. CRJT tours take you to the edges of both the Maroon Bells–Snowmass wilderness (part of White River National Forest) and the Raggeds Wilderness (part of Gunnison National Forest).
Jeep Tour to Crystal
This three-hour tour passes Lizard Lake, overlooks the Crystal River, and passes multiple natural waterfalls in the spring. You’ll follow a narrow, rough and bumpy mountain road blazed by settlers, prospectors and miners in the late 1800s (in nearly the same condition today) to arrive in Crystal City. Trips leave Marble at 10am and 2pm.
Lead King Basin Loop Tour
Take an 18-mile jeep tour loop along an old road bordering the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness area. Visit a 10,500-foot summit, then you’ll also explore alpine meadows, Silver Creek, Coors Falls, Crystal City, and the historic Crystal Mill. This five-hour tour leaves Marble at 10am.
Smitty's Special Tour
CRJT calls this “the Lead King Loop tour on steroids“ or “the antique tour with the antique driver.” Ride with Smitty himself in an antique Jeep to experience the Lead King Loop insider-style, with an additional side trip to the Devil’s Punchbowl. This seven-hour tour departs at 10am. Recommended: bring a brown bag lunch.
Sheep Mountain Tour
Follow the Sheep Mountain ridge four miles up the valley until you reach the peak and a panoramic view of the Crystal River Valley at 11,500 feet. You’ll be guided on moderate hikes to additional overlooks from the top. This five-hour tour leaves Marble at 10am. Recommended: bring a brown bag lunch.
Glenwood Springs Jeep Tours
About 40 miles downvalley from Aspen in Glenwood Springs, you’ll find Glenwood Adventure Company. If you’re eager to bag some more mountain views, they’ll be happy to take you jeeping in the backcountry on the 5,500-acre Historical Bair Ranch (one of the oldest working family ranches in Colorado).
Off-Road Jeep Tour
This 2.5-hour jeep tour will introduce you to Bair Ranch and its views of majestic peaks, the Colorado River, and Glenwood Canyon. Enjoy scenes of spectacular wildflowers with Mount Sopris in the distance. Tour start times vary depending on the day.
Off-Road Jeep Dinner Adventure
This three-hour jeep tour is similar to the Off-Road tour, but adds dinner to the experience. You’ll enjoy a family-style meal, which includes ribeye, a baked potato, fresh rolls and salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, and a dessert. Most dinner tours depart Glenwood at 5pm.
Wine, Beer, and Cheese Sunset Jeep Tour
On this outing, you’ll explore private ranch roads for three hours in a custom jeep while listening to experienced local guides fill you in about local landscape and history. Enjoy a picnic spread including many of Colorado’s best local brews, wines, and cheeses before you head back down to Glenwood Springs.
Jeep Tour Tips
Since many of the jeep tours travel into high alpine environments, it is recommended that jeep tourists be prepared for a colder climate by wearing hiking shoes or boots and multiple layers. In addition, we recommend bringing a camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, and extra water.
For more information about Aspen jeep tours, we invite our guests to email or call our Aspen Square Condominium Hotel concierge at concierge@aspensquarehotel.com or 1-866-285-7876 x3515. Non-guests should contact the Aspen Chamber (ACRA) by calling 970-925-1940.