Your Guide to Guides

Your Guide to Guides | ALC

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Aspen Guides - Majestic mountains rise above a landscape of green trees and grass, showcasing nature's beauty.
By Brooke Ely Danielson


Explore Aspen through a different lens with the help of a guide. The valley offers up some of the most accomplished outdoor athletes, who work their day jobs at high-end outfitters, guiding in activities such as: climbing, hiking, cycling and beyond. Hiring a guide has the potential to enhance your Aspen exploration tenfold. Think new terrain, outdoor education and all of your gear and routes provided, mapped out and planned. Aspen Luxury concierge will handle the booking and details for your desired guided adventure of choice. 

If you have dreamt about summiting a certain peak or finding that hidden gem of a trail with a breathtaking waterfall (a true instagram worthy moment), your guides will know just where to take you. Looking to fly fish in some of the best locations along the Rio grande? Your guides will know just where to take you. 

For the more serious adventurer, Aspen Alpine Guides is just the outfitter for you. Founded in 1987, AAG specializes in a variety of excursions ranging from Aspen to Crested Butte. They offer year-round guided trips including hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, snow-shoeing, cross country ski instruction and tours, backcountry skiing, out of bounds lift-assisted skiing, mountain biking, backpacking, hut trips on the 10th Mountain Hut System, and High Altitude Training for runners and Cyclists. Their guides are certified in emergency wilderness medicine and can tailor any trip to suit the clients needs and level of ability. 

For the hiker, climber and knowledge seeker, Aspen Expeditions offers up packaged climbing deals as well as outdoor activities custom tailored to your needs. Their guides all hold Wilderness First Responder certificates (also known at WFR) and even, additionally, EMT-paramedic medical certifications. 

Looking to unwind with a day of fly fishing, clay shooting or hunting? Aspen Outfitting company will help you escape for the day in any of these guided adventures by taking care of every detail, ensuring your utmost and total enjoyment on the river, at the shooting range or deep in the forest. 

Paddle your way down the Rio Grande river with Elk Mountain. They are the premier  water rafting guides. Elk Mountain offers comprehensive guided trips ranging from class 1-5 in difficulty. While these are group trips, Elk Mountain is also available for private river tours. Not into rapids? Their class 1 offer takes you via paddle board along the North Star nature preserve, where you can stand or sit on your board and enjoy the scenic views. 

Private Chefs to Book Now

Private Chefs to Book Now

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A woman skillfully pours wine into a glass, embodying the essence of a sophisticated gathering. - Private Chefs to Book Now

Delicious food without the hassle? Bring the restaurant quality food and service to your home with a private chef booking. Aspen is home to top tier chefs who offer up various styles of cuisine and specialty. From pitmasters to vegan, Aspen Luxury Concierge can help book and manage the ideal chef to cook to your liking. Here is ALC’s guide to the [insert #] best chefs to hire now. 

Chef Talo

Where Spanish and Italian Flavors Meet

Chef Talo’s career began in the basement of a seafood restaurant, in Aspen, shucking oysters. He fell in love with working in the kitchen. After a stint in culinary school, and owning his own restaurant in Buenos Aires, Talo joined the team at Dancing Bear, where he was head chef. Talo eventually left the Dancing Bear to focus on private cheffing, where he could cook with more passion and heart. 


Brian Pierce

Healthy Cuisine Mixed with Urban Comfort 

Brian Pierce brings a wealth of experience from his days of cooking in five-star restaurants in Manhattan. While PIerce has experience and extensive training in farm-to-table, New American, and contemporary Mediterranean styles––with a varied knowledge of Thai and Chinese cooking techniques––he keeps sustainability top of mind. Pierce will source the best in local produce and take extra steps in his cooking to mitigate waste. 



Bobby Pollette 

The Well-rounded Chef

Born and raised in Hawaii, Bobby eventually made his way to Aspen; picking up food and cultural inspiration along the way. He can execute just about any type of cuisine. Bobby offers up menus such as Farm to Table and Asian Inspired. 



