City Guide: Aspen

As the song goes, ''life is full of wonder'' in Aspen.

The line from John Denver's song Rocky Mountain High immortalized Aspen and wider Colorado. Inspired by Denver's love for Colorado, the song made a reference to tourism in the area and won a place in Aspen's history.

Aspen can be depicted a million times, but the city is better if you experience it for yourself. Be it a room in cheap hotel in Aspen to one appointed with luxuries all are available at Booked.net. Check out our offers with maps, photos and secure forms on each hotel.

From its very early years Aspen glittered on the back of the silver industry, gradually expanding on mining and metals. The city's location placed it at the very nexus of heavy business, as well as made it stand tall at 8000 feet above sea level. The first permanent residents came to Aspen in the 1880s and that time it was named Ute City. 

If Aspen had only12,000-strong population in its early years, things changed to better in 1935 when Swiss designer André Roch initiated the development of a ski resort. The idea caught on and by 1948 Aspen was the first in America to host international athletic competitions. 

From its past to present, Aspen is all about its location in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley. Aspen is a jewel of the valley sitting against a Colorado Rocky Mountain background. Thus, as Aspen's setting has it, there are only two way about Aspen to get in and out. First, you can tread the Independence Pass or go up the highway crossing the Roaring Fork Valley.

On your way to Aspen remember it is much more than landscapes, but a city of cultural happenings. Surrounding peaks converted Aspen into vivid playground year round. In winter Aspen is not limited to Alpine skiing only, but brims with ice skating rinks, Nordic ski trails and so on. Summer brings a change to Aspen making it a perfect base for rafting the nearby Colorado River, hiking and biking in the mountains.

If you are away from extreme activities than sightseeing is your thing. Attractions include;

•  John Denver Park, a beautiful area for recreation especially in summertime

• Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountain scenes in Colorado

• Independence Pass can take you up to the Continental Divide, and to the most beautiful scenery in the area

• Downtown Aspen features a plethora of shops for every budget

• Belly Up, a venue for cultural gatherings and artists

• River Valley Ranch Golf Club, the best for golfing in the city

 With Booked.net you can choose a hotel near any of these attractions.