aspen center for environmental studies

Patricia2004

I really enjoyed this walk. The guide gave us a lot of really interesting information, particularly on identifying animal tracks and fir vs spruce trees. The views were stunning too.I have isited the Centre in past years and enjoyed that too.

DebbieHeathers

I signed up the family for a 4 hour snowshoe tour to Ashcroft Ghost Town after quizzing my daughter and her girlfriend on which snowshoe tour they wanted to go on. The other options were Snowmass and Aspen Mt. A ghost town and lunch at the famous Pinecreek Cookhouse made it an easy decision. The "hike" was amazing and Phoebe our chucked-filled-with-information guide was the best. I thought the tour and lunch combo was a great idea and brought us all together as a family! ACES did a great job with this tour. And sunshine and a wonderful lunch didn't hurt.

ValerieHilltop

If you have a few hours, visit the ACES area. There is a self-guided walk around the property with birds to see, including a Golden Eagle which has been there for 30 years. The staff are really interesting and helpful if you have questions

Geewhizpat

I love walking the streets of Aspen...such great treats in terms of food, stores and what not....but it can be crowded with people and cars....this little preserve on the edge of town is in walking distance of most of the major hotels...it is simply magical with creeks, lakes and wildlife...a real place for renewal....don't miss it...

582kimberlym

Went to ACES last week with a group of friends in town for a conference. What a wonderful way to take a break from the "grueling" schedule of panels and activities! The trails are fun and calm vibe of the place just what you need to remember to pay attention to the beauty in nature. ESPECIALLY in Aspen!

813lyndseyh

Great welcoming crew always at the door. They always offer a backpack to borrow while you tour the grounds. A few books to guide you through, keeping a 2 and 4 year old's attention no problem!

JamesS261

There are several spots around the ski mountains where you can walk up and someone from the ACES will be there to take you on a "guided tour" of some trails that lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, and is easy to navigate with sneakers and a bottle of water. Worth the time for a different view of the mountains, the flora and fauna, and no crowds.

MarylandLaw

We went on four ACES hikes: Snowmass nature trail, Ice Age talk, top of Aspen, and Maroon Bells. All of the tours were good, but the first (with Matt; Emily and Elliott were our other guides) was the best. Matt's love for his job is palpable. He made everything fun, informative and exciting. We recommend these tours (they are free and educational, and depending on the hike, offer breathtaking views). We recommend tours led by Matt highly.

Colorado425

I took their sunset beaver hike and greatly enjoyed the experience! The tour began with an informative session about beavers, in which the kids in attendance got to dress up as beavers. It was adorable! Then, we took a short hike around Hallam Lake and spotted a beaver carrying a branch to construct his dam! It was great! There are also trails for hiking on your own and additional tours.

KandKWood

Love to visit with my grandchildren ages 6 and 8... It's a unique opportunity to learn about the natural habitat of local birds and wildlife.. Be sure to bring your camera... Best shoes are light hikers... But anything will do.Indoors there's a stuffed mountain lion - and lots of learning stations with snakes etc... outdoors there's an eagle and owl.... Ducks, trout, beavers...Also a small gift shop....There is a fee for some of the special classes but not to just wander there....I'd suggest a small donation.

krfaller

This was a nice surprise and it's free plus very user friendly. Nice short hike around nature ponds but highlight as the golden eagle and great horned owls.

alo390

ACES is just north of downtown Aspen so if you are staying in the city it's best to walk there as parking is limited. It's a great place for kids as there is a golden eagle and great horned owl to view as well as nice walking paths around the small lake on the property. While admission is free, make a donation so the center can continue its education efforts.

rsmin

Since I gave up downhill skiing a few decades ago, I look for hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities whenever I'm on a winter vacation. ACES offers snowshoeing opportunities on Aspen Mountain, at Snowmass, and in Ashcroft. All of these were headed by brilliant, thoughtful, passionate about the environment, energetic guides. They took me into areas that I never would have wandered had I done this alone. Because being immersed in the beauty of the mountains was the main focus of the event, the walk varied from being moderately strenuous to easy. A nice balance was maintained all along the various routes. The Ashcroft route took us to a lovely restaurant, the Pine Creek Cookhouse, where we enjoyed a lovely lunch in a beautiful setting. While skiing offers the thrill of the ride, these events offer a much more soulful experience. A much different kind of adventure.

Sc0ttMelB

We have been coming to Aspen for 4 years and this was our first visit to ACES, and I wish we had found it earlier. We have 2 children aged 6 and 8, and we are always looking for affordable activities on our days away from skiing. ACES is free, although I encourage you to leave a donation, and is such a valuable experience. The staff are friendly and willing to answer any questions you have. As visitors from Australia it was great for our children to see animals up close that we don't have at home e.g. bears, beavers & mountain lions (not living of course!) Hallam Lake is amazing and we loved walking the trails with our binoculars and seeing what other wildlife we could find, plus our photo's from this experience are just beautiful. Thanks ACES and all the staff for providing a free, educational experience that the whole family enjoyed. Hope to see you next year!

Travelsmartchoice

This is a must, be sure to dress warm and wear boots, Your camera will capture beauty at 13,000 ft and your guide is very informed, You will be pleased with this outing .