Mirasol Gomez and Nicole Carrillo of Forage Sisters

Locally Sourced, Sustainably Minded

Mirasol Gomez  and Nicole Carrillo take pride in sourcing the best produce locally, responsibly and sustainability. Their gourmet mouth-watering foods are not only displayed beautifully, but they are packed full of flavor and Argentinian influence. 


Chef Alex Schweitz

Gourmet in the Mountains

Chef Alex Schweitz grew up in Durango, CO where he cooked in his family’s Mexican restaurant. Throughout his years, Schweitz traveled to Mexico to further his knowledge of Latin cooking. He can customize the menu to your liking. Just need a night in without the chef around? No problem, Schweitz can prepare drop-off meals! 



Chefs J.D. Baldridge, Chris “Gerber” Mathie and Alvarez Wortham

The Triple Threat

With a combined 30 years of hospitality experience, Chefs J.D. Baldridge, Chris Mathie and Alvarez Wortham bring five star cuisine right to your dining room. All three chefs have held prestigious positions, cooking for The Little Nell and beyond. They each bring a unique flare to the kitchen with their diverse backgrounds and interests. These chefs can do it all. 


Chef Abhay 

The multi-cultural cuisine chef

Meet Capitol Creek’s executive chef, Chef Abhay. He cooks with Caribbean-Indian flair, something he gets excited about. A Trinidad and Tobago native, Chef Abhay likes to shake it up and is keen on cooking with more foreign flavors. If you’re a curry lover, Chef Abhay is the one to hire. 

To book, please reach out to us, and we will handle all of the details.

How To Visit To The Maroon Bells

Visiting the Maroon Bells

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The iconic Maroon Bells, featuring stunning mountain reflections in a tranquil lake.
The Maroon Bells view from the lake

The Maroon Bells is a must-visit. Why? With breathtaking views, and over 300 million years of jagged stone development, this natural wonder never ceases to amaze. The series of peaks measure over 14,000 feet above the Maroon creek valley. The mountains kiss the sun during the day, and cradle the moon at night. The “Bells” as most call it, is a wildly popular in-season destination, so we recommend making reservations in advance. There are many ways to take in the sites, sounds and beauty of the Bells. Let us help guide you there…

The First Step in Visiting the “Bells”?

From May to October, the Maroon Bells are open for visitation. Online reservations are a must, so best to make these in advance. 

How to Reserve Your Spot?

A reservation will solidify your trip via private vehicle or RFTA shuttle transportation. Aspen Luxury Concierge is happy to take care of these reservations. Should you, or your group, need to access them independently, this can be done via phone or email. If you are feeling athletic and adventurous, take in the sites via bike. If you don’t own your own bike, Aspen Luxury Concierge will be more than happy to secure a bike rental for the excursion. 

What to Bring?

Aspen Luxury Concierge will see that you are all set and nourished for this day, or night, trek. Varying from activity to activity, you can camp, hike, bike ride or simply walk around. Make sure to wear SPF, bring a water bottle and a small snack if needed. We can oversee a picnic lunch that is packed and ready for you to enjoy amongst the sweeping views. 

Pertinent Information:

Private vehicles are eligible for drop off between 6 AM to 8 AM without a reservation. If any passenger is dropped off they must have a shuttle ticket to return to Aspen Highlands. Maroon Bells is accessible 24 hours a day with the proper permitting. 

For more information click here

Hiking Aspen

Hiking: Your Guide to Aspen’s Best Summer Trails

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Aspen summers are magical, simply put. The Roaring Fork river moves the snow melt at a rushing pace, the days are warmer, brighter and longer. The mountain breeze evokes a sense of ease and hope that could make any visitor want to stay indefinitely. A large component of the magical equation are the mountains that make up Aspen’s backyard. Within these mountains are some of the most enjoyable trails to hike. Ranging in difficulty, we have broken down some of the best trails to hit this summer, and how to best prepare for them. 

