The most up-to-date information for the Roaring Fork Valley
The Golden Key Concierge Guide has been helping visitors to Aspen, Snowmass Village and the Roaring Fork Valley
plan their vacation since 1991. Find recommendations for lodging, dining, shopping and activities neatly organized
and easy to find here. Let the Golden Key be your guide!
Aspen and Snowmass, Colorado Nature Preserve Locations
Thanks to the wide open spaces in the Roaring Fork Valley, travelers have a rare opportunity to experience some of the best nature preserves in the world. In Aspen and Snowmass alone there are numerous opportunities to visit nature preserves. The Roaring Fork Valley is a monument to wilderness preservation and these nature preserves make it easy to enjoy your trip.
Summer: Visit the Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, a wild place in the heart of Aspen, featuring an environmental learning center, resident birds of prey, an indoor trout stream, self-guided trail, bird watching, and a naturalist on site to answer questions. The preserve encompasses lush riparian ecosystems including woodland, meadow, pond, and marsh communities. ACES offers programs for children and adults through its Naturalist Field School, as well as free naturalist-guided walks on Aspen Mountain, at the Maroon Bells and in Snowmass. Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-5pm. Also, check out Rock Bottom Ranch in Basalt for its organic garden and farm animals! (970) 925-5756. aces@aspennature.org. www.aspennature.org.
Photo by Anda Rojs Smalls
Winter: Stop, look, listen to the natural wonders of the Rocky Mountains while skiing or snowshoeing with a naturalist from ACES. Daily snowshoe walks leave from the top of Aspen and Snowmass Mountains and from the Ashcroft Ski Touring Center. Free downhill skiing tours are offered at Snowmass. Snowshoe walks and bird watching can be enjoyed at the center. Evening programs include the Potbelly Perspective Lecture Series and Naturalist Nights. Open daily, ACES is located on the 25-acre Hallam Lake Nature Preserve in the heart of Aspen. Phone (970) 925-5756. aces@aspennature.org. www.aspennature.org. Photo by Lindsy Fortier.