While trails vary in difficulty and terrain, it is important to prepare ahead of time by packing the appropriate essentials and doing your research. Difficulty, elevation gain, length etc..are all important factors when choosing the best route for you. We suggest to always wear a backpack and fill it with essentials. What are some of the essentials we suggest? Always: water, snacks (such as a larabar, trial mix or salted nuts), sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, light layers and a rain shell. If the trailhead provides physical maps at the start, it is important to grab one and throw it in your pack. Some things to think about adding are a picnic blanket, extra socks and a small first-aid kit. Should you and your group want to enjoy a more substantial lunch, Aspen Luxury Concierge is more than happy to arrange lunch boxes. 

Ajax Trail

Beginning in Koch park, the Ajax trail measures 1.5 miles long and is dog friendly. Ideal for a casual hike at any point during the day. This trail contains mostly shade cover, but be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat. A small bottle of water should suffice for the trek. Afterward, walk over to Ajax tavern for a drink and appetizers, complete with views of Aspen mountain. 

For more information on Ajax Trail click here


American Lake Trail

For those seeking a more challenging hike––with a beautiful lake view at the summit––American Lake is a must-visit. The trailhead parking lot is a sharp right off of Castle Creek Road, about 9.75 miles from town. This hike is not for the faint of heart. It’s nearly 7 miles roundtrip. Make sure to pack extra layers, plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. We suggest a high-ankle hiking boot for ample ankle support. Dogs are allowed, but on-leash only. 


For more information on American Lake click here


Cathedral Lake

A difficult trail with a beautiful view. Cathedral Lake is a 5.3 out and back that is steep but worth the workout. This is a popular trail, so we suggest starting early AM to avoid the crowds. Dogs are allowed, but on leash only. Make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. Sunscreen, baseball hat and chapstick are all suggested for this hike. 


For more information on Cathedral lake click here


Chaparral Ranch Trail

Located in Woody Creek, this 3.5 mile long trail is ideal for walking, running or biking. Easy breezy and mildly challenging. Just a few miles from Aspen’s town center, this is a great place to start, or end, your day. Sunscreen and a hat are suggested as the sun is quite strong. Stop by Woody Creek Tavern post-activity for a margarita and snacks.

For more information on Chaparral Ranch Trail click here 


Crater Lake Trail

A shorter hike with beautiful views, including a start at the ever-popular Maroon Bells. This is an ideal day hike; which can be done solo, or with the entire family. It is dog friendly and quite popular, so it is suggested to start in the morning. It is 3.5 miles in total length––perfect for a pre-lunch workout. Make sure to wear a hat, sunscreen and bring a water bottle. While there are some trash receptacles at the base of the bells, it is best to be cautious and pack in and out, leaving no trace behind. 

For more information on Crater Lake Trail click here


Difficult Creek Trail

Located off Highway 82, towards Independence Pass, Difficult Creek trail is a dog friendly easy breezy hike. Three miles in length, this scenic adventure is ideal June through September. 

For more information on Difficult Creek Trail click here


Grizzly Lake Trail

Those looking for a challenge, look no further than Grizzly Lake Trail. The drive in is bumpy at best, but worth the trek. You begin your hike at high altitude. Measuring 3.6 miles each way, totalling just over 7.2 miles roundtrip, you ascend quite a bit of feet. Make sure to pack plenty of water, a light lunch and healthy snacks. Electrolyte powders or tabs are suggested to help ease any onset of altitude sickness. This is dog friendly, so feel free to bring your canine friends! 

For more information on Grizzly Lake Trail click here


Grottos Trail

This is a picnic lover’s dream. With an easy hike via dirt path, you can make your way to the ice caves and breathtaking waterfalls. Pack a picnic and bring some beverages because this is the ideal spot to spread out the picnic blanket and kick up your hiking boots. 

For more information on Grottos Trail click here



Hunter Creek Trail

Hunter Creek trail is a fun adventure, easily accessible from town. It is a rocky dirt path you can run, hike or mountain bike on. Varying in length, you can easily make this short or long depending on your mood. There are trail maps along the way that provide detailed information. Bring your dog, because this is a dog friendly path. Take in the Aspen tree groves and sunshine while hiking along waterfalls. This route also links to additional trails in the Upper Hunter Creek Valley with a connector to Smuggler Mtn trails as well as links that connect to the Hunter Flats, Four Corners and Van Horn Park. A versatile and less intimidating hike. 

For more information on Hunter Creek Trail click here



Little Cloud Trail

A short and steep “up” that connects you to Aspen Mountain.  Little cloud is the perfect “little” trail. It is dog friendly and mostly shade covered, but best to wear a hat and bring a small water bottle. Looking for more of a challenge? Continue onward and straight up Aspen Mountain to the sundeck. 

For more information on Little Cloud Trail click here



Lollipop Trail

A short 1 mile hike, walk or trail run located at the top of Smuggler Mountain. It is dog friendly and has tree cover for shade. Make sure to pack water and a snack in case. You may want to explore further and take some of the trail connectors leading to Smuggler or Hunter Creek.

For more information on Lollipop Trail click here



Lost Man Trail

A long and idyllic hike you must try. There are a few ways to slice and dice this trek. We suggest starting at the top portion. Make sure to take two cars or hire a driver if you would like to hike from point A to point B. For those hiking an out and back, one car will suffice. What to pack? A light lunch, snacks, water, sunglasses, sunscreen and a baseball cap. Be sure to bring extra layers in your backpack. Think sweatshirt, a long sleeve and a light shell that is wind resistant and moisture wicking. 

If you are looking to just take the out and back we suggest Lower Lost Man.  This out and back provides a fairly mellow single track trail with minimal elevation gain. It also includes the Lost Man Reservoir as well as one of the diversion canals that routes water from the West side of the Continental Divide to the East side via the Grizzly Reservoir.

For more information on Lost Man Trail click here



Rio Grande Trail

This is the ultimate walking, running and biking trail. Mostly paved, this trail is dog friendly. Make sure to bring a leash as your dog can be on our off. This trail hugs the Roaring Fork River and provides breathtaking views, as well as calming sounds (from the water). Head towards woody creek and take the trail all the way to the Woody Creek Tavern for a bite to eat. 

For more information on Rio Grande Trail click here


Smuggler Mountain

This is the go-to for locals and visitors alike. This is in “Aspen’s backyard” so to speak. Easily accessible from the East and West sides of town, this hike is moderately challenging, dog friendly and a great way to start the day. Insider tip: take a seat at the lookout and take in the incredible view of Aspen mountain. 


For more information on Smuggler Mountain click here


Sunnyside trail (Out and back to the radio tower)

Sunnyside Trail loop in either direction––to or from Rio Grande Trail / Stein Park to Hunter Creek––offers a steep up  and down off the Stein Park start, then has a traverse through Aspen and Pine forests. This is a beautiful trail that is sure to challenge even the most fit of people. We strongly suggest you wear a hat, sunglasses, SPF and bring a waterpack; as well as snacks. This is dog friendly so feel free to bring your buddy! 

For more information on Sunnyside Trail click here


Tiehack Trail

A difficult, yet short, 1.5 mile hike up Buttermilk Mountain. Feel free to bring your dog/dogs as this is dog friendly and you may like the companionship as you hike this difficult trail. What to bring: water bottle, light snack, hat, sunglasses and your earbuds. 

For more information on Tiehack Trail click here



Weller Lake Trail

This is an easy mild hike just over 1 mile round trip. It is dog friendly and a great place to paddle board (should you feel like hiking up with it). The beauty in this hike is the enchanted forestlike feel. Bring some water and a snack, so you can sit and enjoy the lake view for a while. 

For more information on Weller Lake Trail click here


Woody Creek Trail

The Woody Creek Trail is just over 9.7 miles and leads to Lenedo, CO. Mostly flat, this mild path is ideal for walking, running or biking. There are sweeping views of ranch pastures, red rock hills and the Roaring Fork river. This is a more calm and quiet path, so for those looking for a tranquil time this is your spot. What to bring: a water bottle, hat, sunglasses and your earbuds. 

For more information on Woody Creek Trail